Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy outcome treated with stage-by-stage acupuncture and moxibustion therapy based on the chong channel being sea of blood theory in repeated IVF-ET failure patients

Abstract Introduction: Acupuncture and moxibustion has become a commonly used adjuvant treatment method to improve the success rate of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). However, There is still insufficient evidence that acupuncture treatment can improve the local microenvironment of endometrium, the endometrial receptivity, and the pregnancy outcome of patients, which is worthy of further study. Method/Design: To investigate the effect of Stage by Stage Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy on endometrial receptivity and Pregnancy Outcome based on the theory of “Chong channel being sea of blood,” we will conduct a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria are as follows: infertile women under 45 years of age who received IVF-ET or Intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. The study will only be applied to women who have failed repeated implantation, that is, women who have failed 3 or more embryo transplants in the past (existing frozen embryos do not require the retrieval of eggs). Those who are not prepared to receive IVF-ET or are at risk of pregnancy, have a serious medical condition, or are egg donors will be excluded. Subjects will be randomly assigned to either the acupuncture group (IVF-ET plus stage-by-stage acupuncture and moxibustion therapy based on the “Chong channel being sea of blood” theory) or the control group (IVF-ET only). The trial required a total sample size of 246 women to compare endometrial receptivity between the 2 groups. The acupuncture group will receive acupuncture and moxibustion treatment 3 times a week starting from the third day of menstruation in the ovary stimulation cycle. One menstrual cycle was one course of treatment, and a total of 3 menstrual cycles were treated. The main outcome indicator was clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary outcome indicators were the three-dimensional volume blood flow parameters (vascularization index, flow index, and vascularization flow index) of the endometrium, endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, uterine artery PI, RI, and S/D during the “implantation window period” (20–24 days after menstruation in the ovary stimulation cycle). Discussion: This study will provide important evidence for the use of Stage by Stage Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy Based on the “Chong Channel Being Sea of Blood” Theory in IVF. Trial registration: http://www.chictr. org.cn/edit.aspx? pid=28811&htm=4 ID: ChiCTR1800017191 (07/17/2018).
Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Comorbid Cognitive and Physical Impairments in World Trade Center Responders

Abstract Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to increased prevalence and incidence of cognitive and physical impairment. When comorbid, these conditions may be associated with poor long‐term outcomes. We examined associations between chronic PTSD and symptom domains with cognitive and physical functioning in World Trade Center (WTC) responders nearly 20 years after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Participants included a cross‐sectional sample of 4,815 responders who attended a monitoring program in 2015–2018. Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores less than 23 indicated cognitive impairment (CogI); Short Physical Performance Battery scores 9 or lower on a hand‐grip test indicated physical impairment (PhysI). Comorbid cognitive/physical impairment (Cog/PhysI) was defined as having cognitive impairment with at least one objective PhysI indicator. Clinical chart review provided PTSD diagnoses; symptom domains were assessed using the PTSD Checklist. Participants were on average 53.05 years (SD = 8.01); 13.44% had PTSD, 7.8% had CogI, 24.8% had PhysI, and 5.92% had comorbid Cog/PhysI. Multivariable‐adjusted multinomial logistic regression demonstrated that Responders with PTSD have more than three times the risk of Cog/PhysI (adjusted RR = 3.29, 95% CI 2.44‐ 4.44). Domain‐specific analyses revealed that emotional numbing symptoms predicted an increased risk of PhysI (adjusted RR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.08‐2.28), whereas reexperiencing symptoms were associated with comorbid Cog/PhysI (adjusted RR = 3.96, 95% CI, 2.33‐6.74). These results suggest that responders with chronic PTSD may have increased risk of deficits beyond age‐expected impairment characterized by the emergence of comorbid Cog/PhysI at midlife.
Altered phosphatidylinositol regulation of mutant inwardly rectifying K+ Kir7.1 channels associated with inherited retinal degeneration disease

Kir7.1 K+ channel expressed in retinal pigment epithelium is mutated in inherited retinal degeneration diseases. We study Kir7.1 in heterologous expression to test the hypothesis that pathological R162 mutation to neutral amino acids results in loss of a crucial site that binds PI(4,5)P2. Although R162W mutation inactivates Kir7.1, changes to smaller volume (e.g. Gln) amino acids are tolerated or even enhance function (Ala or Cys). Chemical modification of Kir7.1‐R162C confirms that large residues of the size of Trp are incompatible with normal channel function even if positively charged. In addition to R162, K164 (and possibly K159) forms a binding site for the phosphoinositide and is essential for channel activity. R162 substitution with a large, neutral side chain like Trp exerts a dominant negative effect on Kir7.1 activity such that less than one fifth of the full activity is expected in a cell expressing the same amount of mutant and wild‐type channels.
Immobilisation of metathesis catalysts on mesoporous materials for the conversion of bio sourced fatty compounds

Alors que les ressources fossiles decroissent, le concept de bio-raffinerie est une approche tres attrayante pour la production de produits chimiques a partir de ressources renouvelables. Dans ce contexte, les derives d’acides gras insatures, obtenus par hydrolyse de triglycerides issus de vegetaux, sont une categorie importante de substrats. Leur conversion en composes a haute valeur ajoutee est un objectif majeur qui peut etre atteint grâce a la catalyse, et plus particulierement grâce a la metathese des alcenes. De plus, dans un esprit de meilleure separation entre produits et catalyseurs, et pour des questions de recyclage, l’emploi de catalyseurs heterogenes est de grand interet. L’heterogeneisation de catalyseurs commerciaux a base de ruthenium a ete entreprise. Les materiaux hybrides ont ete prepares en deux etapes: apres une cationisation a l’aide de sels d’argent, les especes organometalliques ont ete immobilisees par echange ionique dans les aluminosilicates mesoporeuses de type MCM-41. Ces nouveaux catalyseurs ont ete caracterises par RMN du solide, IR, DRX, BET, analyse elementaire et ATG. Ils ont ete employes avec succes dans differentes reactions de metathese impliquant le substrat-type, l’oleate de methyle. Les reactions etudiees sont l’homometathese, l’ethenolyse et la metathese croisee avec des olefines fonctionnalisees issues des acides acrylique et crotonique. Bien que le recyclage n’ait pas ete couronne de succes, les catalyseurs supportes permettent de realiser toutes ces reactions, ce qui represente dans certains cas le premier exemple de telles transformations par catalyse heterogene avec des activites et selectivites elevees.
Detection Rate of 68Ga-PSMA Ligand PET/CT in Patients with Recurrent Prostate Cancer and Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand PET/CT enables the localization of tumor lesions in patients with recurrent prostate cancer, but it is unclear whether androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) influences diagnostic accuracy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ADT on the detection rate of 68Ga-PSMA ligand PET/CT. Thus, 399 patients with initial radical prostatectomy and 68Ga-PSMA ligand PET/CT during PSA relapse were retrospectively evaluated. Propensity score matching was used to create two balanced groups of 62 subjects who either did or did not receive ADT within six months before imaging. All 68Ga-PSMA ligand PET/CT were evaluated visually and with semiquantitative measures. The detection rate of tumor recurrence was significantly higher in the group with ADT (88.7% vs. 72.6%, p = 0.02) and improved with increasing PSA-levels in both groups. In subjects with pathological PET/CT and ADT, whole-body total lesion PSMA (p < 0.01) and PSMA-derived tumor volume (p < 0.01) were significantly higher than in those without ADT. More PSMA-positive lesions and higher PSMA-derived volumetric parameters in patients with ADT suggest that a better detection rate is related to a (biologically) more advanced disease stage. Due to high detection rates in patients with PSA-levels < 2 ng/mL, the withdrawal of ADT before PSMA ligand PET/CT cannot be recommended.
Multi-Antenna Vision-and-Inertial-Aided CDGNSS for Micro Aerial Vehicle Pose Estimation

A system is presented for multi-antenna Carrier Phase Differential GNSS (CDGNSS)-based pose (position and orientation) estimation aided by monocular visual measurements and a smartphone-grade inertial sensor. The system is designed for micro aerial vehicles, but can be applied generally for low-cost, lightweight, high-accuracy, geo-referenced pose estimation. Visual and inertial measurements enable robust operation despite GNSS degradation by constraining uncertainty in the dynamics propagation, improving fixed-integer CDGNSS availability and reliability in areas with limited sky visibility. No prior work has demonstrated an increased CDGNSS integer fixing rate when incorporating visual measurements with smartphone-grade inertial sensing. A central pose estimation filter receives measurements from separate CDGNSS position and attitude estimators, visual feature measurements based on the ROVIO measurement model, and inertial measurements. The filter’s pose estimates are fed back as a prior for CDGNSS integer fixing. A performance analysis under both simulated and real-world GNSS degradation shows that visual measurements greatly increase the availability and accuracy of low-cost inertial-aided CDGNSS pose estimation.
DNA-Based Authentication and Metabolomics Analysis of Medicinal Plants Samples by DNA Barcoding and Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS)

There is growing interest for medicinal plants in the world drug market. Particularly, Matricaria recutita L. , Valeriana officinalis L. , Tilia spp. , and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze are some of the most consumed medicinal plants for treatment of minor health problems. Medicinal plants are seen as natural and safe; however, they can cause interactions and produce adverse reactions. Moreover, there is lack of consensus in medicinal plants regulation worldwide. DNA barcoding and UHPLC-MS technique are increasingly used to correctly identify medicinal plants and guarantee their quality and therapeutic safety. We analyzed 33 samples of valerian, linden, tea, and chamomile acquired in pharmacies, supermarkets, and herbal shops by DNA barcoding and UHPLC-MS. DNA barcoding, using matk as a barcode marker, revealed that CH1 sold as Camellia sinensis was Blepharocalyx tweediei, and sample TS2 sold as linden belong to Malvales. On the other hand, UHPLC-MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds (apigenin-7-glucoside, acetoxy valerenic acid, valerenic acid, epigallocatechin, and tiliroside). However, none of samples met minimum content of these active principles (except for valerenic acid in VF3) according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Real Spanish Pharmacopeia. In conclusion, this study revealed the need to incorporate DNA barcoding and HPLC-MS techniques in quality controls of medicinal plants.
POTENCIAL DE ATIVIDADE ANTIMICROBIANA in vitro DE EXTRATOS VEGETAIS DO CERRADO FRENTE ESTIRPES DE Staphylococcus aureus.

The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of in vitro antimicrobial activity of the extracts of certain endemic plants in the Brazilian Cerrado, such as Baccharis dracunculifolia, Cochlospermum regium, Croton antisyphiliticus, Eugenia dysenterica and Lippia sidoides, against strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the milk of cows with mastitis and sources of contamination involved in the epidemiology of bovine mastitis. The extracts were prepared by using aerial parts and radicular systems of the plants, using methanol, hexane and chloroform as solvents, extracted with static maceration. Techniques of disc diffusion, broth microdillution for the determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were used for the assessment of antimicrobial activity. Among the extracts with bacteriostatic activity, the hexanic extract of Baccharis dracunculifolia had a 10 mg/mL MIC against 45% of the strains, whereas the chloroformic extract of Croton antisyphiliticus, with bactericidal activity, inhibited the multiplication of 100% of the Staphylococcus aureus strains, whose MIC varied between 1.03mg/mL and 4.15 mg/mL. The study also demonstrated that the results of these plant extracts are superior to the results obtained with gentamicin, an active principle commonly used against bovine mastitis, reinforcing the importance of medicinal plants as a therapeutic resource.
Nanoparticles Coated with Cell Membranes for Biomedical Applications

Simple Summary Nanomedicine has developed a new technology based on nanoparticles for drug delivery coated with different cell membranes. Although they were originally developed to increase their blood circulation time and stability though the use of red blood cell membranes, the versatility of this technology has extended to membranes from different cell types, such as white blood cells, platelets, cancer cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and beta cells, among others. Therefore, this cellular diversity and its unique properties, together with the possibility of using a wide range of nanoparticles and different drug dosage forms, has opened a new area for the manufacture of nanoparticles, with many potential applications in the clinic. Abstract Nanoparticles designed for diagnosing and treating different diseases have impacted the scientific research in biomedicine, and are expected to revolutionize the clinic in the near future through a new area called nanomedicine. In the last few years, a new approach in this field has emerged: the use of cell membranes for coating nanoparticles in an attempt to mimic the ability of cells to interface and interact with physiological environments. Although such functions have been replicated through synthetic techniques, many research groups are now employing naturally derived cell membranes to coat different types of nanoparticles in an attempt to improve their performance for a wide range of applications. This review summarizes the literature on nanoparticles coated with cell membranes and, more importantly, aims at inspiring and encouraging new developments to this technology in the biomedical area.
Hydroxychloroquine pre-exposure prophylaxis for COVID-19 in healthcare workers

Division of Infectious Diseases and FLS Foundation for Fighting AIDS, Infectious Diseases and Promoting Health and Science, University Hospital Germans Trias, Badalona, Spain; Biostatistics Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL)/University of Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Metropolitana Nord Laboratory, Institut Català de la Salut, Badalona, Spain; Statistics and Operations Research Department, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-Barcelona Tech, Barcelona, Spain; Occupational Risk Prevention Unit, University Hospital Germans Trias, Badalona, Spain; Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Germans Trias, Badalona, Spain; Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital Germans Trias, Badalona, Spain; Intensive Care Unit Division, University Hospital Germans Trias, Badalona, Spain; Anaesthesiology Department, University Hospital Germans Trias, Badalona, Spain; Emergency Department, University Hospital Germans Trias, Badalona, Spain; Clinical Research Support Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Department, Bellvitge University Hospital/Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL)/University of Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVIC-UCC), Vic, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
Lyssaviruses in Insectivorous Bats, South Africa, 2003–2018

We detected 3 lyssaviruses in insectivorous bats sampled in South Africa during 2003–2018. We used phylogenetic analysis to identify Duvenhage lyssavirus and a potentially new lyssavirus, provisionally named Matlo bat lyssavirus, that is related to West Caucasian bat virus. These new detections highlight that much about lyssaviruses remains unknown.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk According to Regimens for Eradication of Hepatitis C Virus; Interferon or Direct Acting Antivirals

Simple Summary Owing to pegylated interferon (PegIFN)-free direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) against chronic hepatitis C virus infection, a sustained virological response (SVR) rate >95% can be attained with a satisfactory tolerability and shorter treatment duration. However, it still remains controversial whether there is any difference in prognosis depending on treatment regimens—PegIFN or DAAs. After adjusting for imbalance between patients treated with PegIFN-based vs. DAA-based regimens, the post-SVR risk of hepatocellular carcinoma development was comparable according to treatment regimens. Furthermore, the risk was also similar between patients treated with sofosbuvir-based vs. sofosbuvir-free DAA regimens. Further studies with a longer follow-up period are required. Abstract By pegylated interferon (PegIFN)-free direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a sustained virological response (SVR) rate >95% can be attained with a satisfactory tolerability and shorter treatment duration. However, it remains controversial whether there is any difference in prognosis depending on regimens—PegIFN or DAAs. We compared the probabilities of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development between patients achieving an SVR by PegIFN/ribavirin (PegIFN group, n = 603) and DAAs (DAAs group, n = 479). The DAAs group was significantly older and had a higher proportion of cirrhosis than the PegIFN group. Before adjustment, the DAAs group had a higher HCC incidence than the PegIFN group (p < 0.001). However, by multivariate analyses, the DAAs (vs. PegIFN) group was not associated with HCC risk (adjusted hazard ratio 0.968, 95% confidence interval 0.380–2.468; p = 0.946). Old age, male, higher body mass index, cirrhosis, and lower platelet count were associated with increased HCC risk (all p < 0.05). After propensity score matching (PSM), a similar HCC risk between the two groups was observed (p = 0.372). We also compared HCC incidences according to sofosbuvir (SOF)-based and SOF-free DAAs, showing a similar risk in both groups before adjustment (p = 0.478) and after PSM (p = 0.855). In conclusion, post-SVR HCC risks were comparable according to treatment regimens; PegIFN- vs. DAA-based regimens and SOF-based vs. SOF-free DAA regimens. Further studies with a longer follow-up period are required.
‘I do what a woman should do’: a grounded theory study of women’s menstrual experiences at work in Mukono District, Uganda

Menstrual health has received increasing recognition as an essential issue for public health and gender equality. A growing body of research has elucidated adolescent girls’ menstrual needs and informed policy and practice responses. However, the experiences of adult women have received little attention, particularly in the workplace where many spend a significant proportion of their lives. To address this gap, we took a grounded theory approach to generate a nuanced understanding of working women’s menstrual experiences, and the impact of menstruation on their work and health in Mukono District, Uganda. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 35 women aged 18–49. This included 21 women working in markets, 7 teachers and 7 healthcare facility workers. Frequent collaborative analysis sessions throughout data collection, coding of interview transcripts, and generation of participant, workplace, and category memos facilitated analysis. Our core category and underlying theory, ‘being a responsible woman’, underpinned women’s experiences. ‘Being responsible’ meant keeping menstruation secret, and the body clean, at all times. These gendered expectations meant that any difficulty managing menses represented a failure of womanhood, met with disgust and shame. Difficulties with menstrual pain and heavy bleeding were excepted from these expectations and perceived as requiring compassion. Commercial menstrual products were expensive for most women, and many expressed concerns about the quality of cheaper brands. Workplace infrastructure, particularly unreliable water supply and cleanliness, was problematic for many women who resorted to travelling home or to other facilities to meet their needs. Menstruation presented a burden at work, causing some women to miss work and income, and many others to endure pain, discomfort and anxiety throughout their day. Our findings can inform norm and resource-focused responses to improve experiences and should provoke critical reflection on the discourse used in menstrual health advocacy in Uganda.
Personalised management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Malaysian consensus algorithm for appropriate use of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in COPD patients.

BACKGROUND Regarding the long-term safety issues with the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and the clinical predominance of dual bronchodilators in enhancing treatment outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ICS is no longer a "preferred therapy" according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease except on top of a dual bronchodilator. This has necessitated a change in the current therapy for many COPD patients. OBJECTIVE To determine a standardised algorithm to reassess and personalise the treatment COPD patients based on the available evidence. METHODS A consensus statement was agreed upon by a panel of pulmonologists in from 11 institutes in Malaysia whose members formed this consensus group. RESULTS According to the consensus, which was unanimously adopted, all COPD patients who are currently receiving an ICS-based treatment should be reassessed based on the presence of co-existence of asthma or high eosinophil counts and frequency of moderate or severe exacerbations in the previous 12 months. When that the patients meet any of the aforementioned criteria, then the patient can continue taking ICS-based therapy. However, if the patients do not meet the criteria, then the treatment of patients need to be personalised based on whether the patient is currently receiving long-acting beta-agonists (LABA)/ICS or triple therapy. CONCLUSION A flowchart of the consensus providing a guidance to Malaysian clinicians was elucidated based on evidences and international guidelines that identifies the right patients who should receive inhaled corticosteroids and enable to switch non ICS based therapies in patients less likely to benefit from such treatments.