Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LIGHT ABSORBANCE IN PULSE OXIMETRY

This chapter describes the theoretical background for the measurement of light absorbance in pulse oximetry as a basis for determining arterial oxygen saturation. Beer’s law and the derivation of a theoretical calibration curve for measured light absorbances in pulse oximeters is explained, although this curve is not valid in practice due to the scattering of light. Beer’s law is used accurately to determine the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin solutions but does not apply for whole blood because of the scattering effects. Nevertheless, this model helps to develop an understanding of the absorbance of light as it passes through living tissue and why and how pulse oximetry works. The normalization of the measured signals and the calibration curves used in pulse oximeters are explained after an introduction of the theoretical model. The final part of the chapter describes mathematical approaches to incorporate light scattering in the model and describe its effects qualitatively and quantitatively.
Pet health insurance reduces the likelihood of pre-surgical euthanasia of dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus in the emergency room of an Australian referral hospital

ABSTRACT Aims To determine the association between the presence of pet health insurance and the risk of euthanasia at the time of diagnosis for dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Methods Insurance status at the time of GDV diagnosis was sought for a cohort of 147 non-referred, confirmed cases of GDV that presented to the emergency department of a university-based veterinary hospital in Australia between 2008 and 2017. Insurance status was obtained from the medical record (n=18) or after contacting the owners by phone using a standardised questionnaire (n=129). Animal, clinical and outcome data was retrospectively compiled in a research database. The primary outcome measure was whether or not the dog was euthanised before surgery. The Mantel-Haenszel procedure was used to quantify the association between the presence of pet health insurance and the risk of euthanasia at the time of diagnosis for dogs with GDV, adjusting for the confounding effect of age at the time of presentation using Bayesian methods. Results Of the 69 dogs for which insurance information could be obtained, 10 (14%) cases were insured at the time of the GDV event and 59 (86%) cases were not. The majority of non-insured dogs (37/59; 63 (95% CI=50–74)%) were euthanised before surgery, while none (0 (95% CI=0–28)%) of the insured dogs were euthanised at that time (p<0.001). Of the 32 insured and non-insured dogs that underwent surgery, four dogs (13 (95% CI=5–28)%) did not survive to hospital discharge. Three dogs (9%) were euthanised during or after surgery and one dog (3%) experienced cardiopulmonary arrest during treatment. The majority of dogs for which insurance status was known did not survive to hospital discharge (41/69; 59%), and 90 (95% CI=7–96)% of deaths were caused by euthanasia prior to surgery. Uninsured dogs were 5.0 (95% credible interval=1.8–26) times more likely to undergo presurgical euthanasia compared with insured dogs. Conclusions Euthanasia prior to treatment was most common cause of death in non-referred dogs with GDV; such euthanasia was entirely absent in the cohort of dogs that were insured. Clinical relevance Financial considerations significantly contribute to mortality of dogs with GDV presented to an emergency room. Financial instruments to reduce the out-of-pocket expense for pet owners confronted with unexpected veterinary expenses have potential to reduce pet mortality.
Healthy preconception and early-pregnancy lifestyle and risk of preterm birth: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND Preterm birth (PTB) remains a leading cause of neonatal mortality and long-term morbidity. Individual factors have been linked to PTB risk. The impact of a healthy lifestyle, with multiple modifiable prenatal factors, remains unknown. OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the associations of preconceptional and early-pregnancy low-risk modifiable factors (individually and in combination) with PTB risk. METHODS This prospective cohort study included 2449 women with singleton pregnancies in the Pregnancy Environment and Lifestyle Study. PTB was defined as ultrasound-confirmed obstetric estimate-based gestational age at delivery <37 wk. A set of low-risk modifiable factors were identified: healthy weight (prepregnancy BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) based on clinical measurements and high-quality diet (Alternate Healthy Eating Index-Pregnancy score ≥75th percentile) and low-to-moderate stress during early pregnancy (Perceived Stress Scale score <75th percentile) assessed at gestational weeks 10-13. Poisson regression estimated adjusted relative risk (aRR) of PTB in association with individual and combined low-risk modifiable prenatal factors, adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical, and other prenatal factors. RESULTS One hundred and sixty women (6.5%) delivered preterm. Risk of PTB was lower among women who had a healthy weight (aRR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.86), high-quality diet (aRR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.99), and low-to-moderate stress (aRR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.88). Women with 1, 2, or 3 low-risk modifiable prenatal factors compared with none had a 38% (aRR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.45, 1.16), 51% (aRR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.84), or 70% (aRR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.70) lower PTB risk, respectively. Associations of having ≥1 low-risk factor with PTB risk were more pronounced for medically indicated than for spontaneous PTB and for late than for early or moderate PTB. Associations also varied by race or ethnicity, although with overlapping 95% CIs. CONCLUSIONS A healthy prenatal lifestyle with multiple low-risk modifiable factors was associated with lower risk of PTB. Our findings may inform multicomponent preconceptional or early-pregnancy prevention strategies to mitigate PTB risk.
Embracing resilience in multiple sclerosis: a new perspective from COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in several psychological consequences. Past epidemiological experiences already showed the deep albeit heterogeneous psychological repercussions of pandemics. Nevertheless, little is known about COVID-19 outbreak and the possible strategies for boosting resilience in patients with chronic diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Therefore, we designed a study aiming to assess the changes in mental distress during COVID-19 outbreak in patients with MS and to identifyfactors contributing to resilience’s development. We enrolled 106 patients (69 relapsing-remitting, 20 secondary-progressive, and 17 primary-progressive) whose neuropsychological assessment before the COVID-19 pandemic (1 January 2019–1 March 2020) was available. It consisted of Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and patient-reported MS Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire (MSNQ-P). All patients were re-tested during Italian lockdown through an online survey, comprehensive of sociodemographic information, HADS self-rating Scale, MSNQ-P Questionnaire and finally Connor-Davidson Resilience self-rating Scale (CD-RISC 25), in order to evaluate resilience. No significant changes in HADS and MSNQ-P scores were detected during COVID-19 pandemic in our population. Though, pre-existing lower HADS and MSNQ-P scores but not demographic, disease- and treatment-related elements were found significantly (p < 0.0001) and independently associated with a better resilience attitude.
Interplay between Reactive Oxygen/Reactive Nitrogen Species and Metabolism in Vascular Biology and Disease.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS; e.g., superoxide [O2•-] and hydrogen peroxide [H2O2]) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS; e.g., nitric oxide [NO•]) at the physiological level function as signaling molecules that mediate many biological responses, including cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and gene expression. By contrast, excess ROS/RNS, a consequence of dysregulated redox homeostasis, is a hallmark of cardiovascular disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that both ROS/RNS regulate various metabolic pathways and enzymes. Recent studies indicate that cells have mechanisms that fine-tune ROS/RNS levels by tight regulation of metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. ROS/RNS-mediated inhibition of glycolytic pathways promotes metabolic reprogramming away from glycolytic flux toward the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway to generate NADPH for antioxidant defense. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the mechanisms by which ROS/RNS regulate metabolic enzymes and cellular metabolism and how cellular metabolism influences redox homeostasis and the pathogenesis of disease. A full understanding of these mechanisms will be important for the development of new therapeutic strategies to treat diseases associated with dysregulated redox homeostasis and metabolism.
Association between trunk core muscle thickness and functional ability in subacute hemiplegic stroke patients: an exploratory cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Back ground Balance impairment could occur due to weakness of the core muscles in stroke patients. Objective To investigate the association between functional ability, including trunk balance and core muscle thickness using ultrasonography in subacute hemiplegic stroke patients. Methods The muscle thickness of the anterior and posterior trunk muscles was measured using ultrasonography. For the evaluation of trunk balance, trunk impairment scale and Berg balance scale (BBS) were used. The functional ambulatory scale (FAS), timed up-and-go test, 10 m gait velocity, functional reach (FR), and functional independence measure were also assessed for functional ability. Results Overall, 41 patients with subacute hemiplegic stroke were included. Partial correlation analysis showed that posterior trunk muscle thickness was significantly correlated with BBS, FAS, and FR. As for the paralytic side, the posterior trunk muscle thickness of both paretic and nonparetic sides presented a significant relationship with BBS, FAS, and FR. The quadratus lumborum (QL) thickness of both sides showed a significant relationship with BBS, FAS, and FR. Conclusions The thickness of the posterior trunk muscles, especially the QL, on both the paretic and nonparetic sides, was significantly related with the functional ability after stroke. The exercise program of core posterior trunk muscles closely related with functional ability would be helpful to improve trunk balance and ambulatory function in subacute stroke patients.
Validation of HVLT-R, BVMT-R, and RBANS Learning Slope Scores along the Alzheimer's Continuum.

BACKGROUND The learning ratio (LR) is a novel learning slope score that has been developed to reduce the inherent competition between the first trial and subsequent trials in traditional learning slopes. In essence, the LR is the number of items learned after the first trial divided by the number of items yet to be learned. Criterion and convergent validation of this LR score is warranted to understand its sensitivity along the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum. METHOD The LR metric was calculated for 123 participants from standard measures of memory, including the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised, Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) list learning, and RBANS story memory. All participants were categorized as normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or AD. LR performances were compared between groups, among other standard memory measures, and with regards to how well they discriminated cognitively impaired from unimpaired samples-and within diagnostic subgroups. RESULTS Lower LR scores were observed for the MCI and AD groups than the normal cognition group, with the AD group performing worse than the MCI group for several slope calculations. Lower LR scores were also consistently associated with poorer performances on traditional memory measures. LR scores further displayed excellent receiver operator characteristics when differentiating those with and without cognitive impairment-and MCI from normal cognition. Overall, LR scores consistently outperformed traditional learning slope calculations across all analyses. CONCLUSIONS This LR score is sensitive to memory dysfunction along the AD continuum, and results offer criterion and convergent validity for use of the LR metric to understand learning capacity.
Acute Strokelike Presentation and Long-term Evolution of Diffusion Restriction Pattern in Ethylmalonic Encephalopathy

Ethylmalonic encephalopathy is a rare autosomal recessive mitochondrial disorder caused by pathogenic biallelic variants in the ETHE1 gene. The phenotype of this disease has been attributed to deficiency in the mitochondrial sulfur dioxygenase leading to many downstream effects. Ethylmalonic encephalopathy classically presents with developmental regression, petechiae, acrocyanosis, and chronic diarrhea. The neurologic phenotype includes hypotonia, spastic diplegia, ataxia, and developmental delay. As more patients with this condition are described, the neurologic phenotype continues to expand. Although strokelike episodes or metabolic strokes have been studied in other mitochondrial disorders, they have not been thoroughly reported in this disorder. Herein, we describe 3 patients with ethylmalonic encephalopathy who presented clinically with strokelike episodes and strokelike abnormalities on brain magnetic resonance imaging in the setting of acute illness, and the long-term sequelae with evolution into cystic changes in one of these subjects.
siRNA enrichment in Argonaute 2-depleted Blattella germanica

Background RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism used to fight various threats, including transposons, aberrant RNA, and some types of viruses. It relies on dsRNA detection and, through a mechanism involving Dicer-2 (Dcr-2) and Argonaute 2 (AGO2), together with a small RNA fragment (siRNA) as a complementary guide, binds to an RNA and cleaves it. Methods Using the cockroach Blattella germanica as a model, we examined AGO2 activity by depleting its mRNA levels using RNAi and analyzing the phenotypes produced. Results Silencing AGO2 expression had no remarkable effect on nymphal development or reproduction. dsRNA treatment triggered an immediate and transitory increase in AGO2 expression, independently of Dcr-2 action. In addition, we analyzed the siRNAs generated after injecting a heterologous dsRNA in control and AGO2-depleted animals. The results revealed that siRNAs were distributed non-uniformly along the dsRNA sequence. In AGO2-depleted animals, the proportion of 22 nucleotide reads was higher and accumulations of reads appeared in areas less well-represented in the controls. We also detected a slight preference for cytosine as the first nucleotide in controls to be lost in AGO2-depleted individuals. Conclusions/General significance The siRNAs produced from a dsRNA are heterogeneously distributed along the length of the dsRNA and this arrangement depends on the sequence. AGO2 exerts its role as nuclease on the siRNA duplexes independently of its action on the homologous mRNA. This study sheds light on an extremely useful process for reverse genetics in laboratories, in addition to the design of more effective, specific, and eco-friendly pest-control strategies. Highlights - RNA interference is used to fight cellular threats including transposons and viruses - Silencing AGO2 in Blattella germanica does not affect development or reproduction - siRNA distribution along the dsRNA sequence is non-uniform and sequence dependent - AGO2 depletion increased the proportion of 22 nt reads in certain areas
History of vigorous leisure-time physical activity and early onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), data from the national ALS registry: 2010–2018

Abstract Background: Previous research has suggested that vigorous physical activity (VPA) during adolescence and early adulthood is associated with ALS. The National ALS Registry (Registry) collects physical activity data from persons with ALS. Objective: To examine the association between vigorous VPA and early onset ALS, defined as a diagnosis before age 60, among patients enrolled in the Registry. VPA was defined as engaging in dynamic exercise for at least 10 minutes in a session that caused heavy sweating or large increases in breathing or heart rate. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 5463 ALS patients with VPA history and 956 ALS patients who never engaged in VPA. Patient characteristics were collected via online surveys in the following areas: demographic, lifetime VPA history, and initial onset of symptoms. General linear modeling was used to estimate mean age of diagnosis and to compute 95% confidence intervals. Results: Patients who reported engaging in VPA at least moderately (three times a week) during early adulthood were more likely to have an ALS diagnosis earlier compared to patients who did not (p < 0.0001). After controlling for year of birth, statistically significant associations between those reporting VPA at age 15–24 and 25–34 and diagnosis of ALS earlier (p = 0.0009, p = 0.0144 respectively). Conclusion: Patients with ALS who had a history of VPA before age 35, were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with ALS before age 60 compared to patients with ALS who never engaged vigorously. More research is needed in the relationship between VPA and early onset ALS.
A high-throughput cell-based gaussia luciferase reporter assay for measurement of CYP1A1, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 induction

Abstract The induction of cytochrome P450s can result in reduced drug efficacy and lead to potential drug–drug interactions. The xenoreceptors—aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and pregnane X receptor (PXR)—play key roles in CYP induction by xenobiotics. In order to be able to rapidly screen for the induction of three enzymes (CYP1A1, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4), we generated a stable AhR-responsive HepG2 cell line, a stable CAR-responsive HepG2 cell line, and a stable PXR-responsive HepG2 cell line. To validate these stable xenoreceptor-responsive HepG2 cell lines, we evaluated the induction of the different Gaussia reporter activities, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of endogenous CYPs in response to different inducers. The induction of luciferase activity in the stable xenoreceptor-responsive HepG2 cell lines by specific inducers occurred in a concentration dependent manner. There was a positive correlation between the induction of luciferase activities and the induction endogenous CYP mRNA expression levels. These xenoreceptor-responsive HepG2 cell lines were further validated with known CYP1A1, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 inducers. These stable xenoreceptor-responsive HepG2 cell lines may be used in preclinical research for the rapid and sensitive detection of AhR, CAR, and PXR ligands that induce CYP450 isoforms.
Experience of cold-water immersion on recovery efficiency after soccer match

Background: immersion in cold-water is one of the most common recovery and rehabilitation techniques among athletes. However, several factors such as shocking induced by cold water can affect the effectiveness of this technique. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks cold water habituation on the effectiveness of CWI recovery technique on muscle damage and function indices of young soccer players. Methods: Twenty young men with no previous experience of CWI participated in this study. Output power and RSADec of subjects were measured. The subjects then performed a simulated soccer test and, after collecting blood samples, were immediately immersed in 15 ° C water for 15 minutes. Twenty-four hours later blood sampling and functional tests were repeated. Subjects then were divided randomly into two groups of exercise with CWI recovery and exercise with passive recovery. After four weeks, the blood sampling and performance tests repeated like the pre-test. Results: The CWI had no significant effect on serum levels of AST and LDH before and after 4 weeks of CWI (P> 0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in power output and RSADec after CWI before and after cold water habituation (P> 0.05). Conclusions: It seems that the experience of recovering by immersion in cold-water has no effect on the effectiveness of this method. Therefore, soccer coaches and athletes should think more about using this recovery method.
Assessment of shockwave pretreatment in biomass processing

ABSTRACT Shockwave pretreatment is an emerging method of biomass intracellular disintegration that is currently the subject of intensifying research. Shockwave refers to the rapid spreading of pressure waves in a liquid environment. The current state of knowledge suggests that the best technology to make use of this phenomenon is wire explosion. This technology is based on releasing high-voltage discharge through a wire that is located between terminals embedded in a water-filled pressure vessel. The discharge sublimates the wire by converting its surface and surrounding water into plasma. This process is momentarily accompanied by ultrasound, ultraviolet radiation, heat, and the release of free radical particles. As the plasma rapidly expands in the immediate surroundings of the sublimated wire, the shockwaves omnidirectionally spread and then interfere with the walls of the vessel. More ways to generate shockwaves and numerous apparatus designs are being developed worldwide. It has repeatedly been proven that the passing of the shockwave through biomass is applicable in oil extraction, biowaste treatment, production of special foods, etc. It is concluded that miniaturization, adaptation to the parameters of the public power grid, and transition to continuous technology are mandatory for commercialization and the transfer of technology to other sectors.
Dietary Intake Assessment, Severity of Symptoms, and Pain in Women with Fibromyalgia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess dietary intake in 92 FMS compared to 96 healthy control patients and to examine the potential associations between daily intake and pain and the severity of symptoms in women with FMS. The tender point count (TPC), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) were assessed. FIQ-R correlated negatively with phosphorus (r = −.230, p = .028), iron (r = −.320, p = 0.002), zinc (r = −.238, p = .023), vitamin B1 (r = −.218, p = .038), vitamin B6 (r = −.123, p = .012), folic acid (r = −.250, p = .017), and vitamin C (r = −.217, p = .039). A negative correlation was also found between VAS pain and the intake of vitamin B6 (r = −.322, p = .002). Lower intakes of certain micronutrients correlated with higher scores in FIQ-R and a lower intake of vitamin B6 correlated with higher scores in VAS pain, supporting the potential relevance of these micronutrients in the severity of symptoms and in levels of global pain in FMS women.