Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of sea salt intake on metabolites, steroid hormones, and gut microbiota in rats

High salt intake is positively linked to many health problems, but the effect of mineral-rich sea salt (SS) has rarely been studied. To better understand the physiological effects of SS intake, the changes in general characteristics, metabolites, steroid hormones, and gut microbiota of SS-fed rats were investigated. Male rats were fed either a normal diet (ND, control) or ND containing 1% SS or 4% SS for 5 weeks. SS intake decreased fat, spleen, liver, and body weight, and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), water intake, and gut salt content. Accumulated gut salt content led to a decrease in beneficial bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillus, but an increase in potentially harmful bacteria, resulting in a change in lipid metabolites associated with gut health. Interestingly, most renal lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) associated with many renal functions were dramatically decreased and female hormones, such as estrogens, were significantly more altered than the male hormones by high SS intake. Although further investigation is needed, these data suggest that high SS intake could be positively linked to kidney dysfunction and gut health problems, and salt-related physiological changes may be sex-specific. Additionally, these data will be useful to better under-stand the physiological effects of SS intake.
Artemisia argyi extract ameliorates IL‐17A‐induced inflammatory response by regulation of NF‐κB and Nrf2 expression in HIG‐82 synoviocytes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease that results in joint destruction and disability in the adult population. RA is characterized by the accumulation and proliferation of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes. Many pro‐inflammatory mediators are associated with RA, such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB). Furthermore, IL‐17 upregulates the production of other pro‐inflammatory mediators, including IL‐1β and IL‐6, and promotes the recruitment of neutrophils in RA. Artemisia argyi, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is used for the treatment of diseases associated with inflammation and microbial infections. In this study, synoviocytes (HIG‐82) were treated with varying doses of A. argyi extract (AAE) following IL‐17A stimulation. Proliferation of the IL‐17A‐stimulated cells was increased compared to that of the non‐stimulated control cells. However, cell proliferation decreased significantly in a dose‐dependent manner following AAE treatment. Treatment of IL‐17A‐stimulated cells with AAE resulted in decreased levels of phosphorylated (p)‐NF‐κB, p‐IκB‐α, and COX‐2. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay results showed that IL‐1β and IL‐6 levels were increased in the IL‐17A‐stimulated group but decreased in the AAE treatment group. Additionally, we found that AAE facilitated nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and promoted its nuclear translocation, thereby inducing the expression of heme oxygenase‐1. Moreover, AAE did not attenuate IL‐17A‐induced inflammatory mediator production in the presence of ML385, an Nrf2‐specific inhibitor. These results suggest that the downregulation of expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and the transcription factor NF‐κB by AAE may be a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing inflammation associated with RA.
Compton scattering of polarized light in two-phase accretion discs

The differences between the exact matrix of the Compton scattering and the Rayleigh matrix of Thomson scattering have been investigated. We present the Compton scattering formalism and, to illustrate this, compute the polarization of radiation from a two-phase accretion disc as a function of frequency and emission angle. The disc was assumed to be plane parallel and consisting of two parts: 1. optically thick and cool inner disc emitting black body radiation and 2. hot optically thin accretion disc corona (ADC). The central object was assumed not to contribute to the X-ray luminosity and we neglected the radiation of the corona. The radiative transfer equation of polarized light was solved in the approximation of single scattering taking into account the exact Compton matrix
The prevalence of self-reported anxiety, depression, and associated factors among Hanoi Medical University’s students during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic

Background Medical students are known to have higher levels of these issues than the general population but in Vietnam the effects of the pandemic on medical student mental health was not documented. Objectives To estimate the prevalence and identify factors associated with self-reported anxiety disorder, depression, and perception of worsening mental health among Vietnamese medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 7th to 29th, 2020. All students in Doctor of General Medicine, Doctor of Preventive Medicine, and Bachelor of Nursing tracks at Hanoi Medical University (3672 students) were invited to participate. Data were collected using an online questionnaire including demographic characteristics, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 items, Patient Health Questionnaire 9 items, Fear of COVID-19 scale, and question about worsening mental health status. Robust Poisson regression was used to assess the association between mental health status and associated factors. Results Among 1583 students (43.1% response rate), the prevalence of students screened positive for anxiety disorder was 7.3%(95%C.I.:6.0–8.7), depression was 14.5%(95%C.I.:12.8–16.3), and perceiving worsening mental health was 6.9%(95%C.I.:5.7–8.3). In multivariable regression models, significant factors associated with self-reported anxiety disorder included being male (PR = 1.99,95%C.I.:1.35–2.92), difficulty in paying for healthcare services (PR = 2.05,95%C.I.:1.39–3.01), and high level of fear of COVID-19 (Q3:PR = 2.36,95%C.I.:1.38–4.02 and Q4:PR = 4.75,95%C.I.:2.65–8.49). Significant factors associated with self-reported depression were difficulty in paying for healthcare services (PR = 1.78,95%C.I.:1.37–2.30), and high level of fear of COVID-19 (Q3:PR = 1.41,95%C.I.:1.02–1.95 and Q4:PR = 2.23,95%C.I.:1.51–3.29). Significant factors associated with perceived worsening mental health status included having clinical experience (PR = 1.83,95%C.I.:1.17–2.88) and having atypical symptoms of COVID-19 (PR = 1.96,95%C.I.:1.31–2.94). Conclusion The prevalence of self-reported depression, anxiety disorder, and worsening mental health among Vietnamese students during the first wave of COVID-19 was lower than in medical students in other countries. Further investigation is needed to confirm this finding.
An overview: CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing for viral vaccine development

ABSTRACT Introduction Gene-editing technology revolutionized vaccine manufacturing and offers a variety of benefits over traditional vaccinations, such as improved immune response, higher production rate, stability, precise immunogenic activity, and fewer adverse effects. The more recently discovered Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has become the most widely utilized technology based on its efficiency, utility, flexibility, versatility, ease of use, and cheaper compared to other gene-editing techniques. Considering its wider scope for genomic modification, CRISPR/Cas9-based technology’s potential is explored for vaccine development. Areas covered In this review, we will address the recent advances in the CRISPR/Cas system for the development of vaccines and viral vectors for delivery. In addition, we will discuss strategies for the development of the vaccine, as well as the limitations and future prospects of the CRISPR/Cas system. Expert opinion Human and animal viruses have been exposed to antiviral CRISPR/Cas9-based engineering to prevent infection, which uses knockout, knock-in, gene activation/deactivation, RNA targeting, and editing cell lines strategies for gene editing of viruses. Because of that CRISPR/Cas system is used to boost the vaccine production yield by removing unwanted genes that cause disease or are required for viral infection.
Mobile and online consumer tools to screen for autism do not promote equity

Limited access to screening and evaluation for autism spectrum disorder in children is a major barrier to improving outcomes for marginalized families. To identify and evaluate available digital autism spectrum disorder screening resources, we simulated web and mobile app searches by a parent concerned about their child’s likelihood of autism spectrum disorder. Included digital autism spectrum disorder screening tools (a) were on Internet or mobile app; (b) were in English; (c) had a parent user inputting data; (d) assigned likelihood category to child <9 years; and (e) screened for autism spectrum disorder. Ten search terms, developed using Google Search and parent panel recommendations, were used to search web and app tools in the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Australia, and Canada using Virtual Private Networks. Results were examined for attributes likely to benefit parents in marginalized communities, such as ease of searching, language versions, and reading level. The four terms most likely to identify any tools were “autism quiz,” “autism screening tool,” “does my child have autism,” and “autism toddler. ” Three out of five searches contained autism spectrum disorder screening tools, as did one of 10 links or apps. Searches identified a total of 1475 websites and 919 apps, which yielded 23 unique tools. Most tools required continuous Internet access or offered only English, and many had high reading levels. In conclusion, screening tools are available, but they are not easily found. Barriers include inaccessibility to parents with limited literacy or limited English proficiency, and frequent encounters with games, advertisements, and user fees. Lay Abstract Many parents wonder if their child might have autism. Many parents use their smartphones to answer health questions. We asked, “How easy or hard is it for parents to use their smartphones to find ‘tools’ to test their child for signs of autism? ” After doing pretend parent searches, we found that only one in 10 search results were tools to test children for autism. These tools were not designed for parents who have low income or other challenges such as low literacy skills, low English proficiency, or not being tech-savvy.
Extended Family Caregivers for Persons Living With Dementia

Despite changes in the structure of contemporary families, little is known about extended family members—siblings, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, stepkin—who are primary caregivers for a relative living with dementia. Information about these caregivers is needed to help ensure their needs are understood by providers in health care and social service settings. The focus of this research was on the care situations of extended family caregivers and the impact of caregiving on their health and well-being. In Study 1, data from the National Study of Caregiving were used to describe the experiences of 107 extended family caregivers. In Study 2, case study techniques elicited additional information about the experiences of 10 extended family caregivers. Collectively, these caregivers provide care with little or no formal support and occasional help from a small informal network. Caregiving affected their physical and emotional health, depending on the strength of the relationship between the caregiver and the person living with dementia and the type of care provided. Findings contribute new knowledge about extended family caregivers and highlight the important role extended family dementia caregivers play and the challenges they face.
Feasibility of a supervised and home‐based tailored exercise intervention in head and neck cancer patients during chemoradiotherapy

Abstract Objective Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) is associated with high toxicity that adversely affects physical functioning, body composition, fatigue, quality of life and treatment outcomes. Exercise interventions during treatment might counteract these negative effects. We therefore assessed the feasibility of an exercise programme for HNC patients during CRT. Methods Forty patients were offered a tailored 10‐week endurance and resistance training with supervised and home‐based sessions. Feasibility endpoints were (1) adherence (main outcome): ≥60% attendance; (2) recruitment: ≥30%; (3) retention rate: ≥85% and (4) compliance rate: ≥60%. Physical performance, muscle strength, body composition, quality of life and fatigue were assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention. Results Overall adherence was 54%. The recruitment rate was 36%, and the retention rate was 65%. Compliance to the supervised intervention protocol was 66%. Statistically significant decreases were found in mean grip strength, fat‐free mass and clinically relevant deteriorations on several domains of quality of life, and fatigue subscales were found. Conclusion We conclude that this exercise programme for HNC patients during CRT in its current form is feasible for only a minority of patients. We suggest adaptations to improve adherence and retention rates for a definitive multicentre trial. Trial registration This study is registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR7305), 6 June 2018, retrospectively registered.
A vicious circle? Longitudinal relationships between different modes of in-group identity and COVID-19 conspiracy thinking

ABSTRACT Since March 2020, when the World Health Organization declared the spread of COVID-19 a global pandemic, conspiracy theories have continued to rise. This research examines the role of different forms of in-group identity in predicting conspiracy thinking in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. We hypothesized that conspiracy thinking would be predicted positively by national narcissism (i.e., a belief in in-group’s greatness which is contingent on its external validation and makes in-group members sensitive to psychological threats) but negatively by secure national identification (i.e., a confidently held ingroup evaluation, which serves as a buffer against psychological threats). In a three-wave longitudinal study conducted on a representative sample of adult Poles (N = 650), conspiracy thinking was positively predicted by national narcissism, but negatively by national identification. Further, we found evidence that conspiracy thinking strengthened national narcissism (but not national identification) over time. Implications for intra- and intergroup processes are discussed.
Development and validation of a route planning methodology for vehicle-based remote measurements of methane and other emissions from oil and gas wells and facilities

ABSTRACT Multi-sensor vehicle systems have been implemented in large-scale field programs to detect, attribute, and estimate emissions rates of methane (CH4) and other compounds from oil and gas wells and facilities. Most vehicle systems use passive sensing; they must be positioned downwind of sources to detect emissions. A major deployment challenge is predicting the best measurement locations and driving routes to sample infrastructure. Here, we present and validate a methodology that incorporates high-resolution weather forecast and geospatial data to predict measurement locations and optimize driving routes. The methodology estimates the downwind road intersection point (DRIP) of theoretical CH4 plumes emitted from each well or facility. DRIPs serve as waypoints for Dijkstra’s shortest path algorithm to determine the optimal driving route. We present a case study to demonstrate the methodology for planning and executing a vehicle-based concentration mapping survey of 50 oil and gas wells near Pecos, Texas. Validation was performed by comparing DRIPs with 174 CH4 plumes measured by vehicle surveys of oil and gas wells and facilities in Alberta, Canada. Results indicate median Manhattan distances of 145.8 m between DRIPs and plume midpoints and 160.3 m between DRIPs and peak plume enhancements. A total of 46 (26%) of the plume segments overlapped DRIPs. Locational errors of DRIPs are related to misattributions of emissions sources and discrepancies between modeled and instantaneous wind direction measured when the vehicle intersects plumes. Although the development of the methodology was motivated by CH4 emissions from oil and gas facilities, it should be applicable to other types of point source air emissions from known facilities. Implications: This paper presents and validates a method that addresses the challenge of measuring industrial emissions from public roads. The method can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of targeted vehicle-based emissions surveys where the locations of potential sources are known. We believe the method has broad application in addition to the upstream oil and gas context it was designed for.
Optimizing Medication Distribution in Automated Dispensing Cabinets: Dashboard Implementation and Evaluation

Purpose: To determine the impact of a business intelligence dashboard tool to optimize automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs). Methods: A pre-post implementation design was used to evaluate key performance indicators (KPI) before and after the implementation of a dashboard tool to optimize ADCs. Eleven ADCs were optimized in 2 phases according to dashboard recommendations: (1) removal of unused medications over 90 days, (2) adjusting periodic automatic replenishment (PAR) levels, and (3) addition of commonly dispensed medications. The KPI measures that were assessed included inventory cost, no. of stocked medications, stockout percentage, vend to refill ratio, and missing dose messages from nursing. An interrupted-time-series regression was used to quantify the impact of ADCs on the means of measured KPIs. Results: Differences in mean distribution of all KPIs, except missing dose, between the pre- and post-ADC periods during the Phase 1 period were statistically significant: inventory cost (54.2 vs 56), stockout percentage (1.55 vs 1.12), vend to refill ratio (6.83 vs 6.14), and missing dose messages (221 vs 229). Only the mean ADC utilization (57.3 vs 64) and missing dose (228 vs 179) were statistically different between the pre- and post-ADC periods in Phase 2. The interrupted-time-series analysis showed that Phase 1 optimization significantly reduced the cost of inventory (β = −$1.238.00, P < .01), no. Stocked medications (β = −8.2, P < .01), percent stockout (β = −.49%, P < .01), vend-to-refill ratio (β = −1.29%, P<.01) and ADC utilization (β = −.2, P < .01). Conclusion: Automated dispensing cabinets optimization, through the use of a dashboard tool, had a positive impact on almost all measured KPIs.
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, mental health and treatment need in the United States during COVID‐19

Abstract Introduction Before COVID‐19, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NH/PI) endured a heavy burden of alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) use in prior US data. Responding to reports that many NH/PI communities experienced severe COVID‐19 disparities that could exacerbate their ATOD burden, we partnered with NH/PI communities to assess the substance use patterns and treatment needs of diverse NH/PIs during COVID‐19. Methods Collaborating with NH/PI community organisations across five states with large NH/PI populations, we conducted a large‐scale investigation of NH/PI ATOD use, mental health and treatment need during COVID‐19. Between April and November 2021, NH/PI‐heritage research staff from our community partners collected data involving 306 NH/PI adults using several community‐based recruitment methods (e‐mail, telephone, in‐person) and two survey approaches: online and paper‐and‐pencil. Multivariate regressions were conducted to examine potential predictors of NH/PI alcohol use disorder and need for behavioural health treatment. Results During COVID‐19, 47% and 22% of NH/PI adults reported current alcohol and cigarette use, while 35% reported lifetime illicit substance use (e.g., cannabis, opioid). Depression and anxiety were high, and alcohol use disorder, major depression and generalised anxiety disorder prevalence were 27%, 27% and 19%, respectively. One‐third of participants reported past‐year treatment need with lifetime illicit substance use, COVID‐19 distress and major depression respectively associating with 3.0, 1.2, and 5.3 times greater adjusted odds for needing treatment. Conclusions NH/PI adults reported heavy ATOD use, depression, anxiety and treatment need during COVID‐19. Targeted research and treatment services may be warranted to mitigate COVID‐19's negative behavioural health impact on NH/PI communities.
Childhood listening and associated cognitive difficulties persist into adolescence

Our objective in this study was to examine children with and without listening difficulty (LiD) longitudinally to ask whether LiD was developmentally transient or persistent. Like many other developmental problems, we hypothesized that LiD persists into adolescence. Behavioral and physiological data were collected from children initially aged 6-13 years at baseline and two and four years later. Of 169 enrolled participants, 147, 100, and 31 children completed required testing in study visits at baseline, 2 years, and 4 years later, respectively. All children had clinically normal audiograms at all visits. Listening skills scores from a caregiver report scale (ECLiPS), and auditory and cognitive skills were significantly poorer in the LiD group than in a typically developing (TD) group throughout the study period. In both groups, age-adjusted listening and auditory skills increased over time. Using the longitudinal data, a parsimonious prediction model for ECLIPS scores (pooled across groups) was created. The final model included maternal education, spatial listening skills, and cognitive performance, which explained 54.8% of the variance in the ECLiPS score. Children with LiD but normal audiograms have, relative to TD children, persistent listening difficulties, challenges in competing speech tasks, and poor cognitive performance through adolescence. The degree of LiD can be independently predicted by maternal education, cognitive performance, and spatial listening skills.
Public banks, public water: exploring the links in Europe

ABSTRACT Public banks have played an important role in financing public water and sanitation services in Europe for over a century, but these activities have been largely ignored in the academic literature. This special issue is an initial corrective to this research gap, providing conceptual insights and empirical information on eight countries and regions in Europe, covering a wide range of public banks working with public water operators. This introductory article provides background rationale for the research, outlines our methodologies, frames the theoretical potentials of public banks in the water sector, highlights key findings and points to future possible research directions.
Improving the Efficiency of Auxiliary Cooling Water Pump and Auxiliary Sea Water Booster Pump in Thermal Plant using Variable Frequency Drive

Thermal power stations are one of the main source of electricity in India. In Thermal Plant Existing Auxiliary Cooling Water Pumps(ACW) and Auxiliary Sea Water Booster Pumps(ASWB) maintain constant water flow rate Irrespective of the cooling required (cooling required will be more during hot summer and is less during Winter). Our Project aims to Control the Water Flow rates of Auxiliary Cooling Water Pumps(ACW) and Auxiliary Sea Water Booster Pumps(ASWB) according to the Cooling required. PID controller can be used to control motor speed that lead to reduce the energy consumption. The main aim of this modelling is to reduce the energy consumption according to the environment temperature degree by the implementation of Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and hence the proper control of fluid flows.