Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Worried, weary and worn out: mixed-method study of stress and well-being in final-year medical students

Objective Although there is much focus on burnout and psychological distress among doctors, studies about stress and well-being in medical students are limited but could inform early intervention and prevention strategies. Design The primary aim of this mixed-method, cross-sectional survey was to compare objective and subjective levels of stress in final-year medical students (2017) and to explore their perspectives on the factors they considered relevant to their well-being. Setting University College Dublin, the largest university in Ireland. Participants 161 of 235 medical students participated in this study (response rate 69%). Results 65.2% of students scored over accepted norms for the Perceived Stress Scale (34.8% low, 55.9% moderate and 9.3% high). 35% scored low, 28.7% moderate and 36.3% high on the Subjective Stress Scale. Thematic analysis identified worry about exams, relationships, concern about the future, work–life balance and finance; one in three students reported worry, irritability and hostility; many felt worn out. Cognitive impacts included overthinking, poor concentration, sense of failure, hopelessness and procrastination. Almost a third reported sleep and appetite disturbance, fatigue and weariness. A quarter reported a ‘positive reaction’ to stress. Positive strategies to manage stress included connection and talking, exercise, non-study activity and meditation. Unhelpful strategies included isolation and substance use. No student reported using the college support services or sought professional help. Conclusion Medical students experience high levels of psychological distress, similar to their more senior doctor colleagues. They are disinclined to avail of traditional college help services. Toxic effects of stress may impact their cognition, learning, engagement and empathy and may increase patient risk and adverse outcomes. The focus of well-being in doctors should be extended upstream and embedded in the curriculum where it could prevent future burnout, improve retention to the profession and deliver better outcomes for patients.
Safety Evaluation and Experimental Study of a New Bionic Muscle Cable-Driven Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robot

Safety is a significant evaluation index of rehabilitation medical devices and a significant precondition for practical application. However, the safety evaluation of cable-driven rehabilitation robots has not been reported, so this work aims to study the safety evaluation methods and evaluation index of cable-driven rehabilitation robots. A bionic muscle cable (BM cable) is proposed to construct a bionic muscle cable-driven lower limb rehabilitation robot (BM-CDLR). The working principle of the BM-CDLR is introduced. The safety performance factors are defined based on the mechanical analysis of the BM-CDLR. The structural safety evaluation index and the use safety evaluation index of the BM-CDLR are given by comprehensively considering the safety performance factors and a proposed speed influence function. The effect of the structural parameters of the elastic elements in the BM cable on the safety performance factors and safety of the BM-CDLR is analyzed and verified by numerical simulations and experimental studies. The results provide the basis for further study of the compliance control strategy and experiments of the human-machine interaction of the BM-CDLR.
TMUNLP at the NTCIR-15 FinNum-2

Machine learning methods for financial document analysis have been focusing mainly on the textual part. However, the numerical parts of these documents are also rich in information content. This paper presents our approach in Numeral Attachment in Financial Tweets (FinNum-2) at NTCIR-15. The purpose of this task is to determine whether there is a relationship between the target cashtag and the target number in financial tweets. We construct a model based on BERT-BiLSTM with attention mechanism, which is our main architecture of this task. In addition, we also add the results from a dependency parser and a CNN model to our main architecture. Our experimental results indicate that the BERTBiLSTM with attention model has the best performance. More precisely, we obtain 87.02% in development set and 64.74% in test set in terms of F-score.
Plant plasma membrane-resident receptors: surveillance for infections and coordination for growth and development.

As sessile organisms, plants are exposed to pathogen invasions and environmental fluctuations. To overcome the challenges of their surroundings, plants acquire the potential to sense endogenous and exogenous cues, resulting in their adaptability. Hence, plants have evolved a large collection of plasma membrane-resident receptors including, RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASEs (RLKs) and RECEPTOR-LIKE PROTEINs (RLPs) to perceive those signals and regulate plant growth, development, and immunity. The ability of RLKs and RLPs to recognize distinct ligands relies on diverse categories of extracellular domains evolved. Co-regulatory receptors are often required to associate with RLKs and RLPs to facilitate cellular signal transduction. RECEPTOR-LIKE CYTOPLASMIC KINASEs (RLCKs) also associate with the complex, bifurcating the signal to key signaling hubs, such as MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE (MAPK) cascades, to regulate diverse biological processes. Here, we discuss recent knowledge advance in understanding the roles of RLKs and RLPs in plant growth, development, and immunity, and their connection with co-regulatory receptors, leading to activation of diverse intracellular signaling pathways. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Study of the Human Stickiness Perception of Wet Fabric on the Volar Forearm via Two Contact Modes: Friction and Adhesion-Separation

Wet fabric clinging to human skin may cause stickiness perception and facilitate wearing discomfort. This study aims to investigate the stickiness perception of wet fabrics via two contact modes (friction and adhesion-separation) as well as the influences of fabric properties and contact features on stickiness perception. A set of dynamic contact devices was developed to drive the samples to move horizontally or vertically on volar forearms. According to the magnitude estimation approach, 12 subjects were asked to assess the stickiness perceptions caused by 64 types of contact stimuli. The results showed that the water absorption capacity had a significant and negative correlation with stickiness perception under the two contact modes. However, the surface roughness was neither related to stickiness perception under the friction mode nor to stickiness perception under the adhesion-separation mode. There was an interaction between contact pressure and sliding velocity. The sliding velocity at medium or high pressure had a significant effect on stickiness perception, but the separating velocity had no significant effect. Stickiness perception under the friction mode is higher than that under the adhesion-separation mode in most cases. Consequently, the friction mode was considered the main contact mode that evokes stickiness perception.
Association of Non‐Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs with Kidney Health in Ambulatory Older Adults

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause kidney injury, especially in older adults. However, previously reported associations between NSAID use and kidney health outcomes are inconsistent and limited by reliance on serum creatinine‐based GFR estimates. This analysis investigated the association of NSAID use with kidney damage in older adults using multiple kidney health measures.
Searching for Peripheral Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolic Pathway

Neurodegenerative diseases are multifactorial, initiated by a series of the causative complex which develops into a certain clinical picture. The pathogenesis and disease course vary from patient to patient. Thus, it should be likewise to the treatment. Peripheral biomarkers are to play a central role for tailoring a personalized therapeutic plan for patients who suffered from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, among others. Nevertheless, the use of biomarkers in clinical practice is still underappreciated and data presented in biomarker research for clinical use is still uncompelling, compared to the abundant data available for drug research and development. So is the case with kynurenines (KYNs) and the kynurenine pathway (KP) enzymes, which have been associated with a wide range of diseases including cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurologic diseases, and psychiatric disorders. This review article discusses current knowledge of KP alterations observed in the central nervous system as well as the periphery, its involvement in pathogenesis and disease progression, and emerging evidence of roles of microbiota in the gut-brain axis, searching for practical peripheral biomarkers which ensure personalized treatment plans for neurodegenerative diseases.
Phonophobia and brainstem excitability in migraine

Phonophobia in migraineurs may be due to lower hearing threshold (HT) and higher brainstem neuronal excitability. We report the correlation of phonophobia in migraineurs with HT, brain stem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) findings, and auditory triggers. Sixty‐one migraineurs and 101 controls were included for HT, of whom 59 migraineurs and 31 controls had BAEP studies. Clinical details, migraine triggers, and headache frequency were noted. Hearing threshold was measured, and amplitudes of waves I to V of BAEP studies were measured. Migraineurs had lower HT compared with controls (41.61 ± 5.25 versus 45.39 ± 6.26 dB; p < 0.001) especially in chronic migraine (40.24 ± 4.81; p < 0.001). Hearing threshold correlated with headache frequency (p < 0.05) and auditory, visual, and tactile (p < 0.05) triggers. Hearing threshold was lower during headache (p < 0.001). Wave II, III, and IV amplitudes of BAEP were higher in migraineurs than the controls. Wave II (p < 0.05) and III (p < 0.05) amplitudes correlated with HT. Migraineurs have lower HT, especially in those having chronic migraine, ictal HT recording, and multiple sensory triggers. Higher amplitudes of BAEP waves in migraineurs and their relationship with the frequency of headache and HT suggest the sensitization of brainstem auditory neurons.
The peppermint breath test: a benchmarking protocol for breath sampling and analysis using GC–MS

Exhaled breath contains hundreds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which offer the potential for diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of diseases. As the breath research field has grown, sampling and analytical practices have become highly varied between groups. Standardisation would allow meta-analyses of data from multiple studies and greater confidence in published results. Washout of VOCs from ingestion into the blood and subsequently breath could provide data for an initial assessment of inter-group performance. The Peppermint Initiative has been formed to address this task of standardisation. In the current study we aimed to generate initial benchmark values for thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD–GC–MS) analysis of breath samples containing peppermint-derived VOCs using data from three independent European research groups. Initially, headspace analysis of peppermint oil capsules was performed to determine compounds of interest. Ten healthy participants were recruited by each three groups across Europe. The standard Peppermint protocol was followed. In brief, each participant provided a baseline breath sample prior to taking a peppermint capsule, with further samples collected at 60, 90, 165, 285 and 360 min following ingestion. Sampling and analytical protocols were different for each group, in line with their usual practice. Samples were analysed by TD–GC–MS and benchmarking values determined for the time taken for detected peppermint VOCs to return to baseline values. Sixteen compounds were identified in the capsule headspace, and all were confirmed in breath following ingestion of the peppermint capsules. Additionally, 2,3-dehydro-1,8-cineole was uniquely found in the breath samples, with a washout profile that suggested it was a product of metabolism of peppermint compounds. Five compounds (α-pinene, β-pinene, eucalyptol, menthol and menthone) were quantified by all three groups. Differences were observed between the groups, particularly for the recovery of menthone and menthol. The average time taken for VOCs to return to baseline was selected as the benchmark and were 377, 423, 533, 418 and 336 min for α-pinene, β-pinene, eucalyptol, menthone and menthol respectively. We have presented an initial set of easy-to-measure benchmarking values for assessing the performance of TD–GC–MS systems for the analysis of VOCs in breath. These values will be updated when more groups provide additional data.
Evaluation of the Barricor Tube in 28 Routine Chemical Tests and Its Impact on Turnaround Time in an Outpatient Clinic

Background We recently introduced the Barricor (BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) plasma separation tube, which uses a mechanical separator instead of a gel. We evaluated the effects of using the Barricor tube in a stat (statin) laboratory on the results and turnaround time (TAT) of routine chemical tests. We verified the impact of Barricor tube on reducing TAT and providing results similar to those obtained using serum separator tubes (SSTs). Methods We collected venous blood samples from 166 outpatients in Barricor tubes and SSTs and measured 28 routine analytes using an AU5800 instrument (Beckman Coulter, Brea, CA, USA). TAT indexes were compared before and after using Barricor tube. Results Mean percent differences were <5%, except for alanine aminotransferase , total CO2, high-density lipoprotein, phosphate, total protein, and direct bilirubin. The median TAT decreased from 45 to 38 minutes, and the rate of a TAT >60 minutes decreased from 7.84% to 2.66%, which was approximately one-third of that for SST. The reduction in TAT was attributable to a decrease in centrifugation time. Incomplete clotting and repeated centrifugation, which occurred frequently when using SST, also decreased after using the Barricor tubes. Conclusions The Barricor tube is an alternative to SST for routine chemical tests in institutions aiming to reduce TAT, with clinically allowable differences in test results.
A sensitive spectrofluorimetry method based on S and N dual-doped carbon nanoparticles for ultra-trace detection of ferrocyanide ion in food salt samples

ABSTRACT An ultra-sensitive spectrofluorimetry method was developed and validated for the rapid determination of ferrocyanide ions (hexacyanidoferrate(II), FeCN6 4-, FCNs) by using sulphur (S) and nitrogen (N) dual-doped fluorescence carbon nanoparticles (S,N-FCNPs) as nanoprobe. The fluorescence of S,N-FCNPs was strongly reduced due to the dynamic interaction between S,N-FCNPs and FeCNs. The developed method proved to be highly sensitive and selective for FeCNs detection with linearity in three concentration ranges over four orders of magnitude, covering 0.01–200.0 μg/mL. A limit of detection (LOD) of 2.8 ng/mL was obtained. The method was successfully applied for the determination of FeCNs in a series of dietary food salt samples and gave satisfactory results; the spiked recoveries were 97.6‒104.6% with standard uncertainty less than 5.8%. The method proved to be applicable for ultra-trace detection of FeCNs in food salt samples, having advantages in great simplicity, rapid response, low cost, favourable selectivity, and high sensitivity. Graphical Abstract
Glucocorticoid‐mediated mechanisms of hippocampal damage: Contribution of subgranular neurogenesis

A comprehensive overview of the interplay between glucocorticoids (GCs) and adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) is presented, particularly, in the context of a diseased brain. The effectors of GCs in the dentate gyrus neurogenic niche of the hippocampal are reviewed, and the consequences of the GC signaling on the generation and integration of new neurons are discussed. Recent findings demonstrating how GC signaling mediates impairments of the AHN in various brain pathologies are overviewed. GC‐mediated effects on the generation and integration of adult‐born neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus depend on the nature, severity, and duration of the acting stress factor. GCs realize their effects on the AHN primarily via specific glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors. Disruption of the reciprocal regulation between the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the generation of the adult‐born granular neurons is currently considered to be a key mechanism implicating the AHN into the pathogenesis of numerous brain diseases, including those without a direct hippocampal damage. These alterations vary from reduced proliferation of stem and progenitor cells to increased cell death and abnormalities in morphology, connectivity, and localization of young neurons. Although the involvement of the mutual regulation between the HPA axis and the AHN in the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits and mood impairments is evident, several unresolved critical issues are stated. Understanding the details of GC‐mediated mechanisms involved in the alterations in AHN could enable the identification of molecular targets for ameliorating pathology‐induced imbalance in the HPA axis/AHN mutual regulation to conquer cognitive and psychiatric disturbances.
Proposal of a laboratory course dedicated to the generation of protein molecular weight standards for sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Protein molecular weight standards are routinely employed in sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) to estimate the apparent sizes of unknown proteins within a sample. For training students, a laboratory course based on the production of marker proteins is proposed. Following fractionation by column chromatography, a series of purified proteins and mixtures of proteins were combined to generate various sets of unstained, prestained and fluorescently labeled molecular weight ladders for SDS‐PAGE. The produced material can be used in successive laboratory practices as an alternative to commercial protein markers.
Pineal Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor in a 5-Month-Old Child

Introduction: Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT), an uncommon malignant intracranial tumor with aggressive behavior are mostly seen in posterior fossa in young pediatric age-group. Case Presentation: We present an infrequent location of this tumor in the pineal region in a 5-month-old infant. Also, the lesion was non-enhancing which was highly atypical of an ATRT. It was near-totally excised with the child placed in sitting position. However, within a short interval, a tumor recurrence was noted. Conclusion: The case possibly represents an extended spectrum of congenital childhood brain tumors. Importantly, it highlights an atypical imaging of ATRT in very young children.
Systemic and intravesical adoptive cell therapy of tumor-reactive T cells can decrease bladder tumor growth in vivo

Background The therapeutic armamentarium of bladder cancer has been recently enriched with the introduction of new therapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and antibody drug conjugates, however treatment responses and duration of responses are still less than expected. Adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has potential to treat bladder cancer, as previously demonstrated by successful expansion of tumor reactive T cells from human bladder tumors. Methods A model system using OT-I T cells and an ovalbumin expressing MB49 tumor cell line (MB49OVA) was developed to study ACT in bladder cancer. Systemic ACT-treated mice were given T cells intravenously after lymphodepleting chemotherapy and followed by interleukin (IL)-2 administration. Intravesical ACT treated mice were given T cells directly into the bladder, without chemotherapy or IL-2. TILs were isolated from MB49 orthotopic tumors and expanded ex vivo in IL-2. Immune cell infiltrates were analyzed by flow cytometry. T cell infiltration was studied using a CXCR3 blocking antibody. Results Systemic ACT-treated mice had a decrease in tumor growth, increase in T cell infiltration and long-term immune protection compared with control-treated mice. OT-I T cells delivered intravesically were able to control tumor growth without lymphodepleting chemotherapy or IL-2 in MB49OVA orthotopic tumors. Intravesical delivery of TIL expanded from MB49 tumors was also able to decrease tumor growth in mice with MB49 orthotopic tumors. Blocking CXCR3 on OT-I T cells prior to intravesical delivery decreased T cell infiltration into the tumor and prevented the control of tumor growth. Conclusions This study demonstrates how TIL therapy can be used in treating different stages of bladder cancer.
Cross-cultural adaptation of Life Satisfaction Checklist-11 among persons with stroke in China: A reliability and validity study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to develop a cross-cultural adaptation and to evaluate the validity and reliability of a Chinese version of the LiSat-11 test. METHODS LiSat-11 was translated into Chinese according to standardized procedures. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to examine its reliability and validity, in accordance to COnsensus-based Standards for the election of health Measurements Instruments guidelines, among persons with stroke approximately 3 years after their discharge from rehabilitation. Participants completed the LiSat-11, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index (BI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). To examine the test-retest reliability, thirty of these participants completed LiSat-11 again after 2 weeks. RESULTS In total, 60 persons with stroke were recruited. The Chinese version of LiSat-11 demonstrated good internal consistency with Cronbach's alphas at 0.82. Ceiling effects were found in five of the eleven items of LiSat-11, and there was a floor effect in one item. LiSat-11 had moderate to high correlations with SF-36 with Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho) ranging from 0.44 to 0.73 (p < 0.01) in a concurrent validity test, and high correlations were also found between LiSat-11 and HADS-A/D in a convergent validity test with rho = -0.63/-0.67 (p < 0.01). Low correlations with NIHSS, BI and mRS were found in a divergent validity test, rho = -0.25, 0.17 and -0.26, respectively. CONCLUSION The current study verified that the translated Chinese version of the Life Satisfaction Checklist-11 is a reliable and valid tool for measuring the life satisfaction of persons with chronic stroke.