Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speed and quality goals in procedural skills learning: A randomized experiment

Abstract Purpose: Compare time (speed) and product quality goals in a surgical procedural task. Methods: Secondary school students participating in a medical simulation-based training activity participated in a randomized experiment. Each participant completed eight repetitions of a blood vessel ligation. Once, between repetitions four and five, each participant received a randomly-assigned speed goal or quality goal. Outcomes included time and leak-free ligatures. Results: 80 students participated. The speed-goal group performed 18% faster on the final repetition than the quality-goal group, with adjusted fold change (FC) 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71, 0.94; p = 0.01). Conversely, the speed-goal group had fewer high-quality (leak-free) ligatures (odds ratio [OR] 0.36 [95% CI, 0.22, 0.58; p < 0.001]). For the quality-goal group, leaky ligatures took longer post-intervention than leak-free ligatures (FC 1.09 [95% CI, 1.02, 1.17; p = 0.01]), whereas average times for leaky and leak-free ligatures were similar for the speed-goal group (FC 0.97 [95% CI, 0.91, 1.04; p = 0.38]). For a given performance time, the speed-goal group had more leaks post-intervention than the quality-goal group (OR 3.35 [95% CI, 1.58, 7.10; p = 0.002]). Conclusions: Speed and quality goals promote different learning processes and outcomes among novices. Use of both speed and quality goals may facilitate more effective and efficient learning.
Stroke in the Middle-East and North Africa: A 2-year prospective observational study of intravenous thrombolysis treatment in the region. Results from the SITS-MENA Registry

Background and methods Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke in the Middle-East and North African (MENA) countries is still confined to the main urban and university hospitals. This was a prospective observational study to examine outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis-treated stroke patients in the MENA region compared to the non-MENA stroke cohort in the SITS International Registry. Results Of 32,160 patients with ischemic stroke registered using the SITS intravenous thrombolysis protocol between June 2014 and May 2016, 500 (1.6%) were recruited in MENA. Compared to non-MENA (all p < 0.001), median age in MENA was 55 versus 73 years, NIH Stroke Scale score 12 versus 9, onset-to-treatment time 138 versus 155 min and door-to-needle time 54 min versus 64 min. Hypertension was the most reported risk factor, but lower in MENA (51.7 vs. 69.7%). Diabetes was more frequent in MENA (28.5 vs. 20.8%) as well as smoking (20.8 vs. 15.9%). Hyperlipidemia was less observed in MENA (17.6 vs. 29.3%). Functional independence (mRS 0–2) at seven days or discharge was similar (53% vs. 52% in non-MENA), with mortality slightly lower in MENA (2.3% vs. 4.8%). SICH rates by SITS-MOST definition were low (<1.4%) in both groups. Conclusions Intravenous thrombolysis patients in MENA were younger, had more severe strokes and more often diabetes. Although stroke severity was higher in MENA, short-term functional independency and mortality were not worse compared to non-MENA, which could partly be explained by younger age and shorter OTT in MENA. Decreasing the burden of stroke in this young population should be prioritized.
Non-coding RNAs – A primer for the laboratory scientist

ABSTRACT Advances in molecular genetics have identified several species of RNA that fail to translate – hence the non-coding RNAs. The two major groups within this class of nucleic acids are microRNAs (miRNA) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA). There is growing body of evidence supporting the view that these molecules have regulatory effect on both DNA and RNA. The objective of this brief review is to explain the molecular genetic of these molecules, to summarize their potential as mediators of disease, and to highlight their value as diagnostic markers and as tools in disease management.
Preference for Deliberation and Perceived Usefulness of Standard- and Narrative-Style Leaflet Designs: Implications for Equitable Cancer-Screening Communication.

BACKGROUND In the UK, cancer-screening invitations are mailed with information styled in a standard, didactic way to allow for informed choice. Information processing theory suggests this "standard style" could be more appealing to people who prefer deliberative thinking. People less likely to engage in deliberative thinking may be disenfranchised by the design of current standard-style information. PURPOSE To examine the distribution of preference for deliberative thinking across demographic groups (Study 1) and explore associations between preference for deliberative thinking and perceived usefulness of standard- and narrative-style screening information (Study 2). METHODS In Study 1, adults aged 45-59 (n = 4,241) were mailed a questionnaire via primary care assessing preference for deliberative thinking and demographic characteristics. In Study 2, a separate cohort of adults aged 45-59 (n = 2,058) were mailed standard- and narrative-style leaflets and a questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, preference for deliberative thinking, and perceived leaflet usefulness. Data were analyzed using multiple regression. RESULTS In Study 1 (n = 1,783) and Study 2 (n = 650), having lower socioeconomic status, being a women, and being of nonwhite ethnicity was associated with lower preference for deliberative thinking. In Study 2, the standard-style leaflet was perceived as less useful among participants with lower preference for deliberative thinking, while perceived usefulness of the narrative-style leaflet did not differ by preference for deliberative thinking. CONCLUSIONS Information leaflets using a standard style may disadvantage women and those experiencing greater socioeconomic deprivation. More work is required to identify design styles that have a greater appeal for people with low preference for deliberative thinking.
PTPRT epigenetic silencing defines lung cancer with STAT3 activation and can direct STAT3 targeted therapies

ABSTRACT Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription-3 (STAT3), a potent oncogenic transcription factor, is constitutively activated in lung cancer, but mutations in pathway genes are infrequent. Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor-T (PTPRT) is an endogenous inhibitor of STAT3 and PTPRT loss-of-function represents one potential mechanism of STAT3 hyperactivation as observed in other malignancies. We determined the role of PTPRT promoter methylation and sensitivity to STAT3 pathway inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). TCGA and Pittsburgh lung cancer cohort methylation data revealed hypermethylation of PTPRT associated with diminished mRNA expression in a subset of NSCLC patients. We report frequent hypermethylation of the PTPRT promoter which correlates with transcriptional silencing of PTPRT and increased STAT3 phosphorylation (Y705) as determined by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and real time quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR in NSCLC cell lines. Silencing of PTPRT using siRNA in H520 lung cancer cell line resulted in increased pSTAT3Tyr705 and upregulation of STAT3 target genes such as Cyclin D1 and Bcl-XL expression. We show this association of PRPRT methylation with upregulation of the STAT3 target genes Cyclin D1 and Bcl-XL in patient derived lung tumour samples. We further demonstrate that PTPRT promoter methylation associated with different levels of pSTAT3Ty705 in lung cancer cell lines had selective sensitivity to STAT3 pathway small molecule inhibitors (SID 864,669 and SID 4,248,543). Our data strongly suggest that silencing of PTPRT by promoter hypermethylation is an important mechanism of STAT3 hyperactivation and targeting STAT3 may be an effective approach for the development of new lung cancer therapeutics.
Properties of human astrocytes and NG2 glia

Since animal models are inevitable for medical research, information on species differences in glial cell properties is critical for successful translational research. Here, we review current knowledge about morphological and functional properties of human astrocytes and NG2 glial cells and compare these data with those obtained for the comparable cells in rodents. Morphological analyses of astrocytes in the neocortex of rodents versus humans have demonstrated clear differences. In contrast, the functional properties of astrocytes or NG2 glial cells in these species are surprisingly similar. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution, as so far functional analyses of human cells are only available from neocortex and hippocampus, and it is known from rodent studies that the properties of astrocytes in different brain regions may vary considerably. Moreover, technical challenges render astrocyte electrophysiological measurements in situ unreliable, and human cell properties may be affected by medications. Nevertheless, based on the limited data currently available, there is substantial similarity between human and rodent astrocytes with regard to those functional properties studied to date. The unique morphological characteristics of astrocytes in human neocortex call for further physiological analysis. The basic properties for NG2 glia are even less completely evaluated with regard to the question of species differences but no glaring differences have been reported so far. In conclusion, it remains justifiable to employ mouse or rat models to investigate the etiology of human CNS diseases that might involve astrocytes or NG2 glia.
ABCB5 is activated by MITF and β‐catenin and is associated with melanoma differentiation

Defining markers of different phenotypic states in melanoma is important for understanding disease progression, determining the response to therapy, and defining the molecular mechanisms underpinning phenotype‐switching driven by the changing intratumor microenvironment. The ABCB5 transporter is implicated in drug‐resistance and has been identified as a marker of melanoma‐initiating cells. Indeed ongoing studies are using ABCB5 to define stem cell populations. However, we show here that the ABCB5 is a direct target for the microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor MITF and its expression can be induced by β‐catenin, a key activator and co‐factor for MITF. Consequently, ABCB5 mRNA expression is primarily associated with melanoma cells exhibiting differentiation markers. The results suggest first that ABCB5 is unlikely to represent a marker of de‐differentiated melanoma stem cells, and second that ABCB5 may contribute to the non‐genetic drug‐resistance associated with highly differentiated melanoma cells. To reconcile the apparently conflicting observations in the field, we propose a model in which ABCB5 may mark a slow‐cycling differentiated population of melanoma cells.
Localization of full-length recombinant human proteoglycan-4 in commercial contact lenses using confocal microscopy

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the sorption location of full-length recombinant human proteoglycan 4 (rhPRG4) tagged with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to four silicone hydrogel contact lenses [balafilcon A (PureVision, Bausch + Lomb), senofilcon A (Acuvue Oasys, Johnson & Johnson), comfilcon A (Biofinity, CooperVision), lotrafilcon B (Air Optix, Alcon)] and one conventional hydrogel lens [etafilcon A (Acuvue 2, Johnson & Johnson)], using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Lenses (n = 3 each) were incubated under two conditions: (1) FITC-rhPRG4 solution at 300 μg/mL and (2) phosphate-buffered saline, for 1 h at 37 °C in darkness with gentle shaking. The central 4 mm of each lens was removed and viewed with the Zeiss 510 CLSM using an argon laser at 488 nm (FITC excitation 495 nm, emission 521 nm). Depth scans were taken at 1 μm intervals to a maximum depth of 100 μm. All lens materials demonstrated sorption of rhPRG4. Both senofilcon A and balafilcon A revealed FITC-rhPRG4 penetration into the bulk of the lens, generally favoring the surface. rhPRG4 was observed exclusively on the surface of lotrafilcon B, with no presence within the bulk of the lens. rhPRG4 was evenly distributed throughout the bulk of the lens, as well as on the surface, for comfilcon A and etafilcon A. The sorption profile of FITC-rhPRG4 was successfully visualized using CLSM in various contact lens materials. The polymer composition, surface treatment and pore size of the material can influence the sorption of rhPRG4.
Religious Service Attendance, Religious Coping, and Risk of Hypertension in Women Participating in the Nurses' Health Study II.

The association between religious service attendance, religious coping, and hypertension is unclear. Prospective research and assessment of potential mediators is needed to understand this relationship. From 2001-2013, we prospectively followed 44,281 non-hypertensive women who provided information on religious service attendance and religious coping in the Nurses' Health Study II. Cox regression and mediation analyses were conducted to assess associations between religion and hypertension. There were 453,706 person-years of follow-up and 11,773 incident hypertension cases. Women who attended religious services were less likely to develop hypertension. In the fully adjusted model, compared to women who never or almost never attend religious meetings or services, women attending less than once/month (hazard ratio=0.97, 95% confidence interval: 0.91,1.03), 1-3 times/month (hazard ratio=0.94, 95% confidence interval: 0.88,1.00), once/week (hazard ratio=0.93, 95% confidence interval: 0.88,0.98), or more than once/week (hazard ratio=0.91, 95% confidence interval: 0.86,0.97) showed a decreased risk of hypertension (Ptrend=0.001). Body mass index was an important mediator (11.5%, P<0.001). Religious coping had a marginal association with hypertension. In conclusion, religious service attendance was modestly associated with hypertension in an inverse dose-response manner and partially mediated through body mass index. Future research is needed on biological or social reasons for the lower risk of hypertension.
Effects of guluronic acid (G2013) on gene expression of TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, TNF-α and CD52 in multiple sclerosis under in vitro conditions

Abstract Context: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease of CNS. The α-L-guluronic acid (G2013) as novel NSAID with immunomodulatory effects has shown its positive effects in various investigations. Objective: Present research aimed to study the potency of G2013 on gene expression of TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, TNF-α and CD52 in PBMCs of MS patients under in vitro conditions. Materials and methods: 24 blood samples from MS patients and healthy controls were considered for RT-PCR and flow cytometry techniques under two different doses of G2013. Results: Our research indicated that this drug could significantly decrease the gene expression of TLR2, TLR4 and TNF-α compared to untreated group. Conclusion: Data demonstrated that the guluronic acid is able to modify the expression levels of TLR2, TLR4 and TNF-α genes to less than the pathogenic boarder line level, which it might be recommended for reducing the pathological process in multiple sclerosis.
Surface Capping Agents and Their Roles in Shape-Controlled Synthesis of Colloidal Metal Nanocrystals.

Controlling the shapes and related properties of colloidal metal nanocrystals are key to the realization of their vast applications. Surface capping agents, including neutral molecules, ionic species, macromolecules, and biomolecules, have been extensively used to control the evolution of seeds into nanocrystals with diverse but well-controlled shapes. Here we offer a comprehensive review of these agents, with a focus on the mechanistic understanding of their roles in guiding the shape evolution of metal nanocrystals. We begin with a brief introduction to the early history of capping agents in electroplating and bulk crystal growth, followed by discussion of how they affect the thermodynamics and kinetics involved in a synthesis of metal nanocrystals. We then present representative examples involving both experimental and computational studies to highlight the various capping agents, including their binding selectivity, molecular-level interaction with a metal surface, and impacts on the growth of metal nanocrystals. We also showcase progress in leveraging capping agents to generate nanocrystals with complex structures and/or enhance their catalytic properties. Finally, we discuss various strategies for the exchange or removal of capping agents, together with perspectives on future directions.
The impact of infant formula production on the concentrations of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters

ABSTRACT Fatty acid esters of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD), 2-monochlorpropanediol (2-MCPD), and glycidol are process-induced chemical contaminants found in refined vegetable oils. Due to their toxicological properties, there is potential concern regarding exposure to these compounds, particularly for formula-fed infants where refined edible oils are the primary fat source in commercial infant formulas. In order to assess exposure, 55 commercial oil samples, specifically intended for use in infant formula, were collected in 2015 from various infant formula manufacturers in the United States and analysed using a LC-MS/MS direct detection method. At the time of collection, there were no validated methods for the analysis of MCPD and glycidyl esters in infant formula. Therefore, analysis of these commercial oil samples served as an alternative for confirming the presence of these ester contaminants in infant formula. Bound 3-MCPD and glycidol concentrations in these oils ranged from below the limit of quantitation (<LOQ) to 5.13 µg g−1 and <LOQ to 6.14 µg g−1, respectively. Highest ester concentrations were observed in palm olein samples. Concentrations of bound 3-MCPD and glycidol in the commercial oils were consistent with previously published occurrence studies at the time, suggesting that oils used in the manufacture of infant formula were similar (or processed in a similar manner) as refined oils marketed directly to consumers in 2015. In order to determine if conditions during infant formula production impact the presence of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in the finished products, concentrations in oils were compared to concentrations in finished infant formula collected at approximately the same time. The comparison revealed that conditions used in the manufacture of infant formula likely initiate the destruction or conversion of glycidyl esters to other compounds, resulting in lower amounts of bound glycidol in the final product relative to the concentrations originally present in the refined oils. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Metabonomics window into plateau hypoxia

Oxygen deficiency in the plateau environment weakens aerobic metabolism and reduces the energy supply, leading to high-altitude diseases including decreased circulatory function, decreased nutrient and energy supply to tissues and organs, and decreased waste discharge. The involvement of many metabolic pathways is reflected in dramatic changes in levels of endogenous small molecule metabolites. Metabolomics represents a promising technique for mechanistic studies and drug screening, and metabonomics, or quantitative metabolomics, has been increasingly applied to the study of hypoxic diseases and their pathogenesis, as well as to pharmacodynamics at high altitudes. In this article, we review the recent literature on the pathogenesis of altitude hypoxia and the clinical and preclinical metabonomics of drug interventions. Endogenous metabolites and metabolic pathways change significantly under high-altitude hypoxia. Some drug interventions have also been shown to regulate pathway metabolism, and the problems of applying metabonomics to hypoxic diseases at high altitude and the prospects for its future application are summarized.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Provocative Testing in the Workup of Empty Nose Syndrome—Advances in Diagnosis: A Systematic Review

Background The last 5 years have seen a surge of both clinical and scientific interest in empty nose syndrome (ENS). Although ENS is still considered a controversial diagnosis plagued by a lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, ENS is increasingly becoming recognized as a legitimate, physiologic disease entity. As such, it is important for clinicians to understand the most up-to-date diagnostic tools to assess ENS, confirm the diagnosis, and create a more standardized means to counsel these complex patients. Objective Contemporary literature review to discuss diagnostic modalities in the evaluation of ENS, in order to introduce evidence-based diagnostic criteria. Methods A systematic review was conducted in PubMed and Embase (2013–2019) using the search term “empty nose syndrome” to identify peer-reviewed articles on the topic of ENS. Articles advancing contemporary methods of ENS diagnosis and testing were included. A quality assessment was conducted using The Rational Clinical Examination Levels of Evidence. Results The novel development of the Empty Nose Syndrome 6 Questionnaire (ENS6Q) offers the clinician a validated patient-reported outcome measure to supplement history and physical examination. The in-office cotton test, performed by placing an endoscopically directed cotton plug in the site of tissue loss, may help to identify patients who may benefit from turbinate augmentation. Tools such as the sinus computed tomography scan, computational fluid dynamics, and intranasal trigeminal nerve function testing currently have insufficient evidence to support routine use in the workup of ENS. Up to 66% of ENS patients present with comorbid anxiety or depression. Conclusion The ENS6Q and cotton test assist in creating a standardized approach to the evaluation of patients suspected of ENS. These instruments should be used as an adjunct, rather than the sole criteria, on which to ascertain the presumptive diagnosis. Patients suspected of ENS should be screened for comorbid psychological dysfunction.
The Drosophila CPEB Protein Orb Specifies Oocyte Fate by a 3′UTR-Dependent Autoregulatory Loop

orb encodes one of the two fly CPEB proteins. These widely conserved proteins bind to the 3′UTRs of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and activate or repress their translation. We show here that a positive autoregulatory loop driven by the orb gene propels the specification of oocyte identity in Drosophila egg chambers. Oocyte fate specification is mediated by a 3′UTR-dependent mechanism that concentrates orb mRNAs and proteins in one of the two pro-oocytes in the 16-cell germline cyst. When the orb 3′UTR is deleted, orb mRNA and protein fail to localize and all 16 cells become nurse cells. In wild type, the oocyte is specified when orb and other gene products concentrate in a single cell in region 2b of the germarium. A partially functional orb 3′UTR replacement delays oocyte specification until the egg chambers reach stage 2 of oogenesis. Before this point, orb mRNA and protein are unlocalized, as are other markers of oocyte identity, and the oocyte is not specified. After stage 2, ∼50% of the chambers successfully localize orb in a single cell, and this cell assumes oocyte identity. In the remaining chambers, the orb autoregulatory loop is not activated and no oocyte is formed. Finally, maintenance of oocyte identity requires continuous orb activity.