Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between cumulative blood pressure and long-term risk of cardiovascular disease: findings from the 26-year Chinese Multi-provincial Cohort Study-Beijing Project

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract Background: Cumulative blood pressure (BP), a measure incorporating the level and duration of BP exposure, is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the level at which cumulative BP could significantly increase the risk remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of 15-year cumulative BP levels with the long-term risk of CVD, and to examine whether the association is independent of BP levels at one examination. Methods: Data from a 26-year follow-up of the Chinese Multi-provincial Cohort Study-Beijing Project were analyzed. Cumulative BP levels between 1992 and 2007 were calculated among 2429 participants free of CVD in 2007. Cardiovascular events (including coronary heart disease and stroke) occurring from 2007 to 2018 were registered. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD incidence associated with quartiles of cumulative systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were calculated. Results: Of the 2429 participants, 42.9% (1042) were men, and the mean age in 2007 was 62.1 ± 7.9 years. Totally, 207 CVD events occurred during the follow-up from 2007 to 2018. Participants with higher levels of cumulative SBP or DBP exhibited a higher incidence rate of CVD (P < 0.001). Compared with the lowest quartile of cumulative SBP, the HR for CVD was 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59–1.81), 1.69 (95% CI: 0.99–2.87), and 2.20 (95% CI: 1.21–3.98) for the second to the fourth quartile of cumulative SBP, and 1.46 (95% CI: 0.86–2.48), 1.99 (95% CI: 1.18–3.35), and 2.08 (95% CI: 1.17–3.71) for the second to the fourth quartile of cumulative DBP, respectively. In further cross-combined group analyses with BP measurements in 2007, 15-year cumulative BP levels higher than the median, that is, 1970.8/1239.9 mmHg·year for cumulative SBP/DBP, which were equivalent to maintaining SBP/DBP levels of 131/83 mmHg or above on average in 15 years, were associated with higher risk of CVD in subsequent years independent of BP measurements at one-time point. Conclusion: Cumulative exposure to moderate elevation of BP is independently associated with increased future cardiovascular risk.
Pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant tislelizumab and chemotherapy for Pancoast tumor: A case report

A 60‐year‐old man was hospitalized because of numbness and weakness in the right upper limb. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large mass in the right upper lobe invading the right eighth cervical and first thoracic nerve root. Biopsy pathology confirmed primary lung adenocarcinoma with a clinical stage of cT4N0M0 IIIA, negative for anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusion gene and epidermal growth factor receptor mutations but positive for programmed death ligand 1 (3%). Neoadjuvant tislelizumab and chemotherapy were offered to this patient with Pancoast tumor, and tumor shrinkage of 71% was achieved. After the operation, surgical pathology indicated pathologic complete response (pCR). Circulating tumor cells testing was negative after the first adjuvant treatment. In this case, we provide real‐world evidence of encouraging pCR with neoadjuvant tislelizumab and chemotherapy for a patient with Pancoast tumor.
T cell responses in respiratory viral infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Respiratory viruses are major human pathogens that cause approximately 200 million pneumonia cases annually and induce various comorbidities with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), resulting in significant health concerns and economic burdens. Clinical manifestations in respiratory viral infections and inflammations vary from asymptomatic, mild, to severe, depending on host immune cell responses to pathogens and interactions with airway epithelia. We critically review the activation, effector, and regulation of T cells in respiratory virus infections and chronic inflammations associated with COPD. Crosstalk among T cells, innate immune cells, and airway epithelial cells is discussed as essential parts of pathogenesis and protection in viral infections and COPD. We emphasize the specificity of peptide antigens and the functional heterogeneity of conventional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to shed some light on potential cellular and molecular candidates for the future development of therapeutics and intervention against respiratory viral infections and inflammations.
Impact of Supplementation and Nutritional Interventions on Pathogenic Processes of Mood Disorders: A Review of the Evidence

This narrative review was conducted using searches of the PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar databases from inception to November 2019. Clinical trials and relevant articles were identified by cross-referencing major depressive disorder (and/or variants) with the following terms: folate, homocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), L-acetylcarnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, L-tryptophan, zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, and inositol. Manual reviews of references were also performed using article reference lists. Abnormal levels of folate, homocysteine, and SAMe have been shown to be associated with a higher risk of depression. Numerous studies have demonstrated antidepressant activity with L-methylfolate and SAMe supplementation in individuals with depression. Additionally, the amino acids L-acetylcarnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, and L-tryptophan have been implicated in the development of depression and shown to exert antidepressant effects. Other agents with evidence for improving depressive symptoms include zinc, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10. Potential biases and differences in study designs within and amongst the studies and reviews selected may confound results. Augmentation of antidepressant medications with various supplements targeting nutritional and physiological factors can potentiate antidepressant effects. Medical foods, particularly L-methylfolate, and other supplements may play a role in managing depression in patients with inadequate response to antidepressant therapies.
Community‐ based maternal and newborn interventions in Africa: Systematic review

Abstract Aim and objectives This review analysed the implementation and integration into healthcare systems of maternal and newborn healthcare interventions in Africa that include community health workers to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Background Most neonatal deaths (99%) occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries, with approximately half happening at home. In resource‐constrained settings, community‐based maternal and newborn care is regarded as a sound programme for improving newborn survival. Health workers can play an important role in supporting families to adopt sound health practices, encourage delivery in healthcare facilities and ensure timeous referral. Maternal and newborn mortality is a major public health problem, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa, where the Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 were not achieved at the end of 2015. Methods The review includes quantitative, qualitative and mixed‐method studies, with a data‐based convergent synthesis design being used, and the results grouped into categories and trends. The review took into account the participants, interventions, context and outcome frameworks (PICO), and followed the adapted PRISMA format for reporting systematic reviews of the qualitative and quantitative evidence guide checklist. Results The results from the 17 included studies focused on three themes: antenatal, delivery and postnatal care interventions as a continuum. The main components of the interventions were inadequate, highlighting the need for improved planning before each stage of implementation. A conceptual framework of planning and implementation was elaborated to improve maternal and newborn health. Conclusion The systematic review highlight the importance of thoroughly planning before any programme implementation, and ensuring that measures are in place to enable continuity of services. Relevant to the clinical practice Conceptual framework of planning and implementation of maternal and newborn healthcare interventions by maternal community health workers.
Pulmonary fibrosis in Fra-2 transgenic mice is associated with decreased numbers of alveolar macrophages and increased susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia.

INTRODUCTION Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a deadly condition characterized by progressive respiratory dysfunction. Exacerbations due to airway infections are believed to promote disease progression, and presence of Streptococcus in the lung microbiome has been associated with progression of IPF and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of lung fibrosis on susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia and bacteremia. METHODS The effects of subclinical (low dose) infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae were studied in a well characterized fos-related antigen-2 (Fra-2) transgenic (TG) mouse model of spontaneous, progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Forty-eight hours after transnasal infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, bacterial load was assessed in lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), blood and spleen. Leukocyte subsets and cytokine levels were analyzed in BAL and blood. Lung compliance and arterial blood gases were assessed. RESULTS In contrast to wildtype mice, low dose lung infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae in Fra-2 TG mice resulted in substantial pneumonia including weight loss, increased lung bacterial load and bacteremia. BAL alveolar macrophages were reduced in Fra-2 TG mice compared to the corresponding WT mice. Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL1) were elevated upon infection in BAL supernatant and plasma of Fra-2 TG mice. Lung compliance was decreased in Fra-2 TG mice following low dose infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONS Pulmonary fibrosis increases susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia and bacteremia possibly via impaired alveolar bacterial clearance.
Natural infection of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Cembrene-1 population) with Leishmania infantum in a new visceral leishmaniasis focus in the eastern region of São Paulo State, Brazil.

Abstract INTRODUCTION Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) transmission has been associated with two different populations of the Lutzomyia longipalpis complex in São Paulo state. METHODS In a recent focus of VL, we captured and dissected sand flies and investigated Leishmania infantum infection by parasitological, PCR, and sequencing analysis. RESULTS Flagellates were observed in 2 of 47 (4.2%) cembrene-1 Lu. longipalpis females. The sequences obtained matched those of Le. infantum. CONCLUSIONS We found that the transmission of Le. infantum by cembrene-1 females may occur at a high rate in this focus of VL and presented new data on the vector capacity of this population.
Task Enjoyment as an Individual Difference Construct

Abstract Are there individual differences in the tendency to enjoy tasks regardless of the tasks’ contents or situational determinants? To answer this question, we constructed and validated the six-item Trait Task Enjoyment Scale (TTES). In Study 1, it had an internally consistent one-factor structure (pooled N = 997); good test-retest reliabilities over 1 and 4 months; measurement invariance regarding gender (strong) and time (partial strong); and was not redundant with respect to a large number of theoretically related constructs. In Studies 2 and 3, the TTES predicted self-reported momentary task enjoyment, one of its opposites, boredom, and voluntary persistence in a free-choice paradigm. It did so for various tasks, including thirty diverse tasks presented in vignettes and a memory task in the lab. Results suggest that the TTES may predict momentary task enjoyment regardless of objective task aversiveness or, in this case, equally well for tasks with boring or enjoyable contents. The TTES addresses an important gap in current research on task enjoyment and is an adequately valid and reliable research tool.
Nanoparticles and nanocrystals of a new bidentate nickel(II) complex of N-[ethyl(propan-2-yl)carbamothioyl]-4-nitrobenzamide: synthesis, characterization, and crystal structures

The nickel(II) complex of N-[ethyl(propan-2-yl)carbamothioyl]-4-nitrobenzamide has been synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry (atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry). The single-crystal X-ray structures of N-[ethyl(propan-2-yl)carbamothioyl]-4-nitrobenzamide (1) and bis[N-[ethyl(propan-2-yl)carbamothioyl]-4-nitrobenzamide]nickel(II) (2) have been determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Loss of the N–H proton resonance and the N–H stretching vibration and the shift of the νC=O and νC=S stretching vibrations confirm formation of the metal complex. These studies show that the metal complex is neutral in cis-configuration. The complex has been used as a single-source precursor for the deposition of nickel sulfide nanocrystals by thermolysis. The nickel sulfide nanocrystals were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.
Study of the Ultraviolet Effect and Thermal Analysis on Polypropylene Nonwoven Geotextile

The use of polymeric materials such as geosynthetics in infrastructure works has been increasing over the last decades, as they bring down costs and provide long-term benefits. However, the aging of polymers raises the question of its long-term durability and for this reason researchers have been studying a sort of techniques to search for the required renewal time. This paper examined a commercial polypropylene (PP) nonwoven geotextile before and after 500 h and 1000 h exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light by performing laboratory accelerated ultraviolet-aging tests. The state of the polymeric material after UV exposure was studied through a wide set of tests, including mechanical and physical tests and thermoanalytical tests and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The calorimetric evaluations (DSC) showed distinct behaviors in sample melting points, attributed to the UV radiation effect on the aged samples. Furthermore, after exposure, the samples presented low thermal stability in the thermomechanical analysis (TMA), with a continuing decrease in their thicknesses. The tensile tests showed an increase in material stiffness after exposition. This study demonstrates that UV aging has effects on the properties of the polypropylene polymer.
Curve Sprint in Elite Female Soccer Players: Relationship with Linear Sprint and Jump Performance

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between linear sprint, curve sprint (CS), change of direction (COD) speed, and jump performance in a sample of 17 professional female soccer players. All athletes performed squat and countermovement jumps, single leg horizontal triple jumps, 17 m linear sprints, CS tests, and a 17 m Zigzag COD test. A Pearson product–moment test was performed to determine the relationships among the assessed variables. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Nearly perfect associations (r > 0.9) were found between linear and CS velocities. Players faster in linear sprints and CS exhibited greater COD deficits. No significant associations were found between COD deficit and either body mass or sprint momentum. Jumping ability was significantly correlated with linear sprint and CS performance, but not to COD performance. These findings may be used by coaches and practitioners to guide testing and training prescriptions in this population. The associations observed here suggest that training methods designed to improve linear sprint and CS velocities may benefit from the implementation of vertically and horizontally oriented plyometric exercises.
Neuroprotective Properties of 4-Aminopyridine

As an antagonist of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) is used as symptomatic therapy in several neurologic disorders. The improvement of visual function and motor skills and relieve of fatigue in patients with MS have been attributed to 4-AP. Its prolonged release formulation (fampridine) has been approved for the symptomatic treatment of walking disability in MS. The beneficial effects were explained by the blockade of axonal Kv channels, thereby enhancing conduction along demyelinated axons. However, an increasing body of evidence suggests that 4-AP may have additional properties beyond the symptomatic mode of action. In this review, we summarize preclinical and clinical data on possible neuroprotective features of 4-AP.
Impressic Acid Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions by Inhibiting ERK1/2-Mediated Phosphorylation of NF-κB and STAT1

Impressic acid (IPA), a lupane-type triterpenoid from Acanthopanax koreanum, has many pharmacological activities, including the attenuation of vascular endothelium dysfunction, cartilage destruction, and inflammatory diseases, but its influence on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the suppressive effect of IPA on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin symptoms in mice and the underlying mechanisms in cells. IPA attenuated the DNCB-induced increase in the serum concentrations of IgE and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and in the mRNA levels of thymus and activation regulated chemokine (TARC), macrophage derived chemokine (MDC), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-13 (IL-13), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in mice. Histopathological analysis showed that IPA reduced the epidermal/dermal thickness and inflammatory and mast cell infiltration of ear tissue. In addition, IPA attenuated the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IκBα, and the degradation of IκBα in ear lesions. Furthermore, IPA treatment suppressed TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced TARC expression by inhibiting the NF-κB activation in cells. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), the upstream signaling proteins, was reduced by IPA treatment in HaCaT cells. In conclusion, IPA ameliorated AD-like skin symptoms by regulating cytokine and chemokine production and so has therapeutic potential for AD-like skin lesions.
Bemisia tabaci on Vegetables in the Southern United States: Incidence, Impact, and Management

Simple Summary The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, was initially discovered in the United States in 1894 but was not considered an economic insect pest on various agricultural crops across the southern and western states. After the introduction of B. tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) into the United States around 1985, the insect rapidly spread throughout the Southern United States to Texas, Arizona, and California. Extreme field outbreaks occurred on vegetable and other crops in those areas. The sweetpotato whitefly is now regarded as one of the most destructive insect pests in vegetable production systems in the Southern United States. The direct and indirect plant damage caused by B. tabaci has led to substantial economic losses in vegetable crops. Bemisia tabaci outbreaks on vegetables in Georgia resulted in significant economic losses of 132.3 and 161.2 million US dollars (USD) in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Therefore, integrated pest management (IPM) tactics are warranted, including cultural control by manipulation of production practices, resistant vegetable varieties, biological control using various natural enemies, and the judicious use of insecticides. Abstract Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is among the most economically important insect pests of various vegetable crops in the Southern United States. This insect is considered a complex of at least 40 morphologically indistinguishable cryptic species. Bemisia tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) was initially introduced in the United States around 1985 and has since rapidly spread across the Southern United States to Texas, Arizona, and California, where extreme field outbreaks have occurred on vegetable and other crops. This pest creates extensive plant damage through direct feeding on vegetables, secreting honeydew, causing plant physiological disorders, and vectoring plant viruses. The direct and indirect plant damage in vegetable crops has resulted in enormous economic losses in the Southern United States, especially in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Effective management of B. tabaci on vegetables relies mainly on the utilization of chemical insecticides, particularly neonicotinoids. However, B. tabaci has developed considerable resistance to most insecticides. Therefore, alternative integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are required, such as cultural control by manipulation of production practices, resistant vegetable varieties, and biological control using a suite of natural enemies for the management of the pest.
EFFECT OF FREQUENCY ON THE SONOLYTIC DEGRADATION OF CARBON TETRACHLORIDE

The sonolytic degradation of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was examined under different frequency conditions (35, 72, 100 and 170 kHz) in the presence and absence of argon purging and radical scavenger. Also, the extent of mineralization during sonolysis of CCl4 was measured using chloride production. At 170 kHz, the degradation CCl4 and chloride production was only 25 and 20% within 60 min. However, the removal efficiency of CCl4 increased more than 90% at the same time at lower frequencies (35, 72 and 100 kHz), and the production of chloride increased up to 67, 70 and 61% at 35, 72 and 100 kHz, respectively. The removal of CCl4 at 170 kHz was enhanced by argon purging during sonication up to 87%, however, the degradation efficiency at lower frequencies decreased by argon purging. The addition of methanol, as a radical scavenger during sonolysis, also reduced the removal especially at higher frequency (170 kHz), indicating that the oxidation by OH radical is the main factor in the sonolysis for the removal of CCl4 at higher frequency, and pyrolysis is the main effect factor for degradation of CCl4 at lower frequency in the sonication. Finally, the mineralization extent during sonolysis was estimated using the mass balance of chloride production.
Terminal Modification with 1‐Adamantylamine to Endow Hyperbranched Polyamidoamine with Thermo‐/pH‐Responsive Properties

A novel terminal modification agent to endow hyperbranched polyamidoamine (HPAMAM) with thermo-/pH-responsive properties is reported. HPAMAM with terminal vinyl groups is first synthesized and then end-capped by 1-adamantylamine (ADA). The resulting hyperbranched polymer (HPAMAM-ADA) shows interesting thermo-responsive properties in aqueous solution, which have been investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and 1 H NMR spectroscopy. The lower critical solution temperature can be controlled by adjusting the end-capping ratio of ADA. In addition, HPAMAM-ADA exhibits a pH-dependent water solubility. This pH-responsive behavior is also studied.