Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Virtual treatment planning in three patients with univentricular physiology using computational fluid dynamics—Pitfalls and strategies

Background Uneven hepatic venous blood flow distribution (HFD) to the pulmonary arteries is hypothesized to be responsible for the development of intrapulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) in patients with univentricular physiology. Thus, achieving uniform distribution of hepatic blood flow is considered favorable. However, no established method for the prediction of the post-interventional hemodynamics currently exists. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) offers the possibility to quantify HFD in patient-specific anatomies before and after virtual treatment. In this study, we evaluated the potential benefit of CFD-assisted treatment planning. Materials and methods Three patients with total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) and PAVM underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and computed tomography imaging (CT). Based on this imaging data, the patient-specific anatomy was reconstructed. These patients were considered for surgery or catheter-based intervention aiming at hepatic blood flow re-routing. CFD simulations were then performed for the untreated state as well as for different surgical and interventional treatment options. These treatment options were applied as suggested by treating cardiologists and congenital heart surgeons with longstanding experience in interventional and surgical treatment of patients with univentricular physiology. HFD was quantified for all simulations to identify the most viable treatment decision regarding redistribution of hepatic blood flow. Results For all three patients, the complex TCPC anatomy could be reconstructed. However, due to the presence of metallic stent implants, hybrid models generated from CT as well as CMR data were required. Numerical simulation of pre-interventional HFD agreed well with angiographic assessment and physiologic considerations. One treatment option resulting in improvement of HFD was identified for each patient. In one patient follow-up data after treatment was available. Here, the virtual treatment simulation and the CMR flow measurements differed by 15%. Conclusion The combination of modern computational methods as well as imaging methods for assessment of patient-specific anatomy and flow might allow to optimize patient-specific therapy planning in patients with pronounced hepatic flow mismatch and PAVM. In this study, we demonstrate that these methods can also be applied in patients with complex univentricular physiology and extensive prior interventions. However, in those cases, hybrid approaches utilizing information of different image modalities may be required.
Overcoming tumor resistance mechanisms in CAR-NK cell therapy

Despite the impressive results of autologous CAR-T cell therapy in refractory B lymphoproliferative diseases, CAR-NK immunotherapy emerges as a safer, faster, and cost-effective approach with no signs of severe toxicities as described for CAR-T cells. Permanently scrutinized for its efficacy, recent promising data in CAR-NK clinical trials point out the achievement of deep, high-quality responses, thus confirming its potential clinical use. Although CAR-NK cell therapy is not significantly affected by the loss or downregulation of its CAR tumor target, as in the case of CAR-T cell, a plethora of common additional tumor intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms that could also disable NK cell function have been described. Therefore, considering lessons learned from CAR-T cell therapy, the emergence of CAR-NK cell therapy resistance can also be envisioned. In this review we highlight the processes that could be involved in its development, focusing on cytokine addiction and potential fratricide during manufacturing, poor tumor trafficking, exhaustion within the tumor microenvironment (TME), and NK cell short in vivo persistence on account of the limited expansion, replicative senescence, and rejection by patient’s immune system after lymphodepletion recovery. Finally, we outline new actively explored alternatives to overcome these resistance mechanisms, with a special emphasis on CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genetic engineering approaches, a promising platform to optimize CAR-NK cell function to eradicate refractory cancers.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of quality of life in life-threatening illness-family carer version

Background The Quality of Life (QOL) in Life-threatening Illness-Family Carer Version (QOLLTI-F) has been proven to be a brief, reliable, and valid instrument for measuring the caregivers’ QOL in western cultures. However, whether it is suitable to be used in Chinese culture is unclear. This study aimed to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of (QOLLTI-F-CV). Materials and methods A total of 202 family caregivers (FCs) of advanced cancer patients from Fujian Provincial hospice care center were investigated using the Chinese version of QOLLTI-F-CV from September 2019 to August 2020. The questionnaire was evaluated using an exploratory structural equation model. Its psychometric properties were examined in terms of factor structure, convergent validity, discriminant validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability. Results Differently from the seven-domain original QOLLTI-F, its Chinese version had only three domains including caregiver’s self-feelings, caregiver’s stress, and caregiver’s outlooks. The total variance explanation rate for the domains was 55.4%. The Chinese version fitted well with the structure model (χ2 = 153.932, df = 75, P < 0.001); its comparative fit index (CFI) was 0.971; Tucker–Lewis index was 0.954; and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.072. The success rate of its convergent and discriminant validity calibration test was 100%. Its Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the whole questionnaire and three domains was from 0.650 to 0.874, and test–retest reliability was 0.836. Conclusion The 3-domain QOLLTI-F-CV is a valid and reliable instrument for identifying QOL concerns of FCs of advanced cancer patients in China. The refactoring structure optimally matches Chinese culture and value system well.
Effect of agricultural intervention on nutrient stoichiometry from root to leaf in the helophyte species Glyceria spiculosa

Plant nutrient stoichiometry indicates the balance of plant internal nutrients and its nutrient-use strategies in response to environmental changes. However, the responses of nutrient stoichiometry in different wetland plant organs under agricultural intervention are poorly understood. Here, we compared the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and the ratio of N:P in the plant organs (leaves, stems, roots, and root hair) of a typical helophyte plant (Glyceria spiculosa) in reference, drained, nutrient-rich, and cultivated wetlands (CW) located downstream of the Tumen River in Northeast China. Compared with that in reference wetlands (RW), the results indicate that the average N content in plant leaves, stems, roots, and root hair in nutrient-rich wetlands (NW) was significantly higher by 76, 61, 56, and 39%, respectively (p < 0.05), whereas the N content of roots and root hair in drained wetlands (DW) was significantly higher by 17 and 32%, respectively (p < 0.05). It was found that plant root P increased only in nutrient-rich and DW (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the agricultural interventions significantly affected soil N and P availability, resulting in positive effects on plant leaves, stems, roots, and root hair. Nutrient stoichiometry analysis showed the highest increase in plant leaf N:P ratio in NW, followed by that in drained and CW, but its ratio in root and root hair showed no significant changes under different agricultural interventions, which suggests that G. spiculosa allocates nutrients differently in different organs under agricultural interventions. These results imply that plant nutrient stoichiometry should incorporate various plant organs for an in-depth understanding of plant strategies against environmental changes.
Pharmacological interventions for social cognitive impairments in schizophrenia: A protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background Social cognitive impairments adversely affect social functioning (e.g., employment status) in patients with schizophrenia. Although pharmacological interventions have been suggested to provide some benefits on social cognition, little information is available on the comparative efficacy of pharmacotherapy. Thus, the aim of this planned systematic review and network meta-analysis is to perform a quantitative comparison of the effects of various psychotropic drugs, including supplements, on social cognition disturbances of schizophrenia. Methods The literature search will be carried out using the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases from inception onward. Randomized controlled trials that examined the efficacy of drugs in social cognitive disturbances will be included, based on the most recent studies and the broader literature than previously searched. This protocol defines a priori the methods that will be used for study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses. Discussion The findings this work are expected to help promote the development of better therapeutics of social cognitive impairments in schizophrenia and related psychiatric conditions. Systematic Review Registration [www.crd. york.ac. uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42021293224].
Impact of online convenience on generation Z online impulsive buying behavior: The moderating role of social media celebrity

This research aims to determine which dimensions of online convenience influence generation z consumers’ cognitive and affective attitudes and online impulsive buying behavior. The moderating effect of social media celebrity is also investigated to examine the attitude-behavior gap. A total of 348 responses from Chinese users who followed digital celebrities were received using purposive sampling. Data analysis and hypothesis testing were carried out using SmartPLS, version 3 (partial least squares). The results indicated that relationship convenience, possession convenience, post possession conveniences, transaction convenience, and evaluation convenience have a crucial impact on cognitive and affective attitudes. Similarly, cognitive and affective attitudes are significant and positive predictors of generation z consumers’ online impulsive buying behavior. Moreover, empirical results supported the moderating role of social media celebrities that aid marketers in selecting a product endorser. The implications for marketers and policymakers are discussed based on the above research findings. Moreover, future research directions are suggested.
Editorial: Biomarkers from multi-tracer and multi-modal neuroimaging in age-related neurodegenerative diseases

COPYRIGHT © 2022 Nie. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Editorial: Biomarkers from multi-tracer and multi-modal neuroimaging in age-related neurodegenerative diseases
PI3K/mTOR inhibitor omipalisib prolongs cardiac repolarization along with a mild proarrhythmic outcome in the AV block dog model

Background The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is an interesting target in cancer treatment. The awareness of the proarrhythmic risk of PI3K inhibitors was raised because PI3K is also involved in regulating signaling toward cardiac ion channels. Canine cardiomyocytes treated with PI3K inhibitors show an increased action potential duration and reduced cardiac repolarizing currents. Now, the potential proarrhythmic effect of chronic treatment of PI3K/mTOR inhibitor GSK2126458 (omipalisib) was investigated in the atrioventricular (AV) block dog model. Methods Purpose-bred Mongrel dogs received complete AV block by ablation of the bundle of His and their hearts were paced in the right ventricular apex at VDD-mode (RVA-VDD). In this way, sinus rhythm was maintained for 15 ± 1 days and thereby bradycardia-induced cardiac remodeling was prevented. Dogs received 1 mg/kg omipalisib once (n = 3) or twice (n = 10) a day via oral administration for 7 days. Under standardized conditions (anesthesia, bradycardia at 60 beats/min, and a dofetilide challenge), potential proarrhythmic effects of omipalisib were investigated. Results Twice daily dosing of omipalisib increased accumulative plasma levels compared to once daily dosing accompanied with adverse events. Omipalisib prolonged the QT interval at baseline and more strongly after the dofetilide challenge (490 ± 37 to 607 ± 48 ms). The arrhythmic outcome after omipalisib resulted in single ectopic beats in 30% of dogs perpetuating in multiple ectopic beats and TdP arrhythmia in 20% of dogs. Isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes from omipalisib-treated dogs showed a diminished IKs current density. Conclusion Chronic treatment of PI3K/mTOR inhibitor omipalisib prolonged the QT interval in a preclinical model under standardized proarrhythmic conditions. Furthermore, this study showed that electrical remodeling induced by omipalisib had a mild proarrhythmic outcome.
Risk of cardiovascular disease among different fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy regimens as adjuvant treatment for resected colorectal cancer

Background Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) than those without cancer. Little is known regarding their CV risk after operative chemotherapy. We aimed to compare the risk of CV disease among different fluoropyrimidine derivatives. Methods We assembled a nationwide cohort of patients with newly diagnosed CRC between 2004 and 2015 who received fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy for resected CRC by linking the Taiwan Cancer Registry (TCR), National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), and Taiwan Death Registry (TDR). All eligible patients were followed from CRC diagnosis (index date) until a CV event, death, loss to follow-up, or December 31st 2018, whichever came first. CV outcomes included acute myocardial infarction (AMI), life-threatening arrhythmia (LTA), congestive heart failure (CHF), and ischemic stroke (IS). We used stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting using propensity score (SIPTW) to balance all covariates among the three chemotherapy groups: tegafur-uracil (UFT), non-UFT, and mixed. In addition, survival analysis was conducted to examine the association between study outcomes and chemotherapy groups. Results From 2004 to 2015, 10,615 (32.8%) patients received UFT alone, 14,511 (44.8%) patients received non-UFT, and 7,224 (22.3%) patients received mixed chemotherapy. After SIPTW, the UFT group had significantly lower all-cause mortality and cancer-related death rates than the other two chemotherapy groups. However, the UFT group had significantly higher rates of cancer death, ischemic stroke, and heart failure than those of the other two chemotherapy groups. The UFT group also had a significantly higher AMI rate than the mixed group. There was no significant difference in LTA among the three groups. Similar findings were observed in the subgroup analysis (stage II and age <70 years, stage II and age ≥70 years, stage III and age <70 years, stage III and age ≥70 years) as the overall population was observed. Conclusion Higher heart failure and ischemic stroke rates were found in the UFT group than in the other two chemotherapy groups, especially those with stage III CRC and ≥70 years of age. Careful monitoring of this subset of patients when prescribing UFT is warranted.
Benign regulation of the gut microbiota: The possible mechanism through which the beneficial effects of manual acupuncture on cognitive ability and intestinal mucosal barrier function occur in APP/PS1 mice

Background Gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal barrier injury play vital roles in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) onset and development. Our previous studies have demonstrated that manual acupuncture (MA) could improve the cognitive abilities of APP/PS1 mice. However, the effect of MA on the intestinal mucosal barrier and the gut microbiota mechanism through which this effect occurs remain to be clarified. Methods In the APP/PS1 manual acupuncture (Am) group, MA was applied in Baihui (GV20), Yintang (GV29), and Zusanli (ST36). Mice in the APP/PS1 antibiotic + manual acupuncture (Aa) group were treated with an antibiotic mixture and MA at the same time. Probiotics were delivered to the APP/PS1 probiotics (Ap) group. Alterations in spatial learning and memory, the gut microbiota, the intestinal barrier function, and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and TNF-α were evaluated in each group. Results Compared with the C57BL/6 control (Cc) group, cognitive ability was significantly decreased, the gut microbiota structure was obviously disrupted, intestinal barrier integrity was drastically impaired, and the intestinal inflammatory response was enhanced in the APP/PS1 control (Ac) group (P < 0.01). These changes were reversed by MA and probiotics (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), whereas antibiotics inhibited the benign regulation by MA (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Conclusion Manual acupuncture can benignly modulate gut microbiota dysbiosis, significantly reduce intestinal inflammation, and effectively alleviate the destruction of the intestinal mucosal barrier in APP/PS1 mice, and the effects are comparable to those of probiotics. The gut microbiota may play an important role in the improvement of the cognitive function and intestinal barrier function by MA.
Depression and anxiety among children and adolescents pre and post COVID-19: A comparative meta-analysis

Background Published studies in comparing pre and post the COVID-19 pandemic depression and anxiety levels among children and adolescents yielded incongruent results. Therefore, there is a necessity to perform a timely meta-analysis to synthesize existing evidence. Methods A total of 10 digital databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, CNKI, WanFang, CQVIP) were fully searched for eligible studies published before November 6, 2021. Based on quality assessment results, relevant data were extracted for eligible studies of higher quality. We combined standardized mean difference (SMD) or prevalence ratio (RR) for anxiety and depression pre and post the COVID-19 pandemic by using random-effects models. Sensitivity analysis was further performed to evaluate heterogeneity of included studies. Results 14,508 articles were preliminarily identified, and after stepwise screening process, 8 articles were included eventually. The results showed that the SMD for post COVID-19 anxiety score measured by GAD-7 was 0.12 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.17), an significant increase compared with pre COVID-19 period; the SMDs and 95% CIs for post COVID-18 depression scores measured by PHQ-9, PHQ-8, and MFQ were 0.17 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.24), 0.23 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.38), and 0.11 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.17), respectively, also significantly increased compared with pre COVID-19 period. The RR for depression was 2.54 (95% CI: 2.48, 2.60) in post COVID-19 period when compared with pre-pandemic. Conclusions Children and adolescents reported deteriorated anxiety and depression levels after the COVID-19 pandemic. More attention should be paid to this vulnerable group. Effective, expedient, and practical intervention measures which are compatible with COVID-19 prevention and control policies should be developed and implemented to maintain mental health wellbeing of the youths.
Intraoperative tissue classification methods in orthopedic and neurological surgeries: A systematic review

Accurate tissue differentiation during orthopedic and neurological surgeries is critical, given that such surgeries involve operations on or in the vicinity of vital neurovascular structures and erroneous surgical maneuvers can lead to surgical complications. By now, the number of emerging technologies tackling the problem of intraoperative tissue classification methods is increasing. Therefore, this systematic review paper intends to give a general overview of existing technologies. The review was done based on the PRISMA principle and two databases: PubMed and IEEE Xplore. The screening process resulted in 60 full-text papers. The general characteristics of the methodology from extracted papers included data processing pipeline, machine learning methods if applicable, types of tissues that can be identified with them, phantom used to conduct the experiment, and evaluation results. This paper can be useful in identifying the problems in the current status of the state-of-the-art intraoperative tissue classification methods and designing new enhanced techniques.
The Influence of Foreign Direct Investment and Tourism on Carbon Emission in China

The aim of this research is to examine the potential influence of FDI inflows and tourism industry on carbon dioxide emissions in China using System GMM models for a sample period of 1980–2019. Using FMOLS and DOLS models, this research examines the long-term relationship between the variables, as well as the long-term association among components. Co-joining the boards of FMOLS and DOLS models shows a general correlation between the investigation elements and CO2 emissions in China. FDI, tourism sector, and environment-friendly electricity use have all been major contributors to rising CO2 emissions in China for a long time. Using System GMM, FMOLS, and DOLS models in China, we examined the influence of the travel sector on carbon dioxide emissions as well as environment-friendly electricity usage and foreign direct investment. The government of China is being pushed to attract more foreign direct investment in order to improve the system and expand the transportation industry. As a reasonable responsibility to an unnatural climate change, methods for developing the movement business and theories relating to the movement business should be adopted.
Robust /spl Hscr//sub /spl infin// filtering for a class of linear parameter-varying systems

In this paper, we investigate the problem of /spl Hscr//sub /spl infin// filtering for a class of linear parameter-varying (LPV) systems in which the state-space matrices depend affinely on time-varying parameters. We employ the notion of affine quadratic stability using parameter-dependent Lyapunov functionals. We develop a linear parameter-dependent filter such that the estimation error is affinely quadratically stable with a prescribed performance measure. It is established that the solvability conditions can be expressed by linear matrix inequalities which are then evaluated at the extreme points of the admissible parameter set. Simulation results of a typical example are presented.