Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties of the Grit-S in Chinese Nurses

Grit, as a positive psychological trait, could affect the stability of nursing workforce and nurses’ physical and mental health continuously. The Short Grit Scale (Grit-S) with fewer items than the original Grit Scale was widely used to measure individual trait-level grit. However, the psychological properties of Grit-S among Chinese nurses have not been verified. A self-designed sociodemographic questionnaire was used to investigate 709 Chinese nurses in the study, and Grit-S, Big Five Inventory-44, Brief Self-Control Scale, 10-item Connor-Davidson resilience scale, and Task Performance Scale were adopted to collect information of grit, personality, self-control, resilience, and work performance. The confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, hierarchical regression analysis, and multi-group confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to verify the psychometric properties of the Grit-S. The results demonstrated that the Grit-S had sound validity and reliability among Chinese nurse samples and had good measurement invariance across nurses in general hospitals and psychiatric hospitals. The results of this study provide confidence in using the grit measurement among Chinese nurse in the future.
Integrin-β6 Serves as a Potential Prognostic Serum Biomarker for Gastric Cancer

Discovering novel biomarkers that easily accessed is a key step towards the personalized medicine approach for gastric cancer patients. Integrin-β6 (ITGB6) is a subtype of integrin that is exclusively expressed on the surface of epithelial cells and is up-regulated in various tumors. In the present study, a retrospective cohort with 135 gastric cancer patients and a prospective cohort with 34 gastric cancer patients were constructed, ITGB6 expression were detected in both the serum specimens and the tissue specimens. Detailed clinicopathological parameters as well as patients’ survival were recorded. A nomogram including ITGB6 expression was also constructed and validated to predict the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Results showed that serum ITGB6 expression was obviously increased and associated with tumor stage in gastric cancer patients, serum ITGB6 expression was relatively high in patients with liver metastasis. High ITGB6 expression indicated a poor prognosis, and nomogram including serum ITGB6 expression could predict the prognosis of gastric cancer patients effectively. Moreover, serum ITGB6 expression was associated with ITGB6 expression in tumor tissues. Furthermore, combined serum ITGB6 and CEA levels contributed to the risk stratification and prognostic prediction for gastric cancer patients. In addition, the serum expression of ITGB6 decreased significantly after radical surgery, and a new rise in serum ITGB6 expression indicated tumor recurrence or progression. The present study identified a novel serum biomarker for the risk stratification, prognostic prediction and surveillance of gastric cancer patients.
Dietary-Induced Elevations of Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins Promote Atherosclerosis in the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Knockout Syrian Golden Hamster

Elevated triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, it is very important to understand the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) and their atherogenic role in animal models. Using low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR−/−) Syrian golden hamsters, this study showed that unlike LDLR−/− mice, when LDLR−/− hamsters were fed a high cholesterol high-fat diet (HFD), they had very high plasma levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. We found that LDLR−/− hamsters exhibited increased serum TRLs and the ApoB100 and 48 in these particles after being fed with HFD. Treatment with ezetimibe for 2 weeks decreased these large particles but not the LDL. In addition, ezetimibe simultaneously reduced ApoB48 and ApoE in plasma and TRLs. The expression of LRP1 did not change in the liver. These findings suggested that the significantly reduced large particles were mainly chylomicron remnants, and further, the remnants were mainly cleared by the LDL receptor in hamsters. After 40 days on an HFD, LDLR−/− hamsters had accelerated aortic atherosclerosis, accompanied by severe fatty liver, and ezetimibe treatment reduced the consequences of hyperlipidemia. Compared with the serum from LDLR−/− hamsters, that from ezetimibe-treated LDLR−/− hamsters decreased the expression of vascular adhesion factors in vascular endothelial cells and lipid uptake by macrophages. Our results suggested that in the LDLR−/− hamster model, intestinally-derived lipoprotein remnants are highly atherogenic and the inflammatory response of the endothelium and foam cells from macrophages triggered atherosclerosis. The LDL receptor might be very important for chylomicrons remnant clearance in the Syrian golden hamster, and this may not be compensated by another pathway. We suggest that the LDLR−/− hamster is a good model for the study of TRLs-related diseases as it mimics more complex hyperlipidemia.
Irx3 and Irx5 - Novel Regulatory Factors of Postnatal Hypothalamic Neurogenesis

The hypothalamus is a brain region that exhibits highly conserved anatomy across vertebrate species and functions as a central regulatory hub for many physiological processes such as energy homeostasis and circadian rhythm. Neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus are largely responsible for sensing of peripheral signals such as leptin and insulin, and are critical for the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. While these neurons are mainly born during embryogenesis, accumulating evidence have demonstrated that neurogenesis also occurs in postnatal-adult mouse hypothalamus, particularly in the first two postnatal weeks. This second wave of active neurogenesis contributes to the remodeling of hypothalamic neuronal populations and regulation of energy homeostasis including hypothalamic leptin sensing. Radial glia cell types, such as tanycytes, are known to act as neuronal progenitors in the postnatal mouse hypothalamus. Our recent study unveiled a previously unreported radial glia-like neural stem cell (RGL-NSC) population that actively contributes to neurogenesis in the postnatal mouse hypothalamus. We also identified Irx3 and Irx5, which encode Iroquois homeodomain-containing transcription factors, as genetic determinants regulating the neurogenic property of these RGL-NSCs. These findings are significant as IRX3 and IRX5 have been implicated in FTO-associated obesity in humans, illustrating the importance of postnatal hypothalamic neurogenesis in energy homeostasis and obesity. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding postnatal-adult hypothalamic neurogenesis and highlight recent findings on the radial glia-like cells that contribute to the remodeling of postnatal mouse hypothalamus. We will discuss characteristics of the RGL-NSCs and potential actions of Irx3 and Irx5 in the regulation of neural stem cells in the postnatal-adult mouse brain. Understanding the behavior and regulation of neural stem cells in the postnatal-adult hypothalamus will provide novel mechanistic insights in the control of hypothalamic remodeling and energy homeostasis.
Preparation of Monodisperse Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)/Polystyrene Composite Particles by Seeded Emulsion Polymerization Using a Sequential Flow Process

We develop a sequential flow process for the production of monodisperse poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/polystyrene (PS) composite particles through a soap-free emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) using the first water-in-oil (W/O) slug flow and a subsequent seeded emulsion polymerization of styrene (St) using the second W/O slug flow. In this process, monodisperse PMMA seed particles are first formed in the dispersed aqueous phase of the first W/O slug flow. Subsequently, removal of the oil phase from the slug flow is achieved through a porous hydrophobic tubing, resulting in a single flow of the aqueous phase containing the seed particles. The aqueous phase is then mixed with an oil phase containing St monomer to form the second W/O slug flow. Finally, monodisperse PMMA/PS composite particles are obtained by a seeded emulsion polymerization of St using the second W/O slug flow. We compared the reaction performance between the slug flow and the batch processes in terms of particle diameter, monomer conversion, particle size distribution, and the number of particles in the system. We found that internal circulation flow within the slugs can enhance mass transfer efficiency between them during polymerization, which results in monodisperse PMMA/PS composite particles with a large particle diameter and a high monomer conversion in a short reaction time, compared to those prepared using the batch process. We believe that this sequential microflow process can be a versatile strategy to continuously produce monodisperse composite particles or core-shell particles in a short reaction time.
Soil Phosphorus Exchange as Affected by Drying-Rewetting of Three Soils From a Hawaiian Climatic Gradient

Current understanding of phosphorus (P) dynamics is mostly based on experiments carried out under steady-state conditions. However, drying-rewetting is an inherent feature of soil behavior, and as such also impacts P cycling. While several studies have looked at net changes in P pool sizes with drying-rewetting, few studies have dynamically tracked P exchange using isotopes, which would give insights on P mean residence times in a given pool, and thus P availability. Here, we subjected three soils from a climatic gradient on the Kohala peninsula from Hawaii to 5-month drying-rewetting treatments. The hypotheses were that physico-chemical and biotic processes would be differently affected by repeated drying-rewetting cycles, and that response would depend on climatic history of the soils. Soils were labeled with 33P and 18O enriched water. At select time intervals, we carried out a sequential extraction and measured P concentration, 33P recovery (only first 3 months), and incorporation of 18O from water into phosphate. This allowed tracing P dynamics in sequentially extracted pools as well as O dynamics in phosphate, which are driven by biological processes. Results showed that P concentration and 33P recovery were predominantly driven by soil type. However, across all soils we observed faster dilution of 33P from resin-P into less mobile inorganic pools under drying-rewetting. On the other hand, O dynamics in phosphate were mostly governed by drying-rewetting treatment. Under drying-rewetting, considerably less O was incorporated from water into phosphate of resin-P, microbial-P and HCl-P, suggesting that drying-rewetting reduced biological P cycling. Hence, our results suggest that repeated drying-rewetting increases inorganic P exchange while reducing biological P cycling due to reduced microbial activity, independent of climatic history of the soils. This needs to be considered in P management in ecosystems as well as model representations of the terrestrial P cycle.
Rodent Area Prostriata Converges Multimodal Hierarchical Inputs and Projects to the Structures Important for Visuomotor Behaviors

Area prostriata is a limbic structure critical to fast processing of moving stimuli in far peripheral visual field. Neural substrates underlying this function remain to be discovered. Using both retrograde and anterograde tracing methods, the present study reveals that the prostriata in rat and mouse receives inputs from multimodal hierarchical cortical areas such as primary, secondary, and association visual and auditory cortices and subcortical regions such as the anterior and midline thalamic nuclei and claustrum. Surprisingly, the prostriata also receives strong afferents directly from the rostral part of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. This shortcut pathway probably serves as one of the shortest circuits for fast processing of the peripheral vision and unconscious blindsight since it bypasses the primary visual cortex. The outputs of the prostriata mainly target the presubiculum (including postsubiculum), pulvinar, ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, lateral dorsal thalamic nucleus, and zona incerta as well as the pontine and pretectal nuclei, most of which are heavily involved in subcortical visuomotor functions. Taken together, these results suggest that the prostriata is poised to quickly receive and analyze peripheral visual and other related information and timely initiates and modulates adaptive visuomotor behaviors, particularly in response to unexpected quickly looming threats.
Diabetes Mellitus as a Risk Factor for Trigger Finger –a Longitudinal Cohort Study Over More Than 20 Years

Background and Aim Trigger finger (TF) or stenosing tenosynovitis has been associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), although today’s knowledge is mostly based on cross-sectional and case-control studies. Thus, the aim of the present population-based cohort study over more than 20 years was to investigate DM as a risk factor for TF. Methods Data from Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (MDCS), including 30,446 individuals, were analysed with regards to baseline DM and known or potential confounders. Information regarding TF diagnosis until study end date of Dec 31st, 2018, was retrieved from the Swedish National Patient Register (NPR) using ICD-codes. Survival probability was investigated in Kaplan-Meier plots. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate DM as risk factor for TF, adjusted for several confounders and presented as Hazard Ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results At baseline, 4.6% (1,393/30,357) participants had DM. In total, 3.2% (974/30,357) participants were diagnosed with TF during the study period. Kaplan-Meier plot showed that the probability for incident TF was significantly higher in participants with baseline DM compared with individuals without baseline DM. Adjusted HR for DM as risk factor for TF was 2.0 (95% CI: 1.5-2.6, p<0.001). Conclusion This longitudinal study showed that DM is an important risk factor for developing TF. When adjusting for sex, age, BMI, manual work, statin use, smoking and alcohol consumption, DM remained the main risk factor for TF.
The Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate in Latin America: Knowledge Gaps and the Urgency to Translate Science Into Action

Climate Change hazards to social-ecological systems are well-documented and the time to act is now. The IPCC-SROCC used the best available scientific knowledge to identify paths for effective adaptation and mitigation of climate change impacts on the ocean and cryosphere. Despite all the evidence highlighted by SROCC and the key role of the ocean and cryosphere for climate change at all levels, Latin America (LA) faces challenges to take effective action mostly due to socio-economic vulnerability, political instability and overall technical capacities. Countries have adopted diverse actions as the information needed by policy makers has been made available, not necessarily in accessible and inclusive ways. Regional imbalance in economic development, technological level, capacity development, societal involvement, and governmental oversight have contributed to skewed geographical and technological gaps of knowledge on key ecosystems and specific areas preventing effective climate actions/solutions. We analyze the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from the region as proxies to the incorporation of IPCC recommendations. The gaps and opportunities for the uptake of ocean and climate science to political decision making is discussed as five key aspects: (i) climate assessment information and regional policies, (ii) knowledge production, (iii) knowledge accessibility, (iv) knowledge impact to policy, and (v) long term monitoring for decision making. We advocate that the uptake of SROCC findings in LA policies can be enhanced by: (a) embracing local realities and incorporating local, traditional and indigenous knowledge; (b) empowering locals to convey local knowledge to global assessments and adapt findings to local realities; (c) enhancing regional research capabilities; and (d) securing long-term sustainable ocean observations. Local and regional participation in knowledge production and provision enhances communication pathways, climate literacy and engagement which are key for effective action to be reflected in governance. Currently, the lack of accessible and inclusive information at the local level hampers the overall understanding, integration and engagement of the society to mitigate climate effects, perpetuates regional heterogeneity and threatens the efforts to reverse the course of climate change in LA. Local researchers should be empowered, encouraged, rewarded and better included in global climate-ocean scientific assessments.
The Role of Succinic Acid Metabolism in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignancies and the highest mortality among gynecological malignancy. The standard therapy options for patients with ovarian cancer are cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy, and although most patients do better with standard treatment, it is easy to relapse and be resistant to chemotherapy. Therefore, it is important to find new therapeutic strategies. More recently, metabolic reprogramming has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer and has become a potential target for tumor therapy. Mutations of metabolic enzymes are closely related to the development of ovarian cancer. The metabolic reprogramming of ovarian cancer not only provides energy to tumor cells, but also participates in various biological processes as signaling molecules. Succinic acid (SA) is an important metabolic intermediate involved in a number of metabolic pathways, such as TCA cycle and glutamine metabolism, and is also widely present in a variety of plants and vegetables. Studies show abnormal SA metabolism in many tumors and affect tumor formation through a variety of mechanisms. But the role of SA in ovarian cancer is less studied. This paper reviews the role of SA and its abnormal metabolic pathway in ovarian cancer.
U-Shaped Association Between Serum Uric Acid and Short-Term Mortality in Patients With Infective Endocarditis

Background Increased uric acid (UA) levels have been reported to be associated with poor clinical outcomes in several conditions. However, the prognostic value of UA in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) is yet unknown. Methods A total of 1,117 patients with IE were included and divided into two groups according to the current definition of hyperuricemia (UA>420 μmol/L in men and >360 μmol/L in women): hyperuricemia group (n=336) and normouricemia group (n=781). The association between the UA level and short-term outcomes were examined. Results The in-hospital mortality was 6.2% (69/1117). Patients with hyperuricemia carried a higher risk of in-hospital death (9.8% vs. 4.6%, p=0.001). Hyperuricemia was not an independent risk factor for in-hospital death (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92-4.02, p=0.084). A U-shaped relationship was found between the UA level and in-hospital death (p<0.001). The in-hospital mortality was lower in patients with UA in the range 250–400 μmol/L. The aOR of in-hospital death in patients with UA>400 and <250 μmol/L was 3.48 (95% CI: 1.38-8.80, p=0.008) and 3.28 (95%CI: 1.27-8.51, p=0.015), respectively. Furthermore, UA>400 μmol/L (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=3.54, 95%CI: 1.77-7.07, p<0.001) and <250 μmol/L (aHR=2.23, 95%CI: 1.03-4.80, p=0.041) were independent risk factors for the 6-month mortality. Conclusion The previous definition of hyperuricemia was not suitable for risk assessment in patients with IE because of the U-shaped relationship between UA levels and in-hospital death. Low and high levels of UA were predictive of increased short-term mortality in IE patients.
An Update on the Lived Experience of Dry Mouth in Sjögren's Syndrome Patients

This paper aims to provide an update on research findings on the lived experience of dry mouth in Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) patients. Dry mouth is a significant condition that impacts on the daily lives of people with SS. There will first be a summary of the definition, etiology, and manifestation of dry mouth in SS patients. There will next be an overview of the measurement of the impact of dry mouth on the quality of life in SS patients. This will include a deliberation of both quantitative and qualitative methods. Lastly, there will be discussion on the consequences of dry mouth, with a focus on qualitative studies that seek to understand patients' physical, emotional, and social domains of life.
The Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Therapy on Improving Upper Limb Functions in Individuals With Stroke: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: Stroke is a common cause of motor disability. The recovery of upper limb after stroke is poor, with few stroke survivors regaining some functional use of the affected upper limb. This is further complicated by the fact that the prolonged rehabilitation is accompanied by multiple challenges in using and identifying meaningful and motivated treatment tasks that may be adapted and graded to facilitate the rehabilitation program. Virtual reality-based therapy is one of the most innovative approaches in rehabilitation technology and virtual reality systems can provide enhanced feedback to promote motor learning in individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal diseases. Purpose: This study investigated the effect of virtual reality-based therapy on improving upper limb functions in individuals with chronic stroke. Methods: Forty Saudi individuals with chronic stroke (6–24 months following stroke incidence) and degree of spasticity ranged between 1, 1 + and 2 according to Modified Ashworth Scale were included in this study. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups, experimental and control, with the experimental group undertaking a conventional 1-h functional training program, followed by another hour of virtual reality-based therapy using Armeo Spring equipment and the control group received 2 h of a conventional functional training program. The treatment program was conducted three times per week for three successive months. The change in the scores of Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), WMFT-Time (time required to complete the test) and Hand Grip Strength (HGS) were recorded at baseline and after completion of the treatment. Parametric (paired and unpaired t-tests) non-parametric (Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests) statistical tests were used to identify the differences within and between groups (experimental group and control group) and evaluation times (pre- and immediately post-treatment). Results: Both groups showed significant differences (all, P < 0.05) in all measured variables after 3 months of the treatment. Individuals with stoke in the experimental group had a better improvement in ARAT (P < 0.01), WMFT (P < 0.01) and WMFT-Time (P < 0.01) scores after completion of the treatment compared to the control group. No significant difference in HGS scores was detected between groups after completion of the treatment (P = 0.252). Conclusion: The use of combined treatment of virtual reality-based therapy and conventional functional training program is more effective for improving upper limb functions in individuals with chronic stroke than the use of the conventional program alone.