Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Collaborative Model to Implement Flexible, Accessible and Efficient Oncogenetic Services for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer: The C-MOnGene Study

Simple Summary We recently developed an oncogenetic model to overcome the unprecedented demand for genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Quality and performance indicators showed that the implementation of this model improved access to genetic counseling and minimized delays for genetic tests for patients, who reported to be overwhelmingly satisfied with the process. However, it remains unknown whether this model is robust and sustainable or requires adjustments. In addition, whether the model could be deployed elsewhere remains also to be elucidated. The C-MOnGene study was therefore designed to gain an in-depth understanding of the context in which the model was developed and implemented, and document the lessons that can be learned to optimize oncogenetic services delivery in other settings. Abstract Medical genetic services are facing an unprecedented demand for counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) in a context of limited resources. To help resolve this issue, a collaborative oncogenetic model was recently developed and implemented at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval; Quebec; Canada. Here, we present the protocol of the C-MOnGene (Collaborative Model in OncoGenetics) study, funded to examine the context in which the model was implemented and document the lessons that can be learned to optimize the delivery of oncogenetic services. Within three years of implementation, the model allowed researchers to double the annual number of patients seen in genetic counseling. The average number of days between genetic counseling and disclosure of test results significantly decreased. Group counseling sessions improved participants’ understanding of breast cancer risk and increased knowledge of breast cancer and genetics and a large majority of them reported to be overwhelmingly satisfied with the process. These quality and performance indicators suggest this oncogenetic model offers a flexible, patient-centered and efficient genetic counseling and testing for HBOC. By identifying the critical facilitating factors and barriers, our study will provide an evidence base for organizations interested in transitioning to an oncogenetic model integrated into oncology care; including teams that are not specialized but are trained in genetics.
Vaccine Production Process: How Much Does the General Population Know about This Topic? A Web-Based Survey

Background: Vaccine hesitancy has been recognized as a major global health threat by the World Health Organization. Many studies have investigated vaccine safety as a determinant for vaccine hesitancy; however, not much attention has been paid to vaccine production and quality control during the vaccine production process or whether knowledge about this topic may influence vaccine confidence. The aim of this study was to characterize the common knowledge about the vaccine production process. Methods: A freely accessible online questionnaire was developed on Google Modules and disseminated through social networks. A descriptive analysis of the collected answers was performed, and the chi-square test was used to assess significant differences for the sociodemographic characteristics of the study population (age, gender, work or education and training in the healthcare setting, minor offspring). A binary logistic regression model was performed considering these socio-demographic categories as independent variables. Results: The number of collected questionnaire was 135. Most of the participants (127/135, 94.1%) were aware that quality control measures are carried out during manufacturing, although some knowledge gaps emerged in specific aspects of the vaccine production process, without statistically significant differences between age groups. Working in the healthcare setting or being educated in healthcare may be considered predictors for a better understanding that more than 50% of the production time is spent on quality control (AOR = 3.43; 95% CI: 1.84–8.14, p = 0.01) and that considering quality control performed during the vaccine production process is adequate for avoiding contamination (AOR = 7.90; 95% CI: 0.97–64.34; p = 0.05). Conclusions: This study allowed for a characterization of common knowledge about the vaccine production process. It highlighted the need to implement specific strategies to spread correct information about the vaccine production process. This study may contribute to increased confidence and trust in vaccines and vaccination among the general population.
Assessment of the Adaptive Force of Elbow Extensors in Healthy Subjects Quantified by a Novel Pneumatically Driven Measurement System with Considerations of Its Quality Criteria

Adaptive Force (AF) reflects the capability of the neuromuscular system to adapt adequately to external forces with the intention of maintaining a position or motion. One specific approach to assessing AF is to measure force and limb position during a pneumatically applied increasing external force. Through this method, the highest (AFmax), the maximal isometric (AFisomax) and the maximal eccentric Adaptive Force (AFeccmax) can be determined. The main question of the study was whether the AFisomax is a specific and independent parameter of muscle function compared to other maximal forces. In 13 healthy subjects (9 male and 4 female), the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (pre- and post-MVIC), the three AF parameters and the MVIC with a prior concentric contraction (MVICpri-con) of the elbow extensors were measured 4 times on two days. Arithmetic mean (M) and maximal (Max) torques of all force types were analyzed. Regarding the reliability of the AF parameters between days, the mean changes were 0.31–1.98 Nm (0.61%–5.47%, p = 0.175–0.552), the standard errors of measurements (SEM) were 1.29–5.68 Nm (2.53%–15.70%) and the ICCs(3,1) = 0.896–0.996. M and Max of AFisomax, AFmax and pre-MVIC correlated highly (r = 0.85–0.98). The M and Max of AFisomax were significantly lower (6.12–14.93 Nm; p ≤ 0.001–0.009) and more variable between trials (coefficient of variation (CVs) ≥ 21.95%) compared to those of pre-MVIC and AFmax (CVs ≤ 5.4%). The results suggest the novel measuring procedure is suitable to reliably quantify the AF, whereby the presented measurement errors should be taken into consideration. The AFisomax seems to reflect its own strength capacity and should be detected separately. It is suggested its normalization to the MVIC or AFmax could serve as an indicator of a neuromuscular function.
Procyanidin B2 induces porcine skeletal slow-twitch myofiber gene expression by AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

Abstract In this study, our aim is to investigate the effect of dimer procyanidin B2 [epicatechin-(4β-8)-epicatechin] (PB2) on porcine skeletal myofiber gene expression in vitro. Our data showed PB2 promoted the protein expression of slow myosin heavy chain (MyHC) in porcine myotubes, concomitant with the increases in mRNA levels of MyHC I, MyHC IIa and Tnni1. We also found PB2 activated AMPK signaling in porcine myotubes. NRF1 and CaMKKβ that are two important upstream factors of AMPK, and Sirt1 and PGC-1α that are two major downstream factors of AMPK, were also up-regulated by PB2. The mechanism study showed the effect of PB2 on slow-twitch myofiber gene expression was abolished by AMPK inhibitor compound C or by AMPKα1 siRNA. Together, we found PB2 induced porcine skeletal slow-twitch myofiber gene expression by AMPK signaling pathway.
Sensorless LC Filter Implementation for Permanent Magnet Machine Drive Using Observer-Based Voltage and Current Estimation

For pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter drives, an LC filter can cascade to a permanent magnet (PM) machine at inverter output to reduce PWM-reflected current harmonics. Because the LC filter causes resonance, the filter output current and voltage are required for the sensorless field-oriented control (FOC) drive. However, existing sensors and inverters are typically integrated inside commercial closed-form drives; it is not possible for these drives to obtain additional filter output signals. To resolve this integration issue, this paper proposes a sensorless LC filter state estimation using only the drive inside current sensors. The design principle of the LC filter is first introduced to remove PWM current harmonics. A dual-observer is then proposed to estimate the filter output current and voltage for the sensorless FOC drive. Compared to conventional model-based estimation, the proposed dual-observer demonstrates robust estimation performance under parameter error. The capacitor parameter error shows a negligible influence on the proposed observer estimation. The filter inductance error only affects the capacitor current estimation at high speed. The performance of the sensorless FOC drive using the proposed dual-observer is comparable to the same drive using external sensors for filter voltage and current measurement. All experiments are verified by a PM machine with only 130 μH phase inductance.
Optimizing Loco Regional Management of Oligometastatic Colorectal Cancer: Technical Aspects and Biomarkers, Two Sides of the Same Coin

Simple Summary The treatments for patients with oligometastatic colorectal carcinoma are rapidly evolving. The present review focuses on the role of minimally invasive techniques since they can now be used as an alternative to surgical management in selected cases in association with systemic therapies according to ESMO and NCCN guidelines. In recent years, biomarkers (both at molecular and imaging level) have emerged as a relevant and potential criteria for treatment strategy decision and will be crucial in the future for patients selection. Tumor molecular profile impacts on local outcome of image guide ablation as well as metabolic imaging which predicts the outcome of both percutaneous and trans-arterial treatments. Oncologists should be aware of advantages and disadvantages of those treatments options as well as the potential role of molecular profile for a better patient selection. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and has a high rate of metastatic disease which is the main cause of CRC-related death. Oligometastatic disease is a clinical condition recently included in ESMO guidelines that can benefit from a more aggressive locoregional approach. This review focuses the attention on colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and highlights recommendations and therapeutic locoregional strategies drawn from the current literature and consensus conferences. The different percutaneous therapies (radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, irreversible electroporation) as well as trans-arterial approaches (chemoembolization and radioembolization) are discussed. Ablation margins, the choice of the imaging guidance as well as characteristics of the different ablation techniques and other technical aspects are analyzed. A specific attention is then paid to the increasing role of biomarkers (in particular molecular profiling) and their role in the selection of the proper treatment for the right patient. In conclusion, in this review an up-to-date state of the art of the application of locoregional treatments on CRLM is provided, highlighting both technical aspects and the role of biomarkers, two sides of the same coin.
Quantification of Phenotypic Variability of Lung Disease in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease has the greatest impact on the morbidity and mortality of patients suffering from this autosomal-recessive multiorgan disorder. Although CF is a monogenic disorder, considerable phenotypic variability of lung disease is observed in patients with CF, even in those carrying the same mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene or CFTR mutations with comparable functional consequences. In most patients with CF, lung disease progresses from childhood to adulthood, but is already present in infants soon after birth. In addition to the CFTR genotype, the variability of early CF lung disease can be influenced by several factors, including modifier genes, age at diagnosis (following newborn screening vs. clinical symptoms) and environmental factors. The early onset of CF lung disease requires sensitive, noninvasive measures to detect and monitor changes in lung structure and function. In this context, we review recent progress with using multiple-breath washout (MBW) and lung magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect and quantify CF lung disease from infancy to adulthood. Further, we discuss emerging data on the impact of variability of lung disease severity in the first years of life on long-term outcomes and the potential use of this information to improve personalized medicine for patients with CF.
A Scoping Review of Nature, Land, and Environmental Connectedness and Relatedness

The importance of nature and the environment in relation to human health is coalescing, as demonstrated by the increased research that attempts to measure nature connectedness and relatedness. These findings align with constructs of cultural connectedness that assess for land connectedness as part of Indigenous ways of knowing. From an Indigenous worldview, relationships with the environment are critical to wellbeing. The purpose of this comprehensive systematic scoping literature review was two-fold: (1) identify and summarize existing measures of land, nature, and/or environmental connectedness, relatedness, and attitudes and (2) evaluate the psychometric properties of these scales. In total, 1438 articles were retrieved from select databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL (EBSCO), and Academic Search Complete (EBSCO). The final searches and application of the inclusion/exclusion criteria resulted in 57 unique articles and 38 scales categorized as connectedness and relatedness scales (n = 9 scales), attitudinal and values-based scales (n = 16 scales), cultural and spiritually based scales (n = 9 scales), and paradigm-based scales (n = 4 scales) (articles could be placed in multiple categories). Psychometric properties and general outcomes associated with nature-related scales are reported, with implications for future education, research, practice, and policy.
Health care costs associated with primary care physicians versus nurse practitioners and physician assistants

ABSTRACT Background: Significant primary care provider (PCP) shortage exists in the United States. Expanding the scope of practice for nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) can help alleviate this shortage. The Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) has been a pioneer in expanding the role of NPs and PAs in primary caregiving. Purpose: This study evaluated the health care costs associated with VA patients cared for by NPs and PAs versus primary care physicians (physicians). Methods: A retrospective data analysis using two separate cohorts of VA patients, one with diabetes and the other with cardiovascular disease (CVD), was performed. The associations between PCP type and health care costs were analyzed using ordinary least square regressions with logarithmically transformed costs. Results: The analyses estimated 12% to 13% (US dollars [USD] 2,626) and 4% to 5% (USD 924) higher costs for patients assigned to physicians as compared with those assigned to NPs and PAs, after adjusting for baseline patient sociodemographics and disease burden, in the diabetes and CVD cohort, respectively. Given the average patient population size of a VA medical center, these cost differences amount to a total difference of USD 14 million/year per center and USD 5 million/year per center for diabetic and CVD patients, respectively. Implications for practice: This study highlights the potential cost savings associated with primary caregiving by NPs and PAs. In light of the PCP shortage, the study supports increased involvement of NPs and PAs in primary caregiving. Future studies examining the reasons for these cost differences by provider type are required to provide more scientific evidence for regulatory decision making in this area.
Core/shell-structured, covalently bonded TiO2/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) dispersions and their electrorheological response: the effect of anisotropy

As a new electrorheological (ER) material, core/shell nanorods composed of a titania core and conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) shell were prepared via covalent bonding to achieve a thin polymer shell and make the interfacial interactions between the two components more impressive. The successful coating of PEDOT on the nanorod-TiO2 particles was confirmed by TEM analysis. The antisedimentation stability of the core/shell nanorod-TiO2/PEDOT particles was determined to be 100%. The ER properties of the materials were studied under controlled shear, oscillatory shear and creep tests. The dielectric spectra of the dispersions were obtained to further understand their ER responses and fitted with the Cole–Cole equation. The ER behavior of the dispersions was also observed using an optical microscope. The flow curves of these ER fluids were determined under various electric field strengths and their flow characteristics examined via a rheological equation using the Cho–Choi–Jhon (CCJ) model. In addition, the results were also compared with nanoparticle-TiO2/PEDOT. It was concluded that the conducting thin polymer shell and elongated structure of the hybrid material introduced a synergistic effect on the electric field induced polarizability and colloidal stability against sedimentation, which resulted in stronger ER activity, storage modulus and higher recovery after stress loadings when compared to nanoparticle-TiO2/PEDOT.
The Crossroads between Host Copper Metabolism and Influenza Infection

Three main approaches are used to combat severe viral respiratory infections. The first is preemptive vaccination that blocks infection. Weakened or dead viral particles, as well as genetic constructs carrying viral proteins or information about them, are used as an antigen. However, the viral genome is very evolutionary labile and changes continuously. Second, chemical agents are used during infection and inhibit the function of a number of viral proteins. However, these drugs lose their effectiveness because the virus can rapidly acquire resistance to them. The third is the search for points in the host metabolism the effect on which would suppress the replication of the virus but would not have a significant effect on the metabolism of the host. Here, we consider the possibility of using the copper metabolic system as a target to reduce the severity of influenza infection. This is facilitated by the fact that, in mammals, copper status can be rapidly reduced by silver nanoparticles and restored after their cancellation.
Genotypic Variability on Grain Yield and Grain Nutritional Quality Characteristics of Wheat Grown under Elevated CO2 and High Temperature

The progressive rise in atmospheric CO2 concentrations and temperature associated with climate change is predicted to have a major impact on the productivity and quality of food crops. Therefore, food security is highly dependent on climate change. Following a survey with 60 bread wheat genotypes, here we investigated the genetic variation in grain yield and nutritional quality among 10 of these genotypes grown under elevated CO2 and temperature. With this purpose, the biomass production, grain yield-related traits, the grain concentration of starch, total protein, phenolic compounds, and mineral nutrients, together with the total antioxidant capacity, were determined. Variation among genotypes was found for almost all the studied traits. Higher grain and ear numbers were associated with increased grain yield but decreased grain total protein concentration and minerals such as Cu, Fe, Mg, Na, P, and Zn. Mineral nutrients were mainly associated with wheat biomass, whereas protein concentration was affected by plant biomass and yield-related traits. Associations among different nutrients and promising nutrient concentrations in some wheat genotypes were also found. This study demonstrates that the exploration of genetic diversity is a powerful approach, not only for selecting genotypes with improved quality, but also for dissecting the effect of the environment on grain yield and nutritional composition.
Recent Progress on the Characterization of Cellulose Nanomaterials by Nanoscale Infrared Spectroscopy

Researches of cellulose nanomaterials have seen nearly exponential growth over the past several decades for versatile applications. The characterization of nanostructural arrangement and local chemical distribution is critical to understand their role when developing cellulose materials. However, with the development of current characterization methods, the simultaneous morphological and chemical characterization of cellulose materials at nanoscale resolution is still challenging. Two fundamentally different nanoscale infrared spectroscopic techniques, namely atomic force microscope based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) and infrared scattering scanning near field optical microscopy (IR s-SNOM), have been established by the integration of AFM with IR spectroscopy to realize nanoscale spatially resolved imaging for both morphological and chemical information. This review aims to summarize and highlight the recent developments in the applications of current state-of-the-art nanoscale IR spectroscopy and imaging to cellulose materials. It briefly outlines the basic principles of AFM-IR and IR s-SNOM, as well as their advantages and limitations to characterize cellulose materials. The uses of AFM-IR and IR s-SNOM for the understanding and development of cellulose materials, including cellulose nanomaterials, cellulose nanocomposites, and plant cell walls, are extensively summarized and discussed. The prospects of future developments in cellulose materials characterization are provided in the final part.
Bioprinting on 3D Printed Titanium Scaffolds for Periodontal Ligament Regeneration

The three-dimensional (3D) cell-printing technique has been identified as a new biofabrication platform because of its ability to locate living cells in pre-defined spatial locations with scaffolds and various growth factors. Osseointegrated dental implants have been regarded as very reliable and have long-term reliability. However, host defense mechanisms against infections and micro-movements have been known to be impaired around a dental implant because of the lack of a periodontal ligament. In this study, we fabricated a hybrid artificial organ with a periodontal ligament on the surface of titanium using 3D printing technology. CEMP-1, a known cementogenic factor, was enhanced in vitro. In animal experiments, when the hybrid artificial organ was transplanted to the calvarial defect model, it was observed that the amount of connective tissue increased. 3D-printed hybrid artificial organs can be used with dental implants, establishing physiological tooth functions, including the ability to react to mechanical stimuli and the ability to resist infections.
Effects of Ni Doping on [MnO6] Octahedron in LiMn2O4

LiNixMn2-xO4 (x ≤ 0.5) powders were synthesized using a sol−gel technique. It was found that partial Ni atoms occupy the 8a sites in heavy doped LiNixMn2-xO4 via X-ray diffraction. XPS results showed an increase and a decrease in the average valence state of Mn and Ni ions, respectively, with the nickel content. Five Raman modes of LiNixMn2-xO4 were observed. The A1g band was observed being shifted to higher frequency for x ≤ 0.2 and shifted to lower frequency for x > 0.2. It was indicated that the most rigid [MnO6] octahedron occurs at x = 0.2. [MnO6] octahedron in LiNi0.2Mn1. 8O4 possesses the strongest rigidity with respect to the other LiNixMn2-xO4 (x < 0.5 and ≠ 0.2).