Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bmp4 regulates chick Ebf2 and Ebf3 gene expression in somite development

The chick Early B‐cell Factor‐2 and 3 (cEbf2 and cEbf3) genes are members of EBF family of helix loop helix transcription factors. The expression, regulation and importance of these genes have been extensively studied in lymphatic, nervous and muscular tissues. Recently, a new role for some members of EBF in bone development has been investigated. However, the expression profile and regulation in the axial skeleton precursor, the somite, have yet to be elucidated. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the expression and regulation of cEbf2 and cEbf3 genes in the developing chick embryo somite from HH4 to HH28. The spatiotemporal expression study revealed predominant localization of cEbf2 and cEbf3 in the lateral sclerotomal domains and later around vertebral cartilage anlagen of the arch and the proximal rib. Subsequently, microsurgeries, ectopic gene expression experiments were performed to analyze which tissues and factors regulate cEbf2 and cEbf3 expression. Lateral barriers experiments indicated the necessity for lateral signal(s) in the regulation of cEbf2 and cEbf3 genes. Results from tissue manipulations and ectopic gene expression experiments indicate that lateral plate‐derived Bmp4 signals are necessary for the initiation and maintenance of cEbf2 and cEbf3 genes in somites. In conclusion, cEbf2 and cEbf3 genes are considered as lateral sclerotome markers which their expression is regulated by Bmp4 signals from the lateral plate mesoderm.
Death Anxiety amongst Medical Facility Staff Working with Medically Fragile Individuals

Death, an inevitable concept that connects us as humans, can cause significant anxiety in individuals. Literature suggests that some medical professionals choose the field because of their own inner struggles with death (Neimeyer et al., 2004). Archival interview data were utilized in this actionoriented research to explore the notion of death anxiety in professionals who are working with medically fragile children. Twenty-six employees were individually interviewed at a residential medical facility. Additionally, a retrospective journal was utilized to understand the author’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences during internship. In order to examine the potential categories and themes that the author developed and to reduce personal bias, a validation team was utilized. Through reviewing the structured interviews, three perspectives of death were described, based on the participants’ responses (i.e. the actual death of a patient, anticipation of death of self, and anticipation of the death of family members). Regardless of job title, age, gender, ethnicity, religious affiliation, or years of experience, the majority of individuals did not share death anxiety of self or others. Rather, the participants described having increased mindfulness of medical conditions, awareness/appreciation of life, and knowledge and beliefs on life sustaining equipment. Based upon this current research study, medical personnel may benefit from medical facilities promoting positive self-care through enlisting motivational speakers, providing in-services on the topic, and providing training programs (e.g., stress management).
Periostin, a neurite outgrowth‐promoting factor, is expressed at high levels in the primate cerebral cortex

Periostin (POSTN or osteoblast specific factor) is an extracellular matrix protein originally identified as a protein highly expressed in osteoblasts. Recently, periostin has been reported to function in axon regeneration and neuroprotection. In the present study, we focused on periostin function in cortical evolution. We performed a comparative gene expression analysis of periostin between rodents (mice) and primates (marmosets and macaques). Periostin was expressed at higher levels in the primate cerebral cortex compared to the mouse cerebral cortex. Furthermore, we performed overexpression experiments of periostin in vivo and in vitro. Periostin exhibited neurite outgrowth activity in cortical neurons. These results suggested the possibility that prolonged and increased periostin expression in the primate cerebral cortex enhances the cortical plasticity of the mammalian cerebral cortex.
Heart rate and body temperature responses to extreme heat and humidity with and without electric fans.

Patz et al1 described the projected effects of more prolonged and severe heat waves on human health. A simple, low-cost cooling device is an electric fan. A Cochrane review2 concluded “no evidence currently exists supporting or refuting the use of electric fans during heat waves” for mortality and morbidity. However, public health guidance typically warns against fan use in hot weather. Recommended upper limits range from 32.3°C (90°F) at 35% relative humidity (RH) to the high 90s (96-99°F; 35.6-37.2°C, no RH stated2). The skin-to-air temperature gradient reverses with rising environmental temperature, causing dry heat transfer toward the body via convection rather than away from it. Fan use would increase this dry heat transfer, potentially accelerating body heating3,4; however, the efficiency of sweat evaporation from the skin would be simultaneously increased. Thus, fans could still improve net heat loss. Sweat evaporation declines with increasing humidity, so in more humid environments fans may not prevent heat-induced elevations in cardiovascular (heart rate, HR) and thermal (core temperature) strain. This study examined the influence of fan use on the critical humidities at which hot environments can no longer be physiologically tolerated without rapid increases in HR and core temperature.
Statins for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults: Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force

Importance Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States, may be potentially preventable with statin therapy. Objective To systematically review benefits and harms of statins for prevention of CVD to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. Data Sources Ovid MEDLINE (from 1946), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (from 1991), and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (from 2005) to June 2016. Study Selection Randomized clinical trials of statins vs placebo, fixed-dose vs titrated statins, and higher- vs lower-intensity statins in adults without prior cardiovascular events. Data Extraction and Synthesis One investigator abstracted data, a second checked data for accuracy, and 2 investigators independently assessed study quality using predefined criteria. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures All-cause mortality, CVD-related morbidity or mortality, and harms. Results Nineteen trials (n = 71 344 participants [range, 95-17 802]; mean age, 51-66 years) compared statins vs placebo or no statin. Statin therapy was associated with decreased risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR], 0.86 [95% CI, 0.80 to 0.93]; I2 = 0%; absolute risk difference [ARD], -0.40% [95% CI, -0.64% to -0.17%]), cardiovascular mortality (RR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.54 to 0.88]; I2 = 54%; ARD, -0.43% [95% CI, -0.75% to -0.11%]), stroke (RR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.62 to 0.82]; I2 = 0; ARD, -0.38% [95% CI, -0.53% to -0.23%]), myocardial infarction (RR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.57 to 0.71]; I2 = 0%; ARD, -0.81% [95% CI, -1.19 to -0.43%]), and composite cardiovascular outcomes (RR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.63 to 0.78]; I2 = 36%; ARD, -1.39% [95% CI, -1.79 to -0.99%]). Relative benefits appeared consistent in demographic and clinical subgroups, including populations without marked hyperlipidemia (total cholesterol level <200 mg/dL); absolute benefits were higher in subgroups at higher baseline risk. Statins were not associated with increased risk of serious adverse events (RR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.94 to 1.04]), myalgias (RR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.79 to 1.16]), or liver-related harms (RR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.90 to 1.35]). In pooled analysis, statins were not associated with increased risk of diabetes (RR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.91 to 1.20]), although statistical heterogeneity was present (I2 = 52%), and 1 trial found high-intensity statins associated with increased risk (RR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.05 to 1.49]). No trial directly compared titrated vs fixed-dose statins, and there were no clear differences based on statin intensity. Conclusions and Relevance In adults at increased CVD risk but without prior CVD events, statin therapy was associated with reduced risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and CVD events, with greater absolute benefits in patients at greater baseline risk.
Immunology of BCG vaccination in mice : implications for tuberculosis vaccination and for the use of BCG as a recombinant vaccine vector

The effect of vaccination dose on the immune response of mice to Mycobacteriwn bovis B a d e Calme~e Guerin (BCG) was examined. To assess T helper cell-type 1 (Thl) and -type 2 (Th2) responses, a very sensitive ELISPOT assay was developed. Using this assay, the numbers of BCG-specific interferon yand interleukin Cproducing spleen cells were used as indicators of the Thl md Th2 responses, respectively. IgGl and IgG2a serum antibody titers were also assessed. Mice were immunized with different doses of BCG, and their immune response to BCG antigen was determined at various times after vaccination. Low dose immunized mice developed predominantly Thl responses and tittle antibody, while those given higher numbers of bacilli generated a mixed Th l m response and had signifcant antibody titers. Furthermore, mice given the lower doses of BCG developed an immune imprint that enabled them to resist development of a Th2 response on subsequent challenge with a higher dose of BCG, which generates a Th2 response in previously unexposed mice. The immune response of mice immunized with recombinant BCG (rBCG) expressing Escherichia coli Pgalactosidase was also characterized. Thl cells predominated in the immune response to BCG antigen as well as to the expressed p-galactosidase antigen in low dose vaccinated mice. Moreover, the Thl response to both antigens was stable after high dose challenge of low dose vaccinated animals indicating that immune imprinting bad been established both to BCG and to the recombinant pgalactosidase antigen. The results indicate that the immune state that develops in mice upon vaccination with BCG depends on the initial dose of antigen administered, with low amounts of antigen leading to Thl immunity, and relatively high amaunts of antigen leading to Th2 immune responses. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is only controlled effectively by a cellmediated immune response. Immuni7ation with a relalively low dose of BCG, rather than the current standard dose, may provide greater immune protection against M. tuberculosis. Moreover. low dose vaccination with rBCG expressing proteins of leishmania or HlV promises to be an e&ctive means of vaccination against diseases caused by these pathogens, which can only be contained by a Thl response.
Roles of ERα during mouse trophectoderm lineage differentiation: revealed by antagonist and agonist of ERα

During mouse early embryogenesis, blastomeres increase in number by the morula stage. Among them, the outer cells are polarized and differentiated into trophectoderm (TE), while the inner cells remain unpolarized and give rise to inner cell mass (ICM). TE provides an important liquid environment for ICM development. In spite of extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying TE formation are still obscure. In order to investigate the roles of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in this course, mouse 8‐cell embryos were collected and cultured in media containing ERα specific antagonist MPP and/or agonist PPT. The results indicated that MPP treatment inhibits blastocyst formation in a dose‐dependent manner, while PPT, at proper concentration, promotes the cavitation ratio of mouse embryos. Immunofluorescence staining results showed that MPP significantly decreased the nuclear expression of CDX2 in morula, but no significant changes of OCT4 were observed. Moreover, after MPP treatment, the expression levels of the genes related to TE specification, Tead4, Gata3 and Cdx2, were significantly reduced. Overall, these results indicated that ERα might affect mouse embryo cavitation by regulating TE lineage differentiation.
Moving towards a more equal world, one ride at a time: Studying Public Transportation Initiatives using interpretable causal inference

The goal of low-income fare subsidy programs is to increase equitable access to public transit, and in doing so, increase access to jobs, housing, education and other essential resources. King County Metro, one of the largest transit providers focused on equitable public transit, has been innovative in launching new programs for low-income riders. However, due to the observational nature of data on ridership behavior in King County, evaluating the effectiveness of such innovative policies is difficult. In this work, we used seven datasets from a variety of sources, and used a recent interpretable machine-learning-based causal inference matching method called FLAME to evaluate one of King County Metro’s largest programs implemented in 2020: the Subsidized Annual Pass (SAP). Using FLAME, we construct high-quality matched groups and identify features that are important for predicting ridership and re-enrollment. Our analysis provides feedback for policy-makers on what type of interventions might be effective in improving access to transit. In particular, we found that SAP is effective in increasing long-term ridership and re-enrollment. Notably, there are pronounced positive treatment effects in populations that have higher access to public transit and jobs. Treatment effects are also more pronounced in the Asian population and in individuals ages 65+. Insights from this work can help broadly inform public transportation policy decisions and generalize broadly to other cities and other forms of transportation.
Guide to design and development of health-state utility instrumentation

Growing interest in methods of quantifying health-related quality of life has resulted in demand for a manual describing general techniques that may be customized by health researchers and used to measure preferences in applications having a wide variety of objectives. This report is intended to provide practice guidelines to researchers who require information about the design, construction and administration of instruments used to obtain estimates of health utility. The focus is on the steps required to conduct a study in which preferences are measured; the theory that underlies utility measurement is not presented. Utility scores may be used to assess the health-related quality of life for specific health states. Utility scores are also useful in evaluations, such as cost-utility analyses, in which the costs of health care interventions are compared to their consequences both in terms of quantity and quality of life. In order to obtain reliable, valid, and responsive utility scores, however, the instruments must be carefully designed, tested and executed. Experience to date indicates that careful instrument development requires time, effort and care. Three major instruments are described: rating scale, standard gamble and time trade-off. Methodologically correct techniques are recommended where possible and suggestions, based on experience, are presented for situation in which theoretical or empirical evidence is lacking. The guide discusses the criteria for selection of techniques, materials, interviewers and respondents. Examples of an interviewer training manual, interview scripts and data recording forms are also included. Detailed diagrams provide specifications for assembling visual aids (i.e., interviewing props) and an extensive bibliography will direct readers interested in specific issues to appropriate references.
Virtual reality based upper extremity rehabilitation following stroke: a review

1 Laboratory of Synthetic Perceptive Emotive and Cognitive Systems (SPECS), Institut Universitari de l’Audiovisual (IUA), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain 2 Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain In the last decade there have been major developments in the creation of interactive virtual scenarios for the rehabilitation of motor deficits following stroke. Virtual reality technology is arising as a promising tool to diagnose, monitor and induce functional recovery after lesions to the nervous system. This evidence has grown in the last few years, as effort has been made to develop virtual scenarios that are built on the knowledge of mechanisms of recovery. In this paper we review the state of the art virtual reality techniques for rehabilitation of functionality of the upper extremities following stroke. We refer to some of the main systems that have been developed within different rehabilitative approaches such as learning by imitation, reinforced feedback, haptic feedback, augmented practice and repetition, video capture virtual reality, exoskeletons, mental practice, action observation and execution, and others. The major findings of these studies show that virtual reality technologies will become a more and more essential ingredient in the treatment of stroke and other disorders of the nervous system. VIRTUAL REALITY BASED UPPER EXTREMITY REHABILITATION FOLLOWING STROKE: A REVIEW
US Infant Mortality Rate Declines but Still Exceeds Other Developed Countries.

Thenewest federal data on US infant mortality in 2014 canbe viewed as a glass half full or a glass half empty. The good news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is that the 2014 infant mortality rate of 582 deaths per 100000 live births—23 215 infant deaths—is a 2.3% decrease from the 2013 rate. It’s also the lowest recorded US infant mortality rate (http://1.usa.gov /1NbxcwB). “Any reduction in the US infantmortality rate is significant. It iswelcomenews that it has continued to decline,” said Paul H. Wise, MD, MPH, professor of neonatal and developmental medicine at the Stanford University School ofMedicine. “Theprecise reasons for thedecline,however, arestill not clear, and we are waiting for more detailed data to become available. ” Thebadnews is that theUS infantmortality rate, which the CDC defines as death before 1 year of age, still far outstrips infant death rates in other developed countries, such as Finland and Iceland, both of which had a 2013 infant mortality rate of 180 deaths per 100 000 births (http://bit.ly /1ISXKUM).
Bayley‐II or Bayley‐III: what do the scores tell us?

is to be encouraged, a manual is needed which gives clear, explicit instructions to users on how to administer and score the measure in the same way. A training and certification compact disc would also facilitate this process. Currently, one can order an AHA test kit on an AHA training course or during the certification procedure. This may not be possible for potential users experiencing difficulty in obtaining funding for attendance at such courses. Validated for children with upper limb dysfunction aged from 8 months onwards, the AHA and Mini-AHA (in conjunction with a severity classification system) should now be used as a foundation for the development of curves to delineate patterns of manual development, similar to those developed for gross motor function. The Manual Ability Classification System is currently only validated for children from 4 years of age. The creation of manual development curves needs to be undertaken with a much larger sample size than the 43 participants in the 2010 study. This would facilitate a prognosis for manual development and help individual children, their families, teachers, and therapists to make more informed decisions.
Participation rates by educational levels have diverged during 25 years in Finnish health examination surveys

Background Declining participation rates in health examination surveys may impair the representativeness of surveys and introduce bias into the comparison of results between population groups if participation rates differ between them. Changes in the characteristics of non-participants over time may also limit comparability with earlier surveys. Methods We studied the association of socio-economic position with participation, and its changes over the past 25 years. Occupational class and educational level are used as indicators of socio-economic position. Data from six cross-sectional FINRISK surveys conducted between 1987 and 2012 in Finland were linked to national administrative registers, which allowed investigation of the differences between survey participants and non-participants. Results Our results show that individuals with low occupational class or low level of education were less likely to participate than individuals with high occupational class or high level of education. Participation rates decreased in all subgroups of the population but the decline was fastest among those with low level of education. Conclusions The differences in participation rates must be taken into account to avoid biased estimates because socio-economic position has also been shown to be strongly related to health, health behaviour and biological risk factors. Particular attention should be paid to the recruitment of the less-educated population groups.
INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT TESTING POSTURES ON HAND GRIP STRENGTH

Hand grip strength (HGS) is a useful, functional measure of the integrity of upper extremity, however many studies examined it from selected positions (supine, sitting, standing), with no emphasis on other derived positions that are used in a clinical setting. The objective was to evaluate HGS in different body positions that are used in a clinical setting by using a standard protocol. A convenience sample of 40 healthy male participants was recruited for this study, with no history of psychiatric or neurological dysfunction, or upper extremity orthopedic dysfunction. Grip strength was measured in the dominant hand with Jamar Plus+ digital hand dynamometer in five positions: supine, prone, side-lying, sitting and standing. The HGS value in the prone position was significantly lower than that in standing position (p = 0.043) and the sitting position (p = 0.013). However, no statistical difference was found in HGS among supine, prone, side-lying positions. Grip strength correlated moderately with age (r = 0.643). This study provides a useful evaluation of grip strength in different positions. Using identical upper extremity positions, grip strength is variable among different body positions. Grip strength is equivalent when tested from the supine, side-lying or prone, thus position can be adjusted according to the patient's condition. Finally, Age is one of the important determinants of the hand grip evaluation, particularly when standing position is used.