Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary test of chemical components for Tibetan Medicine HDB

Objective:To study the chemical constituents of Tibetan Medicine HDB by preliminary test.Methods: The extracted mixture of Tibetan Medicine HDB from purified water,95% ethanol and petroleum ether are studied by test tube method.The chemical constituents of Tibetan Medicine HDB is primarily demonstrated by precipitation reaction or color reaction with various indicator.Results: The preliminary test indicates that Tibetan Medicine HDB may contain chemical constituents such as protein,amino acid,amylose,Glycosides,alkaloid,organic acid,tannin etc.Conclusion: The results of preliminary test provide evidence for further study of the chemical compositions and biological activities of the Tibetan Medicine HDB.
Clarifying the Trade-Offs of Risk-Stratified Screening for Prostate Cancer: A Cost-Effectiveness Study.

Cancer risk prediction is necessary for precision early detection, which matches screening intensity to risk. However, practical steps for translating risk predictions to risk-stratified screening policies are not well established. We use a validated population prostate cancer model to simulate the outcomes of strategies that increase intensity for men at high risk and reduce intensity for men at low risk. We define risk by the Prompt-Prostate Genetic Score (PGS)® (San Diego, California), a germline genetic test. We first recalibrate the model to reflect the disease incidence observed within risk strata using data from a large prevention trial where some participants were tested with Prompt-PGS®. We then simulate risk-stratified strategies in a population with the same risk distribution as the trial and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of risk-stratified screening versus universal (risk-agnostic) screening. Prompt-PGS® risk-adapted screening was more cost-effective when universal screening was conservative. Risk-stratified strategies improved outcomes at a cost of less than $100,000 per quality-adjusted life year compared to biennial screening starting at age 55 but risk stratification was not cost-effective compared to biennial screening starting at age 45. Heterogeneity of risk and fraction of the population within each stratum were also important determinants of cost-effectiveness.
Relationship between endogenous plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration and reproductive performance in Thoroughbred broodmares

Abstract Background Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is an endocrine disorder the clinical signs of which include infertility, but few reports have examined the relationship between PPID and reproductive performance in broodmares. Hypothesis/Objective Broodmares with infertility of unknown etiology were screened for PPID using baseline endogenous plasma ACTH concentrations, and its relationship with subsequent reproductive performance was analyzed. Animals Sixty‐seven Thoroughbred broodmares. Methods Adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations were measured in autumn. The broodmares were divided into 3 groups based on endogenous plasma ACTH concentration (low, <50 pg/mL; intermediate 50‐100 pg/mL; and high >100 pg/mL) as recommended by the Equine Endocrinology Group. We compared these results with those of other blood tests, clinical examinations, subsequent conception, and frequency of normal delivery. Results The numbers of horses per group (percentage) were 22 (32.8%), 20 (29.9%), and 25 (37.3%). The mean ± SD ages (years) were 11.1 ± 3.4, 12.1 ± 4.5, and 13.0 ± 4.3, with no significant difference among groups. Mean ± SD plasma cortisol concentrations (μg/dL) were 4.0 ± 1.6, 7.1 ± 1.4, and 7.6 ± 1.9, with the intermediate and high ACTH groups having significantly higher results than the low ACTH group (P < .001). Conception rates were 77.3%, 89.5%, and 56.5% and normal delivery rates were 77.2%, 84.2%, and 43.5% with the percentage of each significantly lower in the high ACTH group (P = .02, P = .008, respectively). Conclusions and Clinical Importance The study group of infertile broodmares may include horses with PPID. The reproductive performance of the high ACTH group was significantly lower than the other groups. Early diagnosis and treatment of infertile broodmares by screening plasma ACTH concentrations could help improve reproductive performance.
Serum HDL cholesterol uptake capacity in subjects from the MASHAD cohort study: Its value in determining the risk of cardiovascular endpoints

The efficiency of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) to efflux cholesterol contributes to the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway as one of HDL’s proposed functions and depends on the ability of HDL to uptake cholesterol. We aimed to investigate cholesterol uptake capacity (CUC) by a newly developed assay in samples from the MASHAD (Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders) cohort study.
Improved Thermoelectric Performance of Cu12Sb4S13 through Gd-Substitution Induced Enhancement of Electronic Density of States and Phonon Scattering.

Cu12Sb4S13 has aroused great interest because of its earth-abundant constituents and intrinsic low thermal conductivity. However, the applications of Cu12Sb4S13 are hindered by its poor thermoelectric performance. Herein, it is shown that Gd substitution not only causes a significant increase in both electrical conductivity σ and thermopower S but also leads to dramatic drop in lattice thermal conductivity κL. Consequently, large ZT reaches 0.94 at 749 K for Cu11.7Gd0.3Sb4S13, which is ∼41% higher than the ZT value of undoped sample. Rietveld refinements of XRD results show that accompanying inhibition of impurity phase Cu3SbS4, the number of Cu vacancies increases substantially with substituted content x (x ≤ 0.3), which leads to reduced κL owing to intensive phonon scattering by the point defects and increased σ arising from the charged defects (VCu'). Crucially, synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy reveals substantial increment of electronic density of states at Fermi level upon Gd substitution, which is proven, by our first-principle calculations, to originate from contribution of Gd 4f orbit, resulting in enhancement of S. Our study provides us with a new path to enhance thermoelectric performance of Cu12Sb4S13.
Similar Morphological and Functional Training Adaptations Occur Between Continuous and Intermittent Blood Flow Restriction

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Abstract Davids, CJ, Raastad, T, James, L, Gajanand, T, Smith, E, Connick, M, McGorm, H, Keating, S, Coombes, JS, Peake, JM, and Roberts, LA. Similar morphological and functional training adaptations occur between continuous and intermittent blood flow restriction. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1784–1793, 2021—The aim of the study was to compare skeletal muscle morphological and functional outcomes after low-load resistance training using 2 differing blood flow restriction (BFR) protocols. Recreationally active men and women (n = 42 [f = 21], 24.4 ± 4.4 years) completed 21 sessions over 7 weeks of load-matched and volume-matched low-load resistance training (30% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) with either (a) no BFR (CON), (b) continuous BFR (BFR-C, 60% arterial occlusion pressure [AOP]), or (c) intermittent BFR (BFR-I, 60% AOP). Muscle mass was assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography before and after training. Muscular strength, endurance, and power were determined before and after training by assessing isokinetic dynamometry, 1RM, and jump performance. Ratings of pain and effort were taken in the first and final training session. An alpha level of p < 0.05 was used to determine significance. There were no between-group differences for any of the morphological or functional variables. The muscle cross sectional area (CSA) increased pre-post training (p = 0.009; CON: 1.6%, BFR-C: 1.1%, BFR-I: 2.2%). Maximal isometric strength increased pre-post training (p < 0.001; CON: 9.6%, BFR-C: 14.3%, BFR-I: 19.3%). Total work performed during an isokinetic endurance task increased pre-post training (p < 0.001, CON: 3.6%, BFR-C: 9.6%, BFR-I: 11.3%). Perceptions of pain (p = 0.026) and effort (p = 0.033) during exercise were higher with BFR-C; however, these reduced with training (p = 0.005–0.034). Overall, these data suggest that when 30% 1RM loads are used with a frequency of 3 times per week, the addition of BFR does not confer superior morphological or functional adaptations in recreationally active individuals. Furthermore, the additional metabolic stress that is proposed to occur with a continuous BFR protocol does not seem to translate into proportionally greater training adaptations. The current findings promote the use of both intermittent BFR and low-load resistance training without BFR as suitable alternative training methods to continuous BFR. These approaches may be practically applicable for those less tolerable to pain and discomfort associated with ischemia during exercise.
Toward Norepinephrine as a First‐Line Treatment for All Hospitalized Patients With Hepatorenal Syndrome

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a devastating complication of advanced liver disease associated with high mortality. Despite having been described as a clinical syndrome more than 60 years ago, options for the treatment of HRS remain very limited. Medical management of patients with HRS, either those waiting for definitive treatment with liver transplantation or those for whom transplantation is not an option, typically includes administration of albumin in combination with vasoconstrictor therapy.
Relationship Between Fasting Blood Glucose Levels in Middle Age and Cognitive Function in Later Life: The Aichi Workers’ Cohort Study

Background There is limited evidence regarding the relationship between Diabetes mellitus (DM) in middle age and mild cognitive impairment after a follow-up. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels in middle age and cognitive function assessed using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J) in later life, following over 15 years of follow-up in the Aichi Workers’ Cohort Study in Japan. Methods Participants were 253 former local government employees aged 60–79 years in 2018 who participated in a baseline survey conducted in 2002. Using baseline FBG levels and self-reported history, participants were classified into the normal, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and, and DM groups. Total MoCA-J score ranges from 0 to 30, and cognitive impairment was defined as MoCA-J score ≤25 in this study. A general linear model was used to estimate the mean MoCA-J scores in the FBG groups, adjusted for age, sex, educational year, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results The mean MoCA-J score in the total population was 25.0, and the prevalence of MoCA-J score ≤25 was 49.0%. Multivariable-adjusted total MoCA-J scores were 25.2, 24.8, and 23.4 in the normal, IFG, and DM groups, respectively. The odds ratio of MoCA-J score ≤25 in the DM group was 3.29. Conclusion FBG level in middle age was negatively associated with total MoCA-J scores assessed later in life, independent of confounding variables.
Associations of Quantity Smoked and Socioeconomic Status With Smoke-Free Homes and Cars Among Daily Smokers

Introduction An association between socioeconomic status (SES) and smoke-free private spaces among smokers could be due to heavier smoking among low SES smokers. We assessed whether quantity smoked or SES are independently associated with smoke-free homes or cars in daily smokers. Method Data were drawn from a cross-sectional telephone survey (2011–2012) of 750 daily smokers age ≥18 years in Quebec, Canada (45% response). Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the independent association between (a) number of cigarettes smoked per day, and (b) each of educational attainment, annual household income, or active employment status and smoke-free homes or cars. Results Participants were 41.0 years old on average, 57% were female. Median (IQR) number of cigarettes smoked per day was 14 (10, 20). Forty-eight percent of participants reported smoke-free homes; 34% reported smoke-free cars. Quantity smoked was strongly associated with both smoke-free homes and cars. Income and education (but not actively employed) were associated with smoke-free homes. None of the SES indicators were associated with smoke-free cars. Conclusions Interventions targeting smokers to promote smoke-free homes and cars should incorporate components to help smokers reduce quantity smoked or preferably, to quit. Interventions targeting smoke-free homes will also need to address SES inequalities by education and income. Our data suggest that reduction in quantity smoked may help smokers reduce SHS exposure in cars, but that an inequality lens may not be relevant.
An Examination of the Conceptual Structure of Long-Term Goal Striving

Long-term goal striving has been recognized as an important stage in goal achievement. Compared with the development of measurements of goal setting, researchers tended to measure goal striving in different manners. This study examined the conceptual structure of goal striving and validated a new scale to operationalize the construct within academic learning contexts. A 25-item scale was validated with 522 Chinese university students to assess its factor structure, reliability, gender invariance, criterion-related validity, and incremental validity. Confirmatory factor analysis results supported both the first-order and second-order model. Overall, the scale showed good reliability, validity, and invariance across gender. We suggested that this new scale could be used as an effective measure to assess the level of goal striving among university students in a Chinese context.
Measures of Physical Fitness Improve Prediction of Kayak and Canoe Sprint Performance in Young Kayakers and Canoeists

Abstract Gäbler, M, Prieske, O, Elferink-Gemser, MT, Hortobágyi, T, Warnke, T, and Granacher, U. Measures of physical fitness improve prediction of kayak and canoe sprint performance in young kayakers and canoeists. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1264–1270, 2023—Markers of talent selection and predictors of performance in canoe and kayak sprint are not yet well defined. We aimed to determine the combination of variables (i.e., demographic, anthropometric, and physical fitness) that most accurately predicts sprint performance (i.e., 500- and 2000-m race time) in semielite, young kayakers and canoeists (n = 39, age 13 year, 10F). The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Linear regression analyses identified boat type (i.e., kayak or canoe), skeletal muscle mass, and average power during a 2-minute bench pull test, normalized to body mass, as predictors of 2000-m race time (R22000 m = 0.69, Akaike information criterion [AIC] = 425) and together with vertical jump height, as predictors of 500-m race time (R2500 m = 0.87, AIC = 255). This was an improvement over models containing solely demographic variables (R2500 m = 0.66, AIC = 293; R22000 m = 0.44, AIC = 446) and over models containing demographic and anthropometric variables (R2500m = 0.79, AIC = 277; R22000 m = 0.56, AIC = 437). Race time showed the strongest semipartial correlations with the 2-minute bench pull test (0.7 ≤ r ≤ 0.9). Adding physical fitness data (i.e., 2-minute bench pull test) to demographic and anthropometric data improves the prediction accuracy of race times in young kayak and canoe athletes. The characteristics of physical fitness tests should resemble as much as possible the biomechanical (e.g., prime movers) and metabolic (e.g., duration) demands of the sport.
Co-occurrence of KIT and NRAS mutations defines an adverse prognostic core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract Molecular abnormalities are frequent in core-binding factor (CBF) AMLs, but their prognostic relevance is controversial. Sixty-two patients were retrospectively analyzed and 47 harbored at least one gene mutation with a next-generation-sequencing assay. The most common molecular mutation was KIT mutation (30.6%), followed by NRAS (24.2%) and ASXL1 (14.5%) mutations, which was associated with a higher number of bone marrow blasts (p = .049) and older age (p = .027). The survival analysis showed KIT mutation adversely affected the overall survival (OS) (p = .046). NRAS mutation was associated with inferior OS (p = .016) and RFS (p = .039). Eight patients carried co-mutations of KIT and NRAS and had worse OS (p = .012) and RFS (p = .034). The multivariate analysis showed age ≥60 years and additional chromosomal abnormalities were significant adverse factors for OS. Thus, co-mutations of KIT and NRAS were significantly associated with a poor prognosis and should be taken into account when assessing for prognostic stratification in patients with CBF-AML.
Patient participation in shared decision-making in palliative care - an integrative review.

BACKGROUND Shared decision-making is a process where the decisions regarding patients' care are done in collaboration with the patient, the patient's family and a healthcare professional or an interdisciplinary team. Shared decision-making is considered to be a part of patient centred care, and it enables patient autonomy which is a cornerstone of palliative care. In the past, research on the experiences of palliative care patients' participation in shared decision-making involving a nurse has been limited as the focus has mainly been on specific medical interventions, rather than holistic palliative care. OBJECTIVES To synthesise research findings on patient participation in shared decision-making in palliative care. RESEARCH DESIGN An integrative literature review. METHODS The literature search was conducted by searching computerised databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsychINFO and COCHRANE). The search resulted in 12 articles. The quality of the included articles was evaluated with JBI checklist, and the data analysis was done using inductive content analysis. Reporting was done according to a PRISMA checklist. FINDINGS Patients do participate in shared decision-making and desire to participate in everyday nursing care decisions, treatment-related medical decisions and end-of-life decisions. The prerequisites for patient participation in shared decision-making are interdisciplinary teamwork, open communication, good patient-healthcare professional relationship, a favourable environment and mutual information. CONCLUSION Palliative care patients do participate and desire to participate in decisions that cover a much broader range of topics than just medical interventions and this should be addressed in future research and in practise. The main responsibility for successful patient participation in shared decision-making lies with the healthcare professionals and the organisations providing palliative care. There is a need to conduct more research from the patient's perspective and explore the meaning of participating in shared decision-making from the patient's point of view.
The DNA binding domain of the Vibrio vulnificus SmcR transcription factor is flexible and binds diverse DNA sequences

Abstract Quorum sensing gene expression in vibrios is regulated by the LuxR/HapR family of transcriptional factors, which includes Vibrio vulnificus SmcR. The consensus binding site of Vibrio LuxR/HapR/SmcR proteins is palindromic but highly degenerate with sequence variations at each promoter. To examine the mechanism by which SmcR recognizes diverse DNA sites, we generated SmcR separation-of-function mutants that either repress or activate transcription but not both. SmcR N55I is restricted in recognition of single base-pair variations in DNA binding site sequences and thus is defective at transcription activation but retains interaction with RNA polymerase (RNAP) alpha. SmcR S76A, L139R and N142D substitutions disrupt the interaction with RNAP alpha but retain functional DNA binding activity. X-ray crystallography and small angle X-ray scattering data show that the SmcR DNA binding domain exists in two conformations (wide and narrow), and the protein complex forms a mixture of dimers and tetramers in solution. The three RNAP interaction-deficient variants also have two DNA binding domain conformations, whereas SmcR N55I exhibits only the wide conformation. These data support a model in which two mechanisms drive SmcR transcriptional activation: interaction with RNAP and a multi-conformational DNA binding domain that permits recognition of variable DNA sites.
The nuclear periphery is a scaffold for tissue-specific enhancers

Abstract Nuclear architecture influences gene regulation and cell identity by controlling the three-dimensional organization of genes and their distal regulatory sequences, which may be far apart in linear space. The genome is functionally and spatially segregated in the eukaryotic nucleus with transcriptionally active regions in the nuclear interior separated from repressive regions, including those at the nuclear periphery. Here, we describe the identification of a novel type of nuclear peripheral chromatin domain that is enriched for tissue-specific transcriptional enhancers. Like other chromatin at the nuclear periphery, these regions are marked by H3K9me2. But unlike the nuclear peripheral Lamina-Associated Domains (LADs), these novel, enhancer-rich domains have limited Lamin B interaction. We therefore refer to them as H3K9me2-Only Domains (KODs). In mouse embryonic stem cells, KODs are found in Hi-C-defined A compartments and feature relatively accessible chromatin. KODs are characterized by low gene expression and enhancers located in these domains bear the histone marks of an inactive or poised state. These results indicate that KODs organize a subset of inactive, tissue-specific enhancers at the nuclear periphery. We hypothesize that KODs may play a role in facilitating and perhaps constraining the enhancer-promoter interactions underlying spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression programs in differentiation and development.
Person-centred communication with cancer survivors: Exploring the meaning of follow-up coaching conversations.

AIM The aim of this study was to explore the meaning of a coaching intervention for cancer survivors. BACKGROUND Cancer survivors often experience existential concerns and worries after adjuvant treatment. A number of "care transition interventions" have been developed to improve person-centred care by empowering patients. Several of these interventions include a "care transition coach". A coaching approach to communication used in health care communication have among others shown to assists in establishing confidential relationships between health professionals, increase the patient's well-being and support the patient's experience of being met and viewed as a whole person. DESIGN This is a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to explore the meaning of a coaching intervention. In analyzing and interpreting the qualitative interviews Ricoeur's theory of interpretation was applied. METHOD The intervention consisted of two parts: (1) a two-day training program in coaching for nurses and (2) a specially developed communication intervention for cancer survivors. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The analysis of the transcribed interview material led to the development of two themes: (1) Support in moving forward in life, and (2) An opportunity to talk about existential thoughts and worries. Our results show how the experience of cancer, even when cured, leaves the survivors with profound existential worries. The cancer survivors described how coaching conversations allowed them to express their current concerns and provided them with an opportunity to discuss wider issues than treatment, symptoms, and after-effects, which had been the main focus during treatment. CONCLUSION The time immediately after the end of adjuvant treatment can be challenging, with many existential concerns and opposing emotions. We found that the follow-up coaching conversations performed helped the cancer survivors to process many of these difficult thoughts and feelings.