Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A double-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial of hydrogen inhalation therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Background Hydrogen (H2) has been reported to be effective in reducing hearing loss due to several causes in animal studies. However, no study has examined the effectiveness of H2 in treating hearing loss in humans. Thus, we investigated whether H2 is effective for the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Materials and methods We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial at six hospitals between June 2019 and March 2022. The study protocol and trial registration have been published in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT, No. jRCTs06119004). We randomly assigned patients with ISSNHL to receive either H2 (H2 group) or air as a placebo (control group) through inhalation combined with the administration of systemic glucocorticoids and prostaglandin E1. The primary outcome was the hearing threshold and changes in hearing threshold 3 months after therapy. In contrast, the secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients with a good prognosis (complete recovery or marked improvement). Results Sixty-five patients with ISSNHL (31 and 34 in the H2 and control groups, respectively) were included in this study. The hearing threshold 3 months after treatment was not significantly different between the groups; 39.0 decibels (dB) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.7–49.3) and 49.5 dB (95% CI: 40.3–58.7) in the H2 and control groups, respectively. In contrast, the changes in hearing threshold 3 months after treatment was 32.7 dB (95% CI: 24.2–41.3) and 24.2 dB (95% CI: 18.1–30.3) in the H2 and control groups, respectively. Consequently, the changes in hearing threshold were significantly better in the H2 group than in the control group (P = 0.048). However, no adverse effects due to the inhalation of H2 gas have been reported. Conclusion This is the first study to investigate the efficacy of H2 for the treatment of ISSNHL in humans. The results suggest that H2 therapy may be effective for ISSNHL treatment. Clinical trial registration [https://jrct.niph. go.jp/re/reports/detail/10442], identifier [jRCTs06119004].
An overview of brain-like computing: Architecture, applications, and future trends

With the development of technology, Moore's law will come to an end, and scientists are trying to find a new way out in brain-like computing. But we still know very little about how the brain works. At the present stage of research, brain-like models are all structured to mimic the brain in order to achieve some of the brain's functions, and then continue to improve the theories and models. This article summarizes the important progress and status of brain-like computing, summarizes the generally accepted and feasible brain-like computing models, introduces, analyzes, and compares the more mature brain-like computing chips, outlines the attempts and challenges of brain-like computing applications at this stage, and looks forward to the future development of brain-like computing. It is hoped that the summarized results will help relevant researchers and practitioners to quickly grasp the research progress in the field of brain-like computing and acquire the application methods and related knowledge in this field.
Transcriptomic and splicing changes underlying tomato responses to combined water and nutrient stress

Tomato is a horticultural crop of high economic and nutritional value. Suboptimal environmental conditions, such as limited water and nutrient availability, cause severe yield reductions. Thus, selection of genotypes requiring lower inputs is a goal for the tomato breeding sector. We screened 10 tomato varieties exposed to water deficit, low nitrate or a combination of both. Biometric, physiological and molecular analyses revealed different stress responses among genotypes, identifying T270 as severely affected, and T250 as tolerant to the stresses applied. Investigation of transcriptome changes caused by combined stress in roots and leaves of these two genotypes yielded a low number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in T250 compared to T270, suggesting that T250 tailors changes in gene expression to efficiently respond to combined stress. By contrast, the susceptible tomato activated approximately one thousand and two thousand genes in leaves and roots respectively, indicating a more generalized stress response in this genotype. In particular, developmental and stress-related genes were differentially expressed, such as hormone responsive factors and transcription factors. Analysis of differential alternative splicing (DAS) events showed that combined stress greatly affects the splicing landscape in both genotypes, highlighting the important role of AS in stress response mechanisms. In particular, several stress and growth-related genes as well as transcription and splicing factors were differentially spliced in both tissues. Taken together, these results reveal important insights into the transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating tomato adaptation to growth under reduced water and nitrogen inputs.
Transforming squeezed light into a large-amplitude coherent-state superposition

A quantum superposition of two coherent states of light with small amplitude can be obtained by subtracting a photon from a squeezed vacuum state. In experiments this preparation can be made conditioned on the detection of a photon in the field from a squeezed light source. We propose and analyze an extended measurement strategy which allows generation of high fidelity coherent state superpositions with larger amplitude.
Picture book reading on the development of preschoolers in rural areas of China: Effects on language, inhibition, and theory of mind

Studies have shown that book reading intervention may scaffold children's language development. However, whether book reading interventions are equally effective for children's cognitive development in a Chinese rural school setting remains to be explored. We conducted a four-month book reading intervention to address these issues in rural Chinese areas. A total of three hundred twenty-one children aged between 2.56 and 6.47 years (M = 4.66 ages, SD = 0.80) were assigned to three groups as follows: (a) control group without donated picture books; (b) active reading control group with donated picture books; and (c) intervention group with a 4-month instructed picture book reading intervention. The findings indicate that the available books could produce significant positive changes in the development of receptive language (F(1,191) = 14.46, p < 0.01) and inhibitory control (F(1,190) = 7.64, p = 0.01) of rural children. However, a 4-month intervention was noneffective at boosting participants' performance on these tasks (F(1,203) = 0.07~2.73, p > 0.10). The results discussed the possible explanations, implications for behavioral intervention researchers, and suggestions for social service organizations or public institutions.
Medication non-adherence and associated factors among older adult stroke survivors in China

Aim: Medication non-adherence has remained a common and costly global health issue of growing importance among older adults. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors related to medication non-adherence among older adult stroke survivors in China. Methods and results: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 402 older adult stroke survivors were recruited from three tertiary hospitals in China. The results of the survey showed that 61.4% exhibited medication non-adherence. The chances of medication non-adherence among older adult stroke survivors who had primary school or less educational levels were higher than those who had senior secondary and junior college educational levels [OR (95% CI) = 0.440(0.249, 0.778)] as well as those who had a bachelor’s degree or above educational levels [OR (95%CI) = 0.367(0.202, 0.667)]. Moreover, the probability of medication non-adherence with 4–5 and ≥6 types of total prescription medications per day increased by 1.993 times [OR (95% CI) = 1.993(1.190, 3.339))] and 2.233 times [OR (95%CI) = 2.233(1.159, 4.300)], respectively, as compared to when there were ≤3 types. Furthermore, medication non-adherence decreased with the increase in health literacy scores (β = −0.641 (95% CI; (0.913, 0.965)) and BMQ specific-necessity scores (β = −0.131 (95% CI; 0.806, 0.995)). On the other hand, when the BMQ specific-concerns score increased by one unit, medication non-adherence increased by 11.1% [OR (95% CI) = 1.111(1.044, 1.182)]. Conclusion: The present study found that patient medication adherence among older adult stroke survivors in China is problematic and associated with educational levels, total prescribed drugs per day, beliefs about medication, and health literacy scores. This indicates that measures should be taken to enhance medication adherence among such higher-risk populations.
Cell polarity signalling at the birth of multicellularity: What can we learn from the first animals

The innovation of multicellularity has driven the unparalleled evolution of animals (Metazoa). But how is a multicellular organism formed and how is its architecture maintained faithfully? The defining properties and rules required for the establishment of the architecture of multicellular organisms include the development of adhesive cell interactions, orientation of division axis, and the ability to reposition daughter cells over long distances. Central to all these properties is the ability to generate asymmetry (polarity), coordinated by a highly conserved set of proteins known as cell polarity regulators. The cell polarity complexes, Scribble, Par and Crumbs, are considered to be a metazoan innovation with apicobasal polarity and adherens junctions both believed to be present in all animals. A better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms regulating cell polarity and tissue architecture should provide key insights into the development and regeneration of all animals including humans. Here we review what is currently known about cell polarity and its control in the most basal metazoans, and how these first examples of multicellular life can inform us about the core mechanisms of tissue organisation and repair, and ultimately diseases of tissue organisation, such as cancer.
Cardiovascular and renal outcomes with sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A system review and network meta-analysis

Cardiovascular and renal impairment are the most common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). As an emerging class of glucose-lowing agents sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), possesses beneficial effects on cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with T2DM. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of different SGLT2 inhibitors for cardiovascular and renal outcomes for patients with T2DM when compared with placebo. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library from inception through November 2021. Randomized clinical trials enrolling participants with T2DM were included, in which SGLT2 inhibitors were compared with each other or placebo. The primary outcomes including all-caused mortality, Cardiovascular outcomes (cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization for heart failure), and the renal composite outcomes (worsening persistent microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria, new or worsening chronic kidney disease, doubling of serum creatinine, end-stage renal disease, renal transplant, or renal death). The data for the outcomes were pooled and recorded as Hazard rations (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CLs). Two researcher independently screened the trials and drawn the data. Ten trials enrolling 68,723 patients were included. Compared with placebo groups, Canagliflozin [HR, 0.85 (95%CI, 0.75–0.98)], ertugliflozin [HR, 0.93 (95%CI, 0.78–1.11)], and sotagliflozin [HR, 0.94 (95%CI, 0.79–1.12)] were associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality. Canagliflozin [HR, 0.84 (95%CI, 0.72–0.97)], dapagliflozin [HR, 0.88 (95%CI, 0.79–0.99)], empagliflozin [HR, 0.62 (95%CI, 0.49–0.78)], ertugliflozin [HR, 0.92 (95%CI, 0.77–1.10)], and sotagliflozin [HR, 0.88 (95%CI, 0.73–1.06)] were associated with a reduction in cardiovascular mortality; Canagliflozin [HR, 0.64 (95%CI, 0.53–0.77)], dapagliflozin [HR, 0.71 (95%CI, 0.63–0.81)], empagliflozin [HR, 0.65 (95%CI, 0.50–0.85)], ertugliflozin [HR, 0.70 (95%CI, 0.54–0.90)], and sotagliflozin [HR, 0.66 (95%CI, 0.56–0.77)] were associated with a reduction in hospitalization for heart failure. Dapagliflozin [HR, 0.55 (95%CI, 0.47–0.63)], Empagliflozin [HR, 0.54 (95%CI, 0.39–0.74)], canagliflozin [HR, 0.64 (95%CI, 0.54–0.75)], sotagliflozin [HR, 0.71 (95%CI, 0.46–1.09)], and ertugliflozin [HR, 0.81 (95%CI, 0.63–1.04)] were associated with a reduction in the renal composite outcome. All SGLT2 inhibitors showed a reduction in cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, renal composite outcomes and all-cause mortality. Canagliflozin and empagliflozin seemed to have the same efficacy in reducing hospitalization for heart failure, but empagliflozin had advantage in reducing cardiovascular mortality, whereas dapagliflozin most likely showed the best renal composite outcomes.
Yi-Shen-Hua-Shi granules inhibit diabetic nephropathy by ameliorating podocyte injury induced by macrophage-derived exosomes

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of Yi-Shen-Hua-Shi (YSHS) granule in podocyte damage and diabetic nephropathy (DN) proteinuria and to explore the corresponding mechanism. Methods: The db/db mice were used to establish the DN model. Serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and 24 h urinary proteinuria were detected with specific kits. Glomerular structural lesions and podocyte apoptosis were detected through HE staining, TUNEL assay, and immunofluorescence. The medicated serum of YSHS granule (YSHS-serum) or control serum was prepared. Macrophage-derived exosomes were extracted using an exosome extraction kit. Morphology and the protein concentration of exosomes were evaluated by a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and BCA kit. The activity and apoptosis of podocyte MPC5 cells, the M1 macrophage polarization, and the protein expression of an exosome marker and cleaved caspase were detected by the CCK8 experiment, flow cytometry, and Western blot, respectively. The miR-21a-5p expression in podocytes and the exosomes from macrophages were measured by qRT-PCR. The effect of YSHS granule on the infiltration of M1 macrophages in the kidney tissue in db/db mice was measured by immunofluorescence. Results: The YSHS granule could improve renal function, reduce proteinuria, and inhibit glomerular structural lesions and podocyte apoptosis in db/db mice. High-glucose (HG) stimulation and YSHS granule treatment did not affect the protein concentration in macrophage-derived exosomes. Macrophage-derived exosomes could inhibit the cell viability and increase apoptosis of podocytes, especially the exosomes from macrophages treated with HG and control serum. Compared with the exosomes secreted by macrophages after an HG treatment, the exosome from macrophages treated with HG and YSHS granule showed lower inhibitory effects on podocyte activity, accompanied by the decreased upregulating effects of macrophage-derived exosomes on the miR-21a-5p in podocytes. miR-21a-5p mimics could reduce podocyte activity and promote caspase-3 shearing. M1 polarization of macrophages could change the content of miR-21a-5p in macrophage-derived exosomes. In addition, YSHS granule could inhibit HG-induced M1 polarization of macrophages and M1 macrophage infiltration in renal tissues. Conclusion: The YSHS granule could improve the podocyte injury induced by macrophage-derived exosomes and alleviate the progression of DN. This regulation might be related to the inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization by YSHS granule and the reduction of the miR-21a-5p content in macrophage-derived exosomes.
The viewpoints of residents of Kerman, Iran regarding the challenges and barriers of preparing households against earthquakes: A theory-guided qualitative content analysis

Introduction Earthquakes cause a lot of damage and casualties. For various reasons, most households are not prepared for earthquakes. This study aims to identify the challenges and barriers to households' preparedness against earthquakes from the viewpoint of Kerman residents. Methods This qualitative-directed content analysis study was conducted from December 2021 to May 2022 in the city of Kerman in southeast Iran. Data was collected by purposive sampling through in-depth and semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews with 48 households. Results After multiple rounds of analyzing and summarizing the data based on the social-cognitive theory and taking into consideration similarities and differences, five main categories and 19 subcategories created based on the results of data analysis and including (1) Challenges related to cognitive factors (2) Challenges related to behavioral factors (3) Challenges related to the physical environment (4) Challenges related to the social environment and (5) Challenges related to financial factors. Conclusion Although the participants listed many challenges and barriers in different fields, in order to overcome the barriers and challenges of preparing households for an earthquake, the support of the authorities and the cooperation of the residents are necessary.
Effectiveness of unilateral sequential video-assisted sympathetic chain blockage for primary palmar hyperidrosis in children and adolescents

Introduction Primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) is a severely debilitating condition that can affect patients of any age. Thoracoscopic sympathectomy provides a definitive treatment for PPH. Aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of unilateral sequential video-assisted thoracic sympathetic chain clamping (VATSCC) by clips application in pediatric population. Methods The surgical procedure was done in the semi-sitting position, under general anesthesia with orotracheal intubation. Mean operation time was 23 ± 6 min (range 12–45). Two 5 mm ports were inserted at the level of the middle axillary line in the second and fourth intercostal space respectively. The sympathetic chain was identified, and two clips were applied, the first one at the level of the third and the second one, at the level of the fourth rib. No chest tube was used. Resolution of symptoms, complications, recurrence rate, onset and duration of compensatory hyperhidrosis were analyzed. Results From August 2017 to September 2021, 58 patients (male:female ratio 32:26), mean age 16.5 years (range 14–19), with PPH underwent unilateral sequential VATSCC by clips application, starting on the dominant hand. The contralateral side was operated 2 months after. All patients except one (transient pneumothorax) were discharged on the first post-op day. No immediate or late complications have been recorded. Mean follow-up was 32 months (range 6–41). All patients except one (1,7%), affected by Raynaud's disease, showed a complete resolution of the symptom. Seven patients (12%) developed transient moderate compensative hyperhidrosis (CH) that spontaneously disappeared in the postoperative period. Conclusions Unilateral sequential thoracoscopic sympathetic chain clamping for PPH in pediatric patients is a safe and very effective procedure with a low complication rate and low incidence of postoperative CH that, in our experience, resolved spontaneously in the postoperative period, after the second surgery leading to an improvement in the quality of life.
Brain arteriovenous malformation in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: Recent advances in cellular and molecular mechanisms

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disorder characterized by vessel dilatation, such as telangiectasia in skin and mucosa and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in internal organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and brain. AVMs are fragile and tortuous vascular anomalies that directly connect arteries and veins, bypassing healthy capillaries. Mutations in transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway components, such as ENG (ENDOGLIN), ACVRL1 (ALK1), and SMAD4 (SMAD4) genes, account for most of HHT cases. 10–20% of HHT patients develop brain AVMs (bAVMs), which can lead to vessel wall rupture and intracranial hemorrhages. Though the main mutations are known, mechanisms leading to AVM formation are unclear, partially due to lack of animal models. Recent mouse models allowed significant advances in our understanding of AVMs. Endothelial-specific deletion of either Acvrl1, Eng or Smad4 is sufficient to induce AVMs, identifying endothelial cells (ECs) as primary targets of BMP signaling to promote vascular integrity. Loss of ALK1/ENG/SMAD4 signaling is associated with NOTCH signaling defects and abnormal arteriovenous EC differentiation. Moreover, cumulative evidence suggests that AVMs originate from venous ECs with defective flow-migration coupling and excessive proliferation. Mutant ECs show an increase of PI3K/AKT signaling and inhibitors of this signaling pathway rescue AVMs in HHT mouse models, revealing new therapeutic avenues. In this review, we will summarize recent advances and current knowledge of mechanisms controlling the pathogenesis of bAVMs, and discuss unresolved questions.
Ramsey Partial Orders from Acyclic Graphs

is monochromatic. The class C is said to have the P -Ramsey property if for every Q P C and every positive integer r there exists some R P C with R Ñ pQqr . Notice that this is equivalent to demanding that for every Q P C there is some R P C with RÑ pQq2 . Therefore, we will from now on only discuss the case r “ 2. Finally, C is a Ramsey class if it has the P -Ramsey property for every P P C. Ramsey classes form a fertile area of study. The original combinatorial motivation was complemented by the relationship to model theory, topological dynamics and ergodic theory. Among the first combinatorial structures whose Ramsey properties were studied is the class P of partially ordered sets considered in [6] and in [9], where all partially ordered sets P for which P posseses the P -Ramsey property were characterised. These are precisely the partial orders P with the property that for any two linear extensions P1 “ pP,ď1q and P2 “ pP,ď2q of P there is an isomorphism between P1 and P2 which preserves both the partial and the linear order.
Watermelon configurations with wall interaction: exact and asymptotic results

We perform an exact and asymptotic analysis of the model of n vicious walkers interacting with a wall via contact potentials, a model introduced by Brak, Essam and Owczarek. More specifically, we study the partition function of watermelon configurations which start on the wall, but may end at arbitrary height, and their mean number of contacts with the wall. We improve and extend the earlier (partially nonrigorous) results by Brak, Essam and Owczarek, providing new exact results, and more precise and more general asymptotic results, in particular full asymptotic expansions for the partition function and the mean number of contacts. Furthermore, we relate this circle of problems to earlier results in the combinatorial and statistical literature.