Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Six Shades of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Illuminated by KLF4 (Krüppel-Like Factor 4)

Multiple layers of vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) are present in blood vessels forming the media of the vessel wall. vSMCs provide a vessel wall structure, enabling it to contract and relax, thus modulating blood flow. They also play a crucial role in the development of vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysm formation. vSMCs display a remarkable high degree of plasticity. At present, the number of different vSMC phenotypes has only partially been characterized. By mapping vSMC phenotypes in detail and identifying triggers for phenotype switching, the relevance of the different phenotypes in vascular disease may be identified. Up until recently, vSMCs were classified as either contractile or dedifferentiated (ie, synthetic). However, single-cell RNA sequencing studies revealed such dedifferentiated arterial vSMCs to be highly diverse. Currently, no consensus exist about the number of vSMC phenotypes. Therefore, we reviewed the data from relevant single-cell RNA sequencing studies, and classified a total of 6 vSMC phenotypes. The central dedifferentiated vSMC type that we classified is the mesenchymal-like phenotype. Mesenchymal-like vSMCs subsequently seem to differentiate into fibroblast-like, macrophage-like, osteogenic-like, and adipocyte-like vSMCs, which contribute differentially to vascular disease. This phenotype switching between vSMCs requires the transcription factor KLF4 (Krüppel-like factor 4). Here, we performed an integrated analysis of the data about the recently identified vSMC phenotypes, their associated gene expression profiles, and previous vSMC knowledge to better understand the role of vSMC phenotype transitions in vascular pathology.
Healthcare provider knowledge, attitudes, and preferences in management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in the Mid-South

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract Objective: This study explored the clinical management practices of healthcare providers who treat menopausal women in an urban Mid-South area. The study specifically examined their knowledge of prescribing and counseling related to the care of women who present with complaints or clinical findings of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was distributed to healthcare providers involved in the care of women undergoing menopausal transition spanning a variety of medical specialties. The questionnaire was distributed to academic program directors, coordinators, and ListServ administrators to forward to targeted respondents. Items included demographic questions, clinical knowledge, management practices, and preferences. Statistical analysis for associations between demographics was performed using Chi-squared tests and between age groups with Kruskal Wallis tests. Results: The final sample contained 106 healthcare providers. Respondents were demographically diverse and encompassed multiple levels of professional training including Attendings, Trainees (Residents and Fellows), as well as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Significant differences were noted in many areas examined in our questionnaire, comprising knowledge, management, counseling, and prescribing practices surrounding the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause when accounting for training level, specialty, and years in practice. Among all respondents, 10.4% reported rarely or never discussing menopausal symptoms with their patients. Most respondents (76.4%) stated they had prescribed topical therapies for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, with over 90% of practitioners prescribing lubricants/moisturizers and estradiol cream; however, only 55% reported being familiar with the US Food and Drug Administration's boxed warning on low-dose vaginal estrogen. Nearly half of the respondents (49%) reported being uncomfortable counseling about the boxed warning on low-dose vaginal estrogen. Conclusion: This study identifies gaps in Mid-South healthcare providers’ awareness of the boxed warning on low-dose vaginal estrogen as well as their comfort level in providing counseling regarding the risks, benefits, and alternatives to vaginal estrogen. Integrated practice between physicians and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses can lead to a significant benefit to patients experiencing menopause as shared experience and knowledge are shared between each group. Our survey does reveal gaps in knowledge and practice for optimal outcomes for patients experiencing genitourinary syndrome of menopause. These results will be useful in providing continuing education to providers and more effective communication, evaluation, and treatment to patients.
Upregulation of THBS1 is Related to Immunity and Chemotherapy Resistance in Gastric Cancer

Purpose Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) is an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis, but it also promotes tumor invasion, metastasis, and immune response in the tumor environment. Previous research has found that THBS1 is highly expressed in many tumors and has a negative correlation with tumor prognosis. However, research on the relationship between THBS1 and immune infiltration in GC is less well documented, and the objective of our study was to investigate the role of THBS1 expression in GC. Patients and Methods The expression of THBS1 in GC was analyzed by Oncomine, TIMER, TGCA, GEO and IHC staining. Analysis of the signaling pathways associated with THBS1 expression in GC uses GSEA. The relationship between THBS1 expression and immune infiltration was analyzed by the ESTIMATE algorithm, single-cell transcriptome analysis, TIMER2 database and CIBERSORT algorithm. Finally, the relationship between THBS1 expression and drug sensitivity was analyzed by the CellMiner database. Results THBS1 was overexpressed in GC and was associated with poor prognosis, and high THBS1 expression was an independent risk factor. GSEA results showed that high THBS1 expression in GC was associated with tumorigenesis, adhesion, and significant immune enrichment. THBS1 expression was most strongly correlated with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), M2 macrophages and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) in GC. THBS1 expression positively correlates with most immune checkpoint members, suggesting that THBS1 may play an important role in the tumor microenvironment. THBS1 overexpression was negatively correlated with some drug sensitivities, such as Oxaliplatin. Conclusion Upregulation of THBS1 was positively correlated with poor prognosis and immunosuppression in GC and negatively correlated with anticancer drug sensitivity, suggesting that THBS1 may serve as a potential target for the treatment of GC.
The Ontario Pharmacy Evidence Network Atlas of Community Pharmacy Influenza Immunizations

Introduction Influenza is an important public health concern, especially among vulnerable populations such as young children, seniors, individuals with chronic medical conditions and immunocompromised patients. It is estimated that influenza infection leads to 12,200 hospitalizations and 3500 deaths annually in Canada. Fortunately, vaccination can prevent influenza infection and the spread of the virus. A vaccine is developed annually for each influenza season based on the circulating viral strains expected to be dominant during the season. It can take up to 2 weeks after administration before an influenza immunization is effective in providing protection against influenza, and thus early immunization each influenza season is important. Publicly funded community pharmacy influenza programs exist in all Canadian provinces and 1 territory (Table 1). Alberta and British Columbia were the first to support publicly funded community pharmacy influenza immunization programs, offering the service since the 2009/2010 influenza season. At the other extreme, Quebec and the Yukon offered the service for the first time this 2020/2021 influenza season, and no service exists in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut. The purpose of this research brief is to introduce the Ontario Pharmacy Evidence Network (OPEN) Atlas of Community Pharmacy Influenza Immunizations tool and describe the uptake of influenza immunization services in Ontario over time. Our case example may help support pharmacy influenza immunization service planning and similar immunization planning for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Influence of national culture and environmental awareness on the demand for domestic camping tourism – a cross-country analysis among European countries

Natural resources are major resources for tourism. Nature-based tourism is one of the tourism forms with an increasing appeal. Camping tourism is an important part of nature-based tourism and it plays a significant role in domestic tourism, representing approximately 10% of total tourist nights in the EU, though countries differ to a great extent. The decision to choose a camping holiday depends on the tourists’ preferences and values. The aim of the paper is to identify the extent to which national cultural traits and environmental consciousness influence the domestic demand for camping holidays. The paper demonstrates by way of multiple regression analysis of 25 EU countries in 7 years (2012 – 2018) that this decision is correlated to Hofstede’s 6 national cultural dimensions and national income levels, while the environmental awareness of the population does not have any significant influence on it.
Effect of Reward, Work Environment, and Motivation towards Performance of the Millennial Generation in the Central Bureau of Statistics of East Kalimantan Province

Article Info Abstract A success of a work organization is strongly influenced by employee performance. To achieve this success requires a strong foundation from its employee, including the motivation that can be supported from the organization's work environment and rewards. For the Central Bureau of Statistics (Badan Pusat Statistik/BPS) in East Kalimantan Province, this is a challenge to achieve higher work performance and compete with other districts/cities in Indonesia.From the following studies rewards, work environment and motivation influence the performance of the employee. This study aims to analyze the influence of the rewards and work environment and the effect of motivation on performance on the millennial generation within the BPS of East Kalimantan Province. The population in this study were all employees of the BPS of East Kalimantan Province. The data was collected using an electronic questionnaire to the respondents. Findings. The result of the study conclude that reward and work environment have a positively significant influence on motivation. Motivation also has a significant influence on the performance. This research work will help the BPS in East Kalimantan Province accordingly frame their strategies for decision-making to improve the employee's performance.
Comparison of Culture, Antigen Test, and Polymerase Chain Reaction for Pneumococcal Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Children

Abstract Background Sensitivity of culture for the detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae is limited by prior antibiotic exposure. Immunochromatographic test (ICT) is highly sensitive and specific for pneumococcal antigen detection in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of meningitis cases. We determined the specificity and sensitivity of culture, ICT, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the effect of antibiotic exposure on their performance. Methods CSF specimens from suspected meningitis cases admitted to Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Bangladesh, were tested using culture, ICT and PCR. Additionally, 165 specimens collected from 69 pneumococcal cases after antibiotic treatment were tested. Results Of 1883 specimens tested, culture detected 9, quantitative PCR (qPCR) detected 184, and ICT detected 207 pneumococcal cases (including all culture and qPCR positives). In comparison to ICT, sensitivity of culture was 4.4% and of qPCR was 90.6%; both were 100% specific. After antibiotic exposure, culture sensitivity plummeted rapidly; conventional PCR and qPCR sensitivity disappeared after day 6 and 20, respectively. ICT detected pneumococcal antigen for >10 weeks. Conclusions While culture provides the most information about bacterial characteristics, in high antibiotic exposure settings, ICT exhibits maximum sensitivity. We recommend culture and ICT as mainstay for pneumococcal diagnosis and surveillance; qPCR can generate additional molecular data where possible.
Prognostic Value of Preoperative Albumin-to-Fibrinogen Ratio in Patients with Bladder Cancer

Background: Both nutritional status and coagulation function are closely associated with prognosis in patients with bladder cancer (BC). This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio (AFR) for BC patients underwent radical cystectomy (RC) or transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), and develop predictive nomograms based on AFR. Methods: We retrospectively collected medical records of 358 BC patients who underwent RC or TURBT between January 2012 and December 2018. The whole cohort was divided into the training (215 patients, 60.06%) and validation cohorts (143 patients, 39.94%) based on surgery dates. The training cohort was applied to select characteristics and construct nomograms, while the validation cohort was used to verify the nomograms independently. Endpoints of the current study included overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Prognostic values of AFR and other characteristics were evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and compared using the concordance-index (C-index). Nomograms for OS, DSS and DFS were constructed based on both-directional stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the C-index and calibration plot. Results: In whole cohort, 86 patients (24.02%) were classified into low AFR group and had worse OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.079, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.085-7.982, P < 0.001), DSS (HR: 3.012, 95% CI: 1.302-6.966, P = 0.010) and DFS (HR: 1.863, 95% CI: 1.204-2.883, P = 0.005) compared to BC patients in high AFR group. Meanwhile, the AFR processed better prognostic power than albumin and fibrinogen, individually. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that AFR was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR: 2.601, 95% CI: 1.057-6.395, P = 0.037) and DFS (HR: 1.971, 95% CI: 1.049-3.703, P = 0.035). Novel nomograms, incorporating AFR, tumor grade and tumor multifocality, were constructed and successfully validated for predictions of OS, DSS and DFS in BC. Conclusions: Preoperative AFR was identified as an independent prognostic predictor for OS and DFS of BC patients underwent surgery. The nomograms incorporating AFR provided accurate predictions for OS, DSS and DFS, which could help urologists in better clinical decision-making.
ONBOARD/ON-GROUND IMAGE PROCESSING CHAIN FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION EARTH OBSERVATION SATELLITES

Over the last decade, the French space agency (CNES) has designed and successfully operated high-resolution satellites such as Pléiades. High-resolution satellites typically acquire panchromatic images with fine spatial resolutions and multispectral images with coarser samplings for downlink constraints. The multispectral image is reconstructed on the ground, using pan-sharpening techniques. Onboard compression and ground processing affect however the quality of the final product. In this paper, we describe our next-generation onboard/on-ground image processing chain for high-resolution satellites. This paper focuses on onboard compression, compression artefacts correction, denoising, deconvolution and pan-sharpening. In the first part, we detail our fixedquality compression approach, which limits compression effects to a fraction of the noise, thus preserving the useful information in an image. This approach optimises the bitrate at the cost of image size, which depends on the scene complexity. This technique requires however preand post-processing steps. The noisy HR images obtained after decompression are suited for non-local denoising algorithms. We show in the second part of this paper that non-local denoising outperforms previous techniques by 15% in terms of root mean-squared error when tested on simulated noiseless references. Deconvolution is also detailed. In the final part of this paper, we put forward an adaptation of this chain to low-cost CMOS Bayer colour matrices. We demonstrate that the concept of our image chain remains valid, provided slight modifications (in particular dedicated transformations of the colour planes and demosaicing). A similar chain is under investigation for future missions.
Engineering a Smart Agent for Enhanced Immunotherapy Effect by Simultaneously Blocking PD‐L1 and CTLA‐4

Combinations of immune checkpoint therapies show encouraging results in the treatment of many human cancers. However, the higher costs and greater side effects of such combinations compared with single‐agent immunotherapies limit their further applications. In this work, a novel smart agent, KN046@19F‐ZIF‐8, is developed to overcome these limitations. KN046 is a novel recombinant humanized PD‐L1/CTLA‐4 bispecific single‐domain antibody‐Fc fusion protein, which can bind to both PD‐L1 and CTLA‐4 effectively. ZIF‐8 is a smart delivery system, which can safely and effectively deliver KN406 to a tumor. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the smart agent KN046@19F‐ZIF‐8 not only improves the immune response rate of the antibody drug in treatment of tumors but also reduces its toxic side effects, thereby achieving excellent antitumor efficacy. This study provides an engineering strategy for clinical applications of a more effective immunotherapy.
Muscle Activity Before and After Subacromial Injection.

CONTEXT Shoulder muscle activation in patients with subacromial impingement is highly cited and variable in the literature. Differences between studies could be due to artifacts introduced by normalization practices in the presence of pain. Ultimately, this lack of knowledge pertaining to pathogenesis limits the clinical treatment and restoration of muscular function. DESIGN A total of 21 patients with stage 2 subacromial impingement and 21 matched controls were recruited for EMG testing of their affected shoulder during an arm elevation task. The patients were tested before and after receiving an injection to their subacromial bursa. METHODS The EMG from 7 shoulder muscles were measured before and after treatment during humeral motion in the scapular plane. RESULTS Our findings indicate an increase in anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, and upper trapezius activity following the injection; further, this trend extended to the controls. The control subjects had a greater activation of the latissimus dorsi at peak arm elevation when compared with the patient group postinjection. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that a reduction in subacromial pain is associated with changes in shoulder muscle recruitment, primarily of the deltoid. This change in deltoid activity may lend evidence to rotator cuff function in patients without rotator cuff tears.
Antioxidant Mechanisms of the Oligopeptides (FWKVV and FMPLH) from Muscle Hydrolysate of Miiuy Croaker against Oxidative Damage of HUVECs

In this work, the antioxidant mechanisms of bioactive oligopeptides (FWKVV and FMPLH) from protein hydrolysate of miiuy croaker muscle against H2O2-damaged human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were researched systemically. The finding demonstrated that the HUVEC viability treated with ten antioxidant peptides (M1 to M10) at 100.0 μM for 24 h was not significantly affected compared with that of the normal group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, FWKVV and FMPLH at 100.0 μM could very significantly enhance the viabilities (75.89 ± 1.79% and 70.03 ± 4.37%) of oxidative-damaged HUVECs by H2O2 compared with those of the model group (51.66 ± 2.48%) (P < 0.001). The results indicated that FWKVV and FMPLH played their protective functions through increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) in oxidative-damaged HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the comet assay revealed that FWKVV and FMPLH could dose-dependently protect deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from oxidative damage in the HUVEC model. These results suggested that antioxidant pentapeptides (FWKVV and FMPLH) could serve as potential antioxidant additives applied in the food products, pharmaceuticals, and health supplements.
Nanoparticules organiques fluorescentes à base de lipides : intégrité et relargage de principes actifs in vitro et in vivo

Pour une application optimale des nanovecteurs comme systeme de delivrance de medicaments, il est necessaire de caracteriser pleinement leur integrite, et leurs proprietes d’encapsulation et de liberation de leur contenue. Mon projet de doctorat consiste a developper des methodes basees sur la fluorescence pour caracteriser l'integrite de ces nanovecteurs lipidiques et la liberation des molecules actives in vitro et in vivo. Premierement, en utilisant le FRET entre deux fluorochromes infrarouges specialement concus, l'integrite des nanovecteurs lipidiques dans le sang et la tumeur cible a ete evaluee et quantifiee par imagerie ratiometrique dans le proche infrarouge chez les souris vivantes. Deuxiemement, nous avons developpe un test rapide et simple base sur la FCS pour la quantification in situ de la liberation du contenu des differents nanovecteurs. Troisiemement, en utilisant le blanchiment du Nil Rouge par le dithionite de sodium, nous avons etabli une approche originale pour etudier l'etat physique des nanovecteurs et le niveau d'encapsulation des fluorochromes. En conclusion, nous avons montre que les nanovecteurs lipidiques encapsulant des fluorochromes apparaissent comme un outil prospectif pour la liberation controlee par la lumiere de molecules actives in vitro et in vivo.
Fibrinogen-to-Albumin Ratio is Associated with All-Cause Mortality in Cancer Patients

Background Past studies have identified fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) as a novel prognostic immune biomarker in various diseases. Here, we investigated the prognostic value of FAR in all combined cancer mortality. Methods We extracted patient data from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care Database III. FAR was measured prior to hospital admission. Only first admission data from each patient were used. Baseline data were extracted within 24 h after admission. The clinical endpoints were 90- and 365-day all-cause cancer mortality. Cox proportional hazards models and subgroup analyses were used to determine the relationship between FAR and these clinical endpoints. Results A total of 652 eligible patients were enrolled. Upon adjusting for age and gender, multivariate analysis revealed correlation between higher FAR values and increased risk of all-cause mortality. After adjusting for more confounding factors, higher FAR values significantly correlated with 90- and 365-day all-cause mortality relative to low FAR values (tertile 3 vs tertile 1: HR, 95% CI: 1.65, 1.15–2.39; 1.52, 1.10–2.10). Conclusion Our findings indicate that FAR may predict the risk of cancer mortality and is an independent prognostic indicator of all-cause mortality in cancer patients.
Analysis of shape uses local apparent position rather than physical position

Objects are often identified by the shapes of their boundaries. Here, by measuring threshold amplitudes for detection of sinusoidal modulation of local position, orientation and centrifugal speed in a closed path of Gabor patches, we show that the positions of such boundaries are misperceived to accommodate local illusions of orientation context and motion induced positional bias. These two types of illusion are shown to occur independently, but the misperception of position is additive. We conclude that, in the analysis of shape, the visual system uses the apparent rather than the veridical boundary conformation.