Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Clinical Factors on Generic and Disease-Specific Quality of Life in COPD and Asthma-COPD Overlap with Exacerbations

Purpose The health-related quality of life (HRQL) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is worsened by frequent exacerbations, and it can be affected by the concomitant presence of bronchial asthma (asthma-COPD overlap (ACO)). The impacts of clinical factors associated with HRQL have not been compared in patients with COPD and ACO experiencing exacerbations. Patients and Methods. Patients with COPD (N =705) and ACO (N =148) belonging to C and D groups according to GOLD 2017 were recruited in stable condition. Demographic and clinical data were collected, spirometry was performed, and patients rated the intensity of respiratory symptoms during the previous week. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and the EQ-5D 3 level version (dimensions and visual analogue scale (VAS)) were used to assess disease-specific and generic HRQL, respectively. Fisher's exact test, χ2 test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation were used for analysis (mean ± SD). Multiple linear regression was applied to identify variables related to CAT and EQ-5D VAS scores. Results The CAT and EQ-5D VAS scores showed similarly low HRQL in COPD and ACO (20.7 ± 6.7 vs. 21.1 ± 6.3 (p = 0.52) and 56.2 ± 17.8 vs. 53.7 ± 18.2 (p = 0.11)). There was a weak correlation between CAT and EQ-5D VAS scores (COPD: r = −0.345, p < 0.001; ACO: r = −0.245, p = 0.003). More patients with COPD had problems related to anxiety/depression in EQ-5D (63.7% vs. 55.4%, p = 0.06). Pack-years exerted a negative effect on HRQL measures both in ACO and COPD. Low HRQL in COPD was associated with female gender, dyspnea, cough, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and arrhythmia, while in ACO, it was related to arrhythmia, hypertension, and cough, but less to dyspnea. Conclusions Patients with COPD and ACO experiencing exacerbations have low quality of life, which is influenced by smoking history, symptoms, and comorbidities. These findings have important implications for the development of therapeutic strategies to improve the health status of patients with these conditions.
The Anastomotic Angle of Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula Is Associated With Flow Disturbance at the Venous Stenosis Location on Angiography

The juxta-anastomotic stenosis of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a significant clinical problem in hemodialysis patients with no effective treatment. Previous studies of AV anastomotic angles on hemodynamics and vascular wall injury were based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using standardized AVF geometry, not the real-world patient images. The present study is the first CFD study to use angiographic images with patient-specific outcome information, i.e., the exact location of the AVF stenotic lesion. We conducted the CFD analysis utilizing patient-specific AVF geometric models to investigate hemodynamic parameters at different locations of an AVF, and the association between hemodynamic parameters and the anastomotic angle, particularly at the stenotic location. We analyzed 27 patients who used radio-cephalic AVF for hemodialysis and received an angiographic examination for juxta-anastomotic stenosis. The three-dimensional geometrical model of each patient’s AVF was built using the angiographic images, in which the shape and the anastomotic angle of the AVF were depicted. CFD simulations of AVF hemodynamics were conducted to obtain blood flow parameters at different locations of an AVF. We found that at the location of the stenotic lesion, the AV angle was significantly correlated with access flow disturbance (r = 0.739; p < 0.001) and flow velocity (r = 0.563; p = 0.002). Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the AV angle determines the lesion’s flow disturbance with a high area under the curve value of 0.878. The ROC analysis also identified a cut-off value of the AV angle as 46.5°, above or below which the access flow disturbance was significantly different. By applying CFD analysis to real-world patient images, the present study provides evidence that an anastomotic angle wider than 46.5° might lead to disturbed flow generation, demonstrating a reference angle to adopt during the anastomosis surgery.
A Comparative Study on 5hmC Targeting Regulation of Neurons in AD Mice by Several Natural Compounds

A series of studies have confirmed that DNA methylation disorder (5mC/5hmC) is closely related to the occurrence and development of some diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aims at discovering natural compounds that could adjust and control 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) levels and improve Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuronal status. Cordycepin and cordycepic acid were selected as research materials, with resveratrol as positive control. The results of Dot Blot indicated that cordycepin, cordycepic acid, and resveratrol significantly increased the expression level of 5hmC. Combined with qPCR results, it was revealed that cordycepin increased the expression of ten-eleven translocation (TETs) mRNA compared with the abovementioned cordycepic acid and resveratrol. Besides, cordycepin dramatically reduced the transcription level of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), suggesting that cordycepin might hinder the formation of NFTs (neurofibrillary tangles) and the accumulation of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in the brain by reducing the expression of ApoE, resulting in affecting the progression of AD. Meanwhile, the immunofluorescence (IF) staining results demonstrated that the percentage of differentiation of SHSY-5Y cells reasonably increased after the treatment of cordycepin and cordycepic acid. Simultaneously, the length of axons and the number of dendritic branches in mouse primary neurons were substantially increased by cordycepin. The screening results illustrated that cordycepin had a positive influence on the level of 5hmC and the morphology of neurons, and most of the effects were better compared to the positive control (resveratrol). It indicated that cordycepin delayed the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. However, the specific mechanism of action still needs to be further investigated. Our research provided a foundation for further discussion about the influence of cordycepin on AD and a new idea for the pathological study of related diseases.
Effect of Electroacupuncture versus Sham Electroacupuncture in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective To explore the feasibility of evaluating the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture versus sham electroacupuncture for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Method A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted at a teaching hospital in Beijing. A total of 30 patients with KOA (Kellgren grade II or III) were randomly allocated to an eight-week treatment of either electroacupuncture or sham electroacupuncture. Patients and outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome was the proportion of responders achieving at least 1.14 seconds decrease in the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) at week eight compared with baseline. The secondary outcomes included the knee range of motion, the knee extensor and flexor muscle strength, Lequesne index, 9-step stair-climb test (9-SCT), and TUG. Results Of 30 patients allocated to two groups, 27 (90%) completed the study. The proportion of responders was 53.3% (8 of 15) for electroacupuncture group and 26.7% (4 of 15) for sham electroacupuncture group by the intention-to-treat analysis (P = 0.264). There was no statistically significant difference in TUG between the two groups at eight weeks (P = 0.856). The compliance rate measured according to patients who conformed to the protocol and had received treatments ≥20 times was 93.3% (28 of 30). The dropout rate was 20% (3 of 15). Adverse effects were not reported in the study. Conclusion Our research demonstrated that further evaluation of the effectiveness of electroacupuncture versus sham electroacupuncture was feasible and safe for patients with KOA. Whether or not the electroacupuncture can improve the physical functions of knee joint, expand the knee range of motion, and increase the extensor and flexor muscle strength more significantly than sham electroacupuncture, future studies can be designed with larger sample size, randomization design and less biases. This trial is registered with NCT03366363.
Estrogen-Induced Stromal FGF18 Promotes Proliferation and Invasion of Endometrial Carcinoma Cells Through ERK and Akt Signaling

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate whether estrogen promoted the proliferation and invasion of endometrial carcinoma (EC) cells through paracrine FGFs in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Patients and Methods We screened gene alterations in a primary ESC culture after 10 nM estrogen treatment using an Agilent mRNA microarray. We knocked down stromal FGF18 expression in a co-culture system and aimed to explore the contribution of E2-induced stromal FGF18 to the proliferation and invasion of EC cells. To determine the effective receptors and detailed downstream signaling of FGF18, we co-cultured estrogen-treated hESCs with FGFR1-, FGFR2-, FGFR3- or FGFR4-knockdown Ishikawa cells. Finally, we detected FGF18 expression in clinical samples, including several primary cultures of different ESCs and a series of tissue microarrays (TMAs) of 90 patients with EC. Results A few genes altered significantly in estrogen-treated primary ESCs, but only FGF18 was noticeably enhanced among the FGF family genes. Knockdown of FGF18 expression in hESCs inhibited the promoting effect of FGF18 on the proliferation and invasion of EC cells. FGF18 bound FGFR2 and FGFR3 in Ishikawa cells to activate downstream ERK and Akt pathways and to promote the viability of EC cells. The FGF18-FGFR2 and FGF18-FGFR3 pathways had close correlations with Survivin and CD44V6 expression but not with P53. Primary ESCs of endometrioid EC (EEC, type I EC) had higher FGF18 expression than ESCs of normal endometrium (NE), endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH) and type II EC. Conclusion Estrogen induced FGF18 in ESCs to promote the proliferation and invasion of EC cells, and FGFR inhibitors should be considered as promising candidate targets for EC treatment.
Isolation and properties of four serine protease inhibitors in the sea anemone Actinia equina.

Four serine protease inhibitors (AEPI-I, II, III and IV) were isolated from the sea anemone Actinia equina by acetone precipitation, gel filtration, ion-exchange HPLC and reversed-phase HPLC. They were all basic polypeptides with a molecular weight ranging from 6200 to 7000. The amino acid compositions of the inhibitors were very close to one another; they were characterized by the presence of 6 half-cystinyl residues but the absence of methionine and tryptophan. The inhibitors were active against serine proteases; inhibition for trypsin and α-chymotrypsin was displayed by the four inhibitors while that for kallikrein only by AEPI-I and II and that for plasmin only by AEPI-III and IV. However, none of the inhibitors showed affinity for both metalloproteases and cysteine proteases. These results suggested that the protease inhibitors can be classified into Kunitz-type inhibitors.
Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Hydrodissection for Pain Management: Rationale, Methods, Current Literature, and Theoretical Mechanisms

Abstract Nerve hydrodissection (HD), a technique used when treating nerve entrapments, involves the injection of an anesthetic, saline, or 5% dextrose in water to separate the nerve from the surrounding tissue, fascia, or adjacent structures. Animal models suggest the potential for minimal compression to initiate and perpetuate neuropathic pain. Mechanical benefits of HD may relate to release of nervi nervorum or vasa nervorum compression. Pathologic nerves can be identified by examination or ultrasound visualization. The in-plane technique is the predominant and safest method for nerve HD. Five percent dextrose may be favored as the preferred injectate based on preliminary comparative-injectate literature, but additional research is critical. Literature-based hypotheses for a direct ameliorative effect of dextrose HD on neuropathic pain are presented.
Modified Support Vector Machine for Detecting Stress Level Using EEG Signals

Stress is categorized as a condition of mental strain or pressure approaches because of upsetting or requesting conditions. There are various sources of stress initiation. Researchers consider human cerebrum as the primary wellspring of stress. To study how each individual encounters stress in different forms, researchers conduct surveys and monitor it. The paper presents the fusion of 5 algorithms to enhance the accuracy for detection of mental stress using EEG signals. The Whale Optimization Algorithm has been modified to select the optimal kernel in the SVM classifier for stress detection. An integrated set of algorithms (NLM, DCT, and MBPSO) has been used for preprocessing, feature extraction, and selection. The proposed algorithm has been tested on EEG signals collected from 14 subjects to identify the stress level. The proposed approach was validated using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score with values of 96.36%, 96.84%, 90.8%, and 97.96% and was found to be better than the existing ones. The algorithm may be useful to psychiatrists and health consultants for diagnosing the stress level.
Individual differences in trait creativity moderate the state-level mood-creativity relationship

The relationship between mood states and state creativity has long been investigated. Exploring individual differences may provide additional important information to further our understanding of the complex mood-creativity relationship. The present study explored the state-level mood-creativity relationship from the perspective of trait creativity. We employed the experience sampling method (ESM) in a cohort of 56 college students over five consecutive days. The participants reported their state creativity on originality and usefulness dimensions at six random points between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. , along with a 10-item concurrent mood state report. Their trait creativity was measured by the Guildford Alternative Uses Test (AUT) and the Remote Associates Test (RAT). We found moderating effects of the participants’ trait creativity on their state-level mood-creativity relationship. Specifically, whereas the positive correlation between positive mood state and originality of state creativity was stronger for the participants with higher AUT flexibility scores, stronger positive correlations between negative mood state and originality of state creativity were observed for individuals with higher AUT originality scores. Our findings provide evidence in support of introducing individual differences to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the mood-creativity link. The results could be of practical value, in developing individualized mood state regulation strategies for promoting state creativity.
Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Aloe Vera Gel on Ulcerative Colitis Induced by Acetic Acid in Rats

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic intestinal inflammation. Common clinical symptoms are weight loss, diarrhea, ulcers, and inflammation. Aloe vera (AV) has several medicinal properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory analgesic, and improvement of gastric and skin ulcers. This study aimed to investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of AV gel on acetic acid-induced UC in rats. UC was induced in 48 rats by injection of 4% acetic acid into the rectum. Protective and treatment groups received treatments 7 days before and after the induction of colitis, respectively. The negative control group, the positive control group, and AV groups received distilled water, sulfasalazine, and 50 and 300 mg/kg of gel extract, respectively. Water and food intake and body weight changes were recorded. The extent of the mucosal ulcers, colon tissue thickening, and mucosal bleeding were scored by the Gerald classification system score (microscopy observations). Slides of tissues were prepared for pathologic assay using the modified Wallace method (macroscopic observations). The results of the macroscopic and microscopic examination showed protective and therapeutic effects of 50 mg/kg dose of AV on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats which reduces the inflammation, ulcers and tissue damage compared with negative control (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the amount of water and food intake, body weight changes, and colon weight in protective and treatment groups. Based on the results, AV gel could be used to improve the symptoms of UC, as well as prevent people who are susceptible to the UC.
Auditory Long-Range Parvalbumin Cortico-Striatal Neurons

Previous studies have shown that cortico-striatal pathways link auditory signals to action-selection and reward-learning behavior through excitatory projections. Only recently it has been demonstrated that long-range GABAergic cortico-striatal somatostatin-expressing neurons in the auditory cortex project to the dorsal striatum, and functionally inhibit the main projecting neuronal population, the spiny projecting neuron. Here we tested the hypothesis that parvalbumin-expressing neurons of the auditory cortex can also send long-range projections to the auditory striatum. To address this fundamental question, we took advantage of viral and non-viral anatomical tracing approaches to identify cortico-striatal parvalbumin neurons (CS-Parv inhibitory projections → auditory striatum). Here, we describe their anatomical distribution in the auditory cortex and determine the anatomical and electrophysiological properties of layer 5 CS-Parv neurons. We also analyzed their characteristic voltage-dependent membrane potential gamma oscillation, showing that intrinsic membrane mechanisms generate them. The inherent membrane mechanisms can also trigger intermittent and irregular bursts (stuttering) of the action potential in response to steps of depolarizing current pulses.
Effect of Gambusia holbrooki on a Similar-Sized, Syntopic Poeciliid, Heterandria formosa: Competitor or Predator?

We examined the effect of eastern mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki, on least killifish, Heterandria formosa, two similar-sized members of the family Poeciliidae, to determine which form of interaction was most important-competition or predation. Experimental populations were established in replicate mesocosms (wading pools), and growth and demographic characteristics of H. formosa populations were examined in the presence and absence of G. holbrooki. In pools with G. holbrooki, populations of H. formosa were small and significantly skewed toward large-bodied females, and relative abundance of males and juveniles was reduced. In populations of H. formosa alone, sex ratios and adult to juvenile ratios were about 1:1, individual adult female body sizes were smaller, and populations were large. This combination of population characteristics coincides with those predicted by a strong predator-prey model. We suggest that, even though these species are similar in adult size, diet, and habitat use, the dominant interaction between them, rather than competition, is size-selective predation by large G. holbrooki on small H. formosa. However, in natural populations, predation on G. holbrooki by other species may ameliorate the strong effects on H. formosa observed in this study.
Effect of Introducing Chitinase Gene on the Resistance of Tuber Mustard against White Mold

The objective of this research was introduction of chit42 to tuber mustard plants through Agrobacteriummediated transformation against white mold caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The binary plasmid pGisPEC1 was used in this study. Polymerase chain reaction analysis detected the transgene in 27 transformants with a transformation efficiency of 6.9%. Southern blot test was used to assess the copy number of transgene in tuber mustard plants. One, two, two, and two chit42-related bands were observed in the transformed lines TMB4, TMB7, TMB12, and TMB18, respectively. Enzymatic tests showed a significant increase in the activity of endochitinase in protein isolated from leaf tissues of chit42 transgenic 75-day tuber mustard lines. The pathogenicity of three pathogen isolates was tested on the leaves of transformed plans. The results of current study showed that expression of the gene chit42 in tuber mustard plants markedly reduced infection radius on the leaves 7 days after inoculation with the fungus.
Morphogenesis of the digestive tract of the pluteus larva of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus: shaping and bending

The 3 elements of the digestive tract of the pluteus larva (esophagus, stomach and intestine) acquire their characteristic shapes between 60 and 72 h after fertilization (15°C). The number of cells in the developing gut increases sigmoidally from about 100 at the completion of gastrulation to about 425 in the feeding pluteus. Embryos in which cytokinesis was inhibited with colchicine were able to form typically shaped guts comprising about 150 cells. Autoradiographs of embryos that had been cultured in sea water containing [3H]thymidine during shaping of the gut indicated no regions of enhanced thymidine incorporation. The hypothesis that shaping of the larval gut is due to regions of allometric cell proliferation was rejected. Measurements of the length of the developing gut indicate that the bending of the gut is facilitated by a doubling of the length of the digestive tract between two fixed points, the mouth and the anus.
Effects of Cadmium on Water Content, Soluble Protein, Proline Changes and Some Antioxidant Enzymes in Wheat (Triticum durum desf.) Leaves

The effect of Cadmium stress on plant growth, oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme of wheat seedlings (Triticum durum Desf.) was evaluated in this study. Cadmium stress decreased plant growth, lowered the relative water content and caused oxidative damage, as characterised by increased antioxidative enzymes in wheat leaves such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaїacol peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT). As a response to increasing Cadmium supply particular increases in antioxidative mechanisms in wheat cultivar Simeto suggest that the high Cadmium sensitivity of Simeto is related to enhanced production and oxidative damage of reactive oxygen species. Original Research Article Annual Research & Review in Biology, 4(24): 3835-3847, 2014 3836