Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natriuretic peptides as predictors for atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation: A meta-analysis

Background: Catheter ablation (CA) has become the first-line treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF) but remains with a substantial recurrence rate. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the association between baseline natriuretic peptide levels and AF recurrence after CA. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Wiley-Cochrane Library for relevant studies published up until May 2022. Overall effect analysis and subgroup analysis were performed with Review Manager software. Results: Finally, 61 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in our meta-analysis. Compared with the nonrecurrence group, the recurrence group had increased baseline level of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21–0.56), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31–0.71), N-terminal pro-BNP (SMD = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.49–0.92), and midregional N-terminal pro-ANP (SMD = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.27–1.56). Conclusions: Increased baseline natriuretic peptide levels, including ANP, BNP, N-terminal pro-BNP, and midregional N-terminal pro-ANP, are associated with a higher risk of AF recurrence after CA. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to elucidate the predictive value of baseline natriuretic peptides in AF patients undergoing CA.
Interactions between integrated pest management, pollinator supplementation, and normalized difference vegetation index in pumpkin, Cucurbita maxima (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae), production

Sustainable production of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) partly relies on integrated pest management (IPM) and pollination services. A farmer-managed field study was carried out in Yatta and Masinga Sub-Counties of Machakos County, Kenya, to determine the effectiveness of a recommended IPM package and its interaction with stingless bee colonies (Hypotrigona sp.) for pollinator supplementation (PS). The IPM package comprised Lynfield traps with cuelure laced with the organophosphate malathion, sprays of Metarhizium anisopliae (Mechnikoff) Sorokin isolate ICIPE 69, the most widely used fungal biopesticide in sub-Saharan Africa, and protein baits incorporating spinosad. Four treatments—IPM, PS, integrated pest and pollinator management (which combined IPM and PS), and control—were replicated 4 times. The experiment was conducted in 600 m2 farms in 2 normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) classes during 2 growing seasons (October 2019–March 2020 and March–July 2020). Fruits showing signs of infestation were incubated for emergence, fruit fly trap catches were counted weekly, and physiologically mature fruits were harvested. There was no effect of IPM, PS, and NDVI on yield across seasons. This study revealed no synergistic effect between IPM and PS in suppressing Tephritid fruit fly population densities and damage. Hypotrigona sp. is not an efficient pollinator of pumpkin. Therefore, we recommend testing other African stingless bees in pumpkin production systems for better pollination services and improved yields. Graphical Abstract
Predictive data-driven modeling of C-terminal tyrosine function in the EGFR signaling network

The site-specific function of EGFR’s C-terminal tyrosines is interrogated by phosphotyrosine phosphoproteomics to build a data-driven model that links cell response to signaling nodes and elucidates novel associations in the EGFR signaling network. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been studied extensively because of its critical role in cellular signaling and association with disease. Previous models have elucidated interactions between EGFR and downstream adaptor proteins or showed phenotypes affected by EGFR. However, the link between specific EGFR phosphorylation sites and phenotypic outcomes is still poorly understood. Here, we employed a suite of isogenic cell lines expressing site-specific mutations at each of the EGFR C-terminal phosphorylation sites to interrogate their role in the signaling network and cell biological response to stimulation. Our results demonstrate the resilience of the EGFR network, which was largely similar even in the context of multiple Y-to-F mutations in the EGFR C-terminal tail, while also revealing nodes in the network that have not previously been linked to EGFR signaling. Our data-driven model highlights the signaling network nodes associated with distinct EGF-driven cell responses, including migration, proliferation, and receptor trafficking. Application of this same approach to less-studied RTKs should provide a plethora of novel associations that should lead to an improved understanding of these signaling networks.
Improving Pulmonary Perfusion Assessment by Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography in an Experimental Lung Injury Model.

Introduction: Pulmonary perfusion has been poorly characterized in acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). Optimizing protocols to measure pulmonary blood flow(PBF) via dynamic contrast-enhanced(DCE) computed tomography(CT) could improve understanding of how ARDS alters pulmonary perfusion. In this study, comparative evaluations of injection protocols and tracer-kinetic analysis models were performed based on DCE-CT data measured in ventilated pigs with and without lung injury. Materials and Methods: 10 Yorkshire pigs were anesthetized, intubated, and mechanically ventilated; lung injury was induced by bronchial hydrochloric acid instillation. Each DCE-CT scan was obtained during 30-second end-expiratory breath-hold. Reproducibility of PBF measurements was evaluated in 3 pigs. In 8 pigs, undiluted and diluted Isovue-370 were separately injected to evaluate the effect of contrast viscosity on estimated PBF values. PBF was estimated with the peak-enhancement and the steepest-slope approach. Total-lung PBF was estimated in 2 healthy pigs to compare with cardiac output measured invasively by thermodilution in the pulmonary artery. Results: Repeated measurements in the same animals yielded a good reproducibility of computed PBF maps. Injecting diluted isovue-370 resulted in smaller contrast-time curves in the pulmonary artery(p<0.01) and vein(p<0.01) without substantially diminishing peak signal intensity(p=0.46 in the pulmonary artery) compared to the pure contrast agent since its viscosity is closer to that of blood. As compared to the peak-enhancement model, PBF values estimated by the steepest-slope model with diluted contrast were much closer to the cardiac output(R2=0.82) as compared to the peak-enhancement model. Conclusion: DCE-CT using the steepest-slope model and diluted contrast agent provided reliable quantitative estimates of PBF.
Internalizing disorders as a mediator of the association between adverse childhood experiences and perceived medication intolerance or poly-allergy

Objectives There is a well-established link between adverse childhood events, mental health, and physical health conditions. There is also a large literature showing the relationship between medication intolerance or allergies, and poor health outcomes. However, less is understood about the role of medication intolerance and adverse childhood events. Thus, the present study examines the relationship between adverse childhood events, internalizing disorders (depression, anxiety) and medication intolerance. Method Three hundred forty-nine participants were recruited from 11 primary care practices and health networks located in a large, Midwestern metropolitan area. Unrelated linear and Poisson regression was used to determine whether internalizing disorders, such as depression and anxiety, mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and allergies to medications, accounting for error terms in regression equations that were correlated. Results Results indicated an association between ACEs and number of allergies to medication, whereby ACEs was associated with depression, anxiety and number of allergies. Sensitivity analysis confirmed these findings. There was a small but significant indirect effect of anxiety on allergies to medication after bootstrapping. Conclusion This study found that inflammatory responses occurring because of trauma and depression may be increasing medication allergies. However, given the size of the sample, more research is needed to confirm these results. Implications for healthcare providers are discussed.
Dynamic Modelling for Wind Prediction

The model is then extended to incorporate wind direction at the reference station. This is achieved through a binning process [Derrick, 1992]; the data is divided into 90-degree bins, defined by the wind direction recorded at the reference station. The modelling process is then identical to model 1 and 2, however maximum likelihood now gives four different estimates for the covariance, 1 for each bin. In the prediction period, at each update, the γ used is given by the wind direction at that time. The seven estimates given by maximum likelihood using this form of the model are now;
Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Event Following Incident Hospitalization for Acute Gout: A Western Australian Population‐Level Linked Data Study

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in people with gout. Acute inflammation, which is a characteristic of gout, may have a mechanistic role in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We aimed to examine the relationship between admissions to a hospital with acute gout and MACEs in a large population‐based data set.
Bimanual Motor Strategies and Handedness Role in Human-Robot Haptic Interaction

Bimanual object manipulation involves using both hands to interact with objects in the environment, and the process requires the central nervous system to process sensory feedback and translate it into motor commands. Although there have been significant advancements in haptics and robotics, the kinematic strategies involved in bimanual coupled tasks are still not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic interaction between hands during the manipulation of a shared object using two impedance-controlled exoskeletons programmed to simulate bimanual coupled manipulation of virtual objects. Twenty-six participants (right-handed and left-handed) were asked to use both hands to grab and place simulated objects in specific locations. The virtual objects were rendered with four different dynamic properties, affecting the manipulation strategies used to complete the tasks. The results showed that force asymmetries were related to movement direction and handedness preference, with right-handers exhibiting asymmetries related to movement direction and left-handers showing better control of the force applied between their hands. This is possibly due to their constant exposure to objects designed for right-handed use. Additionally, the haptic properties of the virtual objects influenced task performance in terms of timing and failure for all participants. This study demonstrates the potential of advanced technologies to provide realistic simulations of multi-joint movements involving the entire upper extremities. The findings have implications for the development of training programs for bimanual object manipulation tasks and the design of virtual environments that can enhance the learning process.
Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres An Abel transform for deriving line-of-sight wind proﬁles from LEO-LEO infrared laser occultation measurements

We have developed a formula for the retrieval of the line-of-sight (l.o.s.) wind speed from future low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite-to-satellite infrared laser occultation measurements. The formula involves an Abelian integral transform akin to the Abel transform widely used for deriving refractive index from bending angle in Global Navigation Satellite System radio occultation measurements. Besides the Abelian integral transform, the formula is derived from a truncated series expansion of the volume absorption coeﬃcient as a function of frequency and includes a simple absorption-line-asymmetry correction term. A ﬁrst-order formulation (referred to as the standard formula) is complemented by higher-order terms that can be used for high-accuracy computations. Under the assumptions of spherical symmetry and perfect knowledge of spectroscopy, the residual l.o. s. wind error from using the standard formula rather than the high-accuracy formula is assessed to be small compared to that anticipated from measurement errors in a real experiment. Applying the new formula just in standard form to future infrared laser transmission proﬁles would therefore enable the retrieval of l.o. s. stratospheric wind proﬁles with an accuracy limited mainly by measurement errors, residual spectroscopic errors, and deviations from spherical symmetry.
A Robust Point Matching Algorithm Based on Particle Swarm Optimization

The matching of two point-sets plays an important role in computer vision, pattern recognition and medicine diagnose. In this paper, we propose an accurate and robust algorithm for solving the point matching problem using particle swarm optimization. At first, an energy function describing the problem is defined. Secondly, PSO is used to minimize the above energy function, and then we are able to combine the estimation of both spatial mapping parameters and matching matrix between the two point-sets. The experimental results demonstrate the algorithm is simple and reliable, and avoids local extrema.
Microscopic Colitis and Risk of Incident Acute Pancreatitis: A Nationwide Population-Based Matched Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION: Several gastrointestinal diseases have been linked to acute pancreatitis, but the risk of acute pancreatitis in microscopic colitis (MC) has not been studied. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide, population-based, matched cohort study in Sweden of 12,140 patients with biopsy-verified MC (diagnosed in 2003–2017), 57,806 matched reference individuals, and 12,781 siblings without MC with a follow-up until 2021. Data on MC were obtained from all of Sweden's regional pathology registers (n = 28) through the ESPRESSO cohort. Data on acute pancreatitis were collected from the National Patient Register. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox regression. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 9.9 years (SD = 4.3), 146 patients with MC and 437 reference individuals were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis (127.8 vs 80.1 per 100,000 person-years), corresponding to an aHR of 1.57 (95% CI = 1.30–1.90). Moreover, we found a positive association between MC and acute nongallstone-related pancreatitis (aHR 1.99 [95% CI = 1.57–2.51]), but not with acute gallstone-related pancreatitis (aHR 1.08 [95% CI = 0.78–1.49]). Comparing patients with MC with their unaffected siblings yielded an aHR of 1.28 (95% CI = 0.92–1.78). The risk of acute pancreatitis remained elevated also for patients with MC with a follow-up exceeding 10 years (aHR 1.75 [95% CI = 1.14–2.67]). DISCUSSION: This nationwide study of more than 12,000 patients with MC demonstrated an increased risk of acute pancreatitis after MC. Hence, clinicians should have a low threshold for the evaluation of acute pancreatitis in patients with MC. In addition, these patients should receive advice and care aimed at reducing the risk of acute pancreatitis.
Assessing Spatial User Experience for Design Guidelines: A Comparative Study of Outpatient Waiting Rooms With Conventional Versus Modern Features

Objectives: Identify waiting room design features that are most appreciated by outpatients and their companions in conventional and modern waiting rooms. Evaluate if end users evaluate the environment differently from experts and in what aspects. Provide evidence-based design guidelines that orient designers and healthcare managers. Background: Built environments are relevant in patients’ evaluation of overall healthcare service. For outpatients, waiting frequently consumes the largest amount of time; thus, waiting room interior design has great potential to enhance their experience. Methods: This study compares perceptions of two types of waiting rooms—conventional and modern—based on the spatial user experience (SUE) model. In the first stage of the study, we compared user evaluations of conventional waiting rooms (n = 137) and modern waiting rooms (n = 426) with respect to the eight SUE model dimensions using multigroup structural equation modeling. In the second stage, an expert ergonomist and two professional interior designers assessed both types of waiting rooms. Results: Results showed that modern waiting rooms were perceived to be significantly better in all SUE dimensions. We also found experts’ evaluations were overall consistent with users’ perceptions. Discrepancies were only found in temperature perception, signage evaluation, and spatial appreciation. Conclusions: Participants valued modern style waiting room features such as good quality signage, use of armchairs and sofas, a controlled environment, and decoration. We suggest involving end users in the design process to respond to their needs and promote a positive experience. Finally, we provide easy-to-adopt design guidelines to improve patients’ waiting room experience.
Experimental investigation of the root flow in a horizontal axis wind turbine

This research investigates the flow behavior and its features in the blade's root region of a horizontal axis wind turbine by using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. Wind tunnel tests are conducted to measure the velocity field, phase-locked with the blade motion, at different azimuth angles and at different spanwise positions. The pressure distribution is obtained from PIV velocity field by solving the Navier–Stokes momentum equations. In this paper, we aim to answer two questions: (i) How is the flow behavior in the root region? (ii) How is the evolution of the root vortex? The analysis of the velocity fields shows an outboard radial flow motion in the root region and a vorticity driven inboard motion at the bladeSs maximum chord position. As a result of this vorticity driven flow, an increase in the axial velocity close to nacelle is measured. Wake sheets are observed and further discussed in the measured velocity and vorticity distributions. The formation and evolution of the root vortices conveyed downstream by the axial velocity are analyzed through vorticity and pressure distributions. Although the azimuthal vorticity in 3D representation is showing the trailing vorticity, the tilting of the root vortex tube is observed in the axial vorticity distribution. Moreover, the radial vorticity and azimuthal velocity from chordwise measurements show separation on the suction surface of the blade. This research concluded that the flow in the blade wake is driven by the root vortex; hence, the local effects of the root vortex cannot be ignored. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of COVID-19 on European healthcare provision for working-age adults with major depressive disorder

Abstract Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and yet delivery of care for this illness is rife with gaps. The COVID-19 pandemic has had far reaching implications for every facet of healthcare, and MDD is no exception. This scoping review aimed to ascertain the impacts of COVID-19 on the delivery of MDD care in Europe, as well as to evaluate any novel MDD care strategies trialled in this period. Methods We searched the PubMed and PsycINFO databases up to January 2022 with a strategy centred around COVID-19 and MDD. Full texts of eligible studies examining working-age adults and conducted in Europe were evaluated against several criteria. All outcomes were then extracted and a narrative synthesis was constructed to summarise identified themes. Results Of 1,744 records identified in our search, 11 articles were eligible for inclusion in the review. In general, these studies reported a decrease in treatment rates, access to care, and perceived access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, digital interventions trialled during the pandemic were broadly well-received by users, though their efficacy in improving MDD care was ambiguous. Conclusions Despite a limited number of pertinent studies, this scoping review identified a trend of exacerbated treatment gaps in MDD care during the pandemic. Several of our pre-specified gaps, including delays to detection or treatment of depression and rates of follow-up contacts, remained unexplored in the context of COVID-19. This highlights the need for further investigation to obtain a full understanding of the relationship between COVID-19 and MDD care in Europe.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL THAWING PROCESS IN METALLIC FOAMS

The phase change heat transfer can be effectively improved by using metallic foams filled with phase change materials.A two temperature model was established because of the difference of the heat transfer between the phase change material and the metallic matrix.Apparent heat capacity method was used to simulate the temperature distributions and flow fields of the phase change materials.The results showed that the heat transfer of the phase change materials with metallic foams was greatly enhanced compared with that of phase change materials without metallic foams. It was also showed that there are big temperature differences between the metallic matrix and phase change materials in the thawing phase change process.
Sodium and lithium exert differential effects on the central carbon metabolism of Debaryomyces hansenii through the glyoxylate shunt regulation

Debaryomyces hansenii is a halotolerant/halophilic yeast usually found in salty environments. The yeast accumulated sodium at high concentrations, which improved growth in salty media. In contrast, lithium was toxic even at low concentrations and its presence prevented cell proliferation. To analyse the responses to both cations, metabolite levels, enzymatic activities and gene expression were determined, showing that NaCl and LiCl trigger different cellular responses. At high concentrations of NaCl (0.5 or 1.5 M) cells accumulated higher amounts of the intermediate metabolites glyoxylate and malate and, at the same time, the levels of intracellular oxoglutarate decreased. Additionally, 0.5 M NaCl increased the activity of the enzymes isocitrate lyase and malate synthase involved in the synthesis of glyoxylate and malate respectively and decreased the activity of isocitrate dehydrogenase. Moreover, transcription of the genes coding for isocitrate lyase and malate synthase was activated by NaCl. Also, cells accumulated phosphate upon NaCl exposure. None of these effects was provoked when LiCl (0.1 or 0.3 M) was used instead of NaCl. Lithium induced accumulation of higher amounts of oxoglutarate and decreased the concentrations of glyoxylate and malate to non‐detectable levels. Cells incubated with lithium also showed higher activity of the isocitrate dehydrogenase and neither increased isocitrate lyase and malate synthase activities nor the transcription of the corresponding genes. In summary, we show that sodium, but not lithium, up regulates the shunt of the glyoxylic acid in D. hansenii and we propose that this is an important metabolic adaptation to thrive in salty environments.