Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Standardised packs and larger health warnings: visual attention and perceptions among Colombian smokers and non‐smokers

Abstract Aims To measure how cigarette packaging (standardised packaging and branded packaging) and health warning size affect visual attention and pack preferences among Colombian smokers and non‐smokers. Design To explore visual attention, we used an eye‐tracking experiment where non‐smokers, weekly smokers and daily smokers were shown cigarette packs varying in warning size (30%‐pictorial on top of the text, 30%‐pictorial and text side‐by‐side, 50%, 70%) and packaging (standardised packaging, branded packaging). We used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to examine the impact of warning size, packaging and brand name on preferences to try, taste perceptions and perceptions of harm. Setting Eye‐tracking laboratory, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. Participants Participants (n = 175) were 18 to 40 years old. Measurements For the eye‐tracking experiment, our primary outcome measure was the number of fixations toward the health warning compared with the branding. For the DCE, outcome measures were preferences to try, taste perceptions and harm perceptions. Findings We observed greater visual attention to warning labels on standardised versus branded packages (F[3,167] = 22.87, P < 0.001) and when warnings were larger (F[9,161] = 147.17, P < 0.001); as warning size increased, the difference in visual attention to warnings between standardised and branded packaging decreased (F[9,161] = 4.44, P < 0.001). Non‐smokers visually attended toward the warnings more than smokers, but as warning size increased these differences decreased (F[6,334] = 2.92, P = 0.009). For the DCE, conditional trials showed that increasing the warning size from 30% to 70% reduced preferences to try (odds ratio [OR] = 0.48, 95% CI = [0.42,0.54], P < 0.001), taste perceptions (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = [0.54,0.68], P < 0.001); and increased harm perceptions (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = [0.76,0.80], P < 0.001). Compared with branded packaging, standardised packaging reduced our DCE outcome measures with ORs ranging from OR = 0.25 (95% CI = [0.17,0.38], P < 0.001) to OR = 0.79 (95% CI = [0.67,0.93], P < 0.001) across two brands. These effects were more pronounced among non‐smokers, males and younger participants. Unconditional trials showed similar results. Conclusions Standardised cigarette packaging and larger health warnings appear to decrease positive pack perceptions and have the potential to reduce the demand for cigarette products in Colombia.
Gavage approach to oxygen supplementation with oxygen therapeutic Ox66™ in a hypoventilation rodent model of respiratory distress

Abstract Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) features pulmonary dysfunction capable of causing life-threatening hypoxaemia. Ventilation and hyperoxic therapies force oxygen through dysfunctional alveoli but risk exacerbating damage. Ox66™ is an ingestible, solid-state oxygen product designed for oxygen supplementation. Eighteen anaesthetized, ventilated rats were subjected to a 40% reduction in tidal volume to produce a hypoventilatory simulation of the hypoxia in ARDS (HV-ARDS). After 60 min, animals were randomized to receive either normal saline (Saline; volume control) or Ox66™ gavage. Cardiovascular function and blood oximetry/chemistry were measured alongside interstitial oxygenation (PISFO2) of the peripheral spinotrapezius muscle. HV-ARDS reduced mean arterial pressure by ∼20% and PISFO2 by ∼35% for both groups. Ox66™ gavage treatment at 60 min improved PISFO2 over Saline (p < .0001), restoring baseline values, however, the effect was temporary. A second bolus at 120 min repeated the OX66™ PISFO2 response, which remained elevated over Saline (p < .01) until study end and was supported by systemic parameters of lactate, PaO2, SO2, and base deficit. Saline remained hypotensive, whereas Ox66™ became normotensive. Vasoconstriction was observed in the Saline, but not Ox66™ group. Supplemental oxygenation through Ox66™ gavage increased peripheral tissue oxygenation, warranting further study for disorders featuring dysfunction of pulmonary perfusion like ARDS.
Clinical impact of proteinase 3-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Background/Aims This study investigated the clinical implication of proteinase 3 (PR3)-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) in Korean patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Methods Among the 242 patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis identified from the hospital database, 49 patients with EGPA were selected and analysed in this study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data at diagnosis were reviewed to compare the features of patients with PR3-ANCA and without, as well as the clinical outcomes of relapse and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) during the follow-up period. The outcomes of patients with PR3-ANCA and without were compared by using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results The median age of the patients was 54 years, 17 (34.7%) were male, and six (12.2%) patients had PR3-ANCA at baseline. The most common items of the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria for EGPA were sinusitis (95.9%) and asthma (or asthmatic history) (93.9%). During the follow-up, none died, eight experienced relapse and two progressed to ESRD. EGPA patients with PR3-ANCA exhibited peripheral eosinophilia less frequently than those without (50.0% vs. 88.4%, p = 0.047). On the other hand, EGPA patients with PR3-ANCA experienced relapse more often compared to those without (50.0% vs. 11.6%, p = 0.047), and the cumulative relapse-free survival rate was lower compared to those without PR3-ANCA (p = 0.012). Conclusions EGPA patients possessing PR3-ANCA at disease diagnosis had distinct clinical feature and outcome compared to those without PR3-ANCA. These results should be taken into account in the management of patients with EGPA.
The impact of activated protein C resistance on the patency of arteriovenous grafts for hemodialysis access

Vascular access is required for hemodialysis treatment. An effect of activated protein C resistance on access thrombosis rates has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study is to determine whether an activated protein C resistance is correlated with the patency of polytetrafluoroethylene arteriovenous grafts.
Oncolytic virotherapy as immunotherapy

Description Recognizing immune responses to oncolytic virotherapy opens the way for new combinations Oncolytic virus (OV) therapy is now something of a misnomer. The initial paradigm was that naturally occurring or genetically engineered viruses would preferentially infect, replicate in, and lyse cancer cells relative to normal cells, leading to selective direct cytotoxicity. The immune system used to be considered detrimental, given its potential to recognize and respond to the virus, prevent its replication, and limit viral spread and tumor cell killing (1). This view has now been largely replaced by a model in which infection of the tumor by the virus makes it more visible to the immune system for recognition and attack. Tumor cell killing by the virus and/or immune effector cells effectively generates an in situ vaccine, with tumor antigens released into a microenvironment modified by viral infection to reverse tumor-induced immune suppression.
Clinical Study of a High Accuracy Green Design Blood Glucose Monitor Using an Innovative Optical Transmission Absorbance System

Background: Blood glucose monitoring (BGM) is essential for glycemic control in diabetic therapy. Followingly, accurate sensors are required for both daily personal and clinical use. The frequency of sensor use in patients with diabetes facilitates the use of disposable components. However, BGM systems are not exempt from green innovation sustainability initiatives. Methods: Clinical study of a high-accuracy green design blood glucose monitor using an innovative optical transmission absorbance system was carried out. Venous blood samples were collected from 104 patients with type II diabetes. The heat resistance of sensor strips was evaluated by storing sensor strips at 25℃ and 60℃ for approximately 3 months. Accuracy of the BGM system was evaluated via the ISO 15197:2013 protocol. Results: The BGM system achieved ±7.1% accuracy in glycemic level measurement, with 84% of all measurements within ±5% of the reference values. Furthermore, the sensor strip demonstrated heat resistance for more than 3 months when stored at 60℃. Conclusions: A new, highly accurate BGM system was developed based on the latest optical measurement system, introducing a rare metal-free “green-strip. ” The developed BGM system achieved the highest reported accuracy in clinical research, using venous blood from patients with diabetes. The sensor strip also exhibited high heat resistance, reducing limitations on storage conditions.
Rho GTPases: Non‐canonical regulation by cysteine oxidation

Rho GTPases are critically important and are centrally positioned regulators of the actomyosin cytoskeleton. By influencing the organization and architecture of the cytoskeleton, Rho proteins play prominent roles in many cellular processes including adhesion, migration, intra‐cellular transportation, and proliferation. The most important method of Rho GTPase regulation is via the GTPase cycle; however, post‐translational modifications (PTMs) also play critical roles in Rho protein regulation. Relative to other PTMs such as lipidation or phosphorylation that have been extensively characterized, protein oxidation is a regulatory PTM that has been poorly studied. Protein oxidation primarily occurs from the reaction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), with amino acid side chain thiols on cysteine (Cys) and methionine (Met) residues. The versatile redox modifications of cysteine residues exemplify their integral role in cell signalling processes. Here we review prominent members of the Rho GTPase family and discuss how lipidation, phosphorylation, and oxidation on conserved cysteine residues affects their regulation and function.
An Innovative Sustainability-Oriented Eco-Development Approach in China: The Case Study of Chongming Island

The rapid development of Chinas economy has not only created enormous material wealth, but also brought about great challenges to natural resources and environment. Therefore, there is a pressing need of transition from traditional development pathways to a sustainable one for China. Taking Chongming Island as a case, an innovative sustainability-oriented eco-development approach is presented. Chongming Island has a unique setting as a rural county in the highly urbanized municipality, with a good eco-environment and least developed economy in the surroundings. Through exploring a path to ecological modernization beyond the traditional industrialization, Chongming practice is expected to show the way of how to integrate ecosystem management and eco-development in a developing area, which is a good demonstration for China and other developing countries and regions.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure during Childhood and Cancer Mortality in Adulthood among Never Smokers: the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study for Evaluation of Cancer Risk.

We examined whether secondhand smoke exposure during childhood was associated with cancer mortality in adulthood among never smokers. In the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study, we analyzed data from 45,722 Japanese lifetime non-smokers who were aged 40-79 years with no history of cancer at the baseline (1988-1990) and completed a lifestyle questionnaire including the number of family members who smoked at home during their childhood (0/1/2/3+ members). The Cox proportional hazards model and competing risk regression were used to calculate the multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all and site-specific cancer mortality, according to the number of smoking family members during the participant's childhood after adjusting for potential confounding factors. During the median follow-up of 19.2 years, a total of 2,356 deaths from cancer were documented. Secondhand smoke exposure was positively associated with the risk of mortality from pancreatic cancer in adulthood; the multivariable HR of 3+ smoking family members was 2.32 (95% CI: 1.14, 4.72), compared with 0 members. The associations were not evident for the risks of total or other types of smoking-related cancers. In conclusion, secondhand smoke exposure during childhood was associated with an increased risk of mortality from pancreatic cancer in adulthood.
Adaptive Stochastic Optimization to Improve Protein Conformation Sampling

We have long known that characterizing protein structures structure is key to understanding protein function. Computational approaches have largely addressed a narrow formulation of the problem, seeking to compute one native structure from an amino-acid sequence. Now AlphaFold2 is shown to be able to reveal a high-quality native structure for many proteins. However, researchers over the years have argued for broadening our view to account for the multiplicity of native structures. We now know that many protein molecules switch between different structures to regulate interactions with molecular partners in the cell. Elucidating such structures de novo is exceptionally difficult, as it requires exploration of possibly a very large structure space in search of competing, near-optimal structures. Here we report on a novel stochastic optimization method capable of revealing very different structures for a given protein from knowledge of its amino-acid sequence. The method leverages evolutionary search techniques and adapts its exploration of the search space to balance between exploration and exploitation in the presence of a computational budget. In addition to demonstrating the utility of this method for identifying multiple native structures, we additionally provide a benchmark dataset for researchers to continue work on this problem.
Oxygen Metabolic Stress and White Matter Injury in Patients With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

Background: Chronic hypoxia-ischemia is a putative mechanism underlying the development of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and microstructural disruption in cerebral small vessel disease. WMH fall primarily within deep white matter (WM) watershed regions. We hypothesized that elevated oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), a signature of hypoxia-ischemia, would be detected in the watershed where WMH density is highest. We further hypothesized that OEF would be elevated in regions immediately surrounding WMH, at the leading edge of growth. Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted from 2016 to 2019 at an academic medical center in St Louis, MO, participants (age >50) with a range of cerebrovascular risk factors underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging using pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling, asymmetric spin echo, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion tensor imaging to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF), OEF, WMH, and WM integrity, respectively. We defined the physiologic watershed as a region where CBF was below the 10th percentile of mean WM CBF in a young healthy cohort. We conducted linear regression to evaluate the relationship between CBF and OEF with structural and microstructural WM injury defined by fluid-attenuated inversion recovery WMH and diffusion tensor imaging, respectively. We conducted ANOVA to determine if OEF was increased in proximity to WMH lesions. Results: In a cohort of 42 participants (age 50–80), the physiologic watershed region spatially overlapped with regions of highest WMH lesion density. As CBF decreased and OEF increased, WMH density increased. Elevated watershed OEF was associated with greater WMH burden and microstructural disruption, after adjusting for vascular risk factors. In contrast, WM and watershed CBF were not associated with WMH burden or microstructural disruption. Moreover, OEF progressively increased while CBF decreased, in concentric contours approaching WMH lesions. Conclusions: Chronic hypoxia-ischemia in the watershed region may contribute to cerebral small vessel disease pathogenesis and development of WMH. Watershed OEF may hold promise as an imaging biomarker to identify individuals at risk for cerebral small vessel disease progression.
Evidence of myomiR regulation of the pentose phosphate pathway during mechanical load‐induced hypertrophy

Many of the molecular and cellular mechanisms discovered to regulate skeletal muscle hypertrophy were first identified using the rodent synergist ablation model. This model reveals the intrinsic capability and necessary pathways of skeletal muscle growth in response to mechanical overload (MOV). Reminiscent of the rapid cellular growth observed with cancer, we hypothesized that in response to MOV, skeletal muscle would undergo metabolic programming to sustain increased demands to support hypertrophy. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the gene expression of specific metabolic pathways taken from transcriptomic microarray data of a MOV time course. We found an upregulation of genes involved in the oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathways (PPP) and mitochondrial branch of the folate cycle suggesting an increase in the production of NADPH. In addition, we sought to determine the potential role of skeletal muscle‐enriched microRNA (myomiRs) and satellite cells in the regulation of the metabolic pathways that changed during MOV. We observed an inverse pattern in gene expression between muscle‐enriched myomiR‐1 and its known target gene glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, G6pdx, suggesting myomiR regulation of PPP activation in response to MOV. Satellite cell fusion had a significant but modest impact on PPP gene expression. These transcriptomic findings suggest the robust muscle hypertrophy induced by MOV requires enhanced redox metabolism via PPP production of NADPH which is potentially regulated by a myomiR network.
Health Implications of Electromagnetic Fields, Mechanisms of Action, and Research Needs

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been implicated to influence a range of bodily functions. Given their ubiquitous nature, widespread applications, and capability to produce deleterious effects, conclusive investigations of the health risks are critical. Accordingly, this paper has been constructed to weigh the bioeffects, possible biointeraction mechanisms, and research areas in bioelectromagnetics seeking immediate attention. The several gaps in the existing knowledge do not permit one to reach a concrete conclusion but possibility for harmful effects cannot be underestimated in absence of consistent findings and causal mechanisms. Several studies with appropriate methodologies reflect the capacity of electromagnetic radiations to cause adverse health effects and there are several credible mechanisms that can account for the observed effects. Hence, need of the hour is to activate comprehensive well-coordinated blind scientific investigations, overcoming all limitations and demerits of previous investigations especially replication studies to concretize the earlier findings. Furthermore, appropriate exposure assessment is crucial for identification of dose-response relation if any, and the elucidation of biological interaction mechanism. For the time being, the public should follow the precautionary principle and limit their exposure as much as possible.
Neurodevelopmental outcomes and comorbidities of children with congenital muscular torticollis: evaluation using the National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children database

Background Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common musculoskeletal disorder occurring at birth or in infancy. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the risk of comorbidities in CMT and explore the differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes between children who received physical therapy and those who did not. Methods Children with CMT born in 2008 and 2009 in Korea were included. CMT was defined as a primary diagnosis of congenital deformity of sternocleidomastoid muscle according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision. Here we investigated the associated neurological/musculoskeletal comorbidities of children with CMT versus those of the general population. We divided those with torticollis into treatment and nontreatment groups and assessed their developmental outcomes within both groups of children using the Korean-Ages and Stages Questionnaire (K-ASQ). Results Of the 917,707 children, 0.2% (n=1,719) were diagnosed with CMT. In children with torticollis, the prevalence of congenital hip deformities significantly increased to 4.5% (n=78). The prevalence of congenital head/spine deformities and other congenital malformations of the skull and facial bones increased to 2.6% (n=44), while the prevalence of congenital foot deformities was 2.4% (n=42). The risk ratio (RR) for delayed development based on the K-ASQ was higher for the total assessment (adjusted RR=0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.93–0.99) in the CMT patients without physical therapy than in those with therapy. There was no significant intergroup difference in the assessment of each developmental area. Conclusion The prevalence of comorbid musculoskeletal deformities was higher in children with CMT than in the control group. The risk of developmental delay was higher in children who did not receive physical therapy than in those who did.
Finger Force and Touch Feedback Issues in Dexterous Telemanipulation

Multifingered robotic hands, when used as the slave end effectors in teleoperation, have some advan- tages over the conventional parallel jaw grippers. Effec- tive teleoperation of such end effectors raises the prob- lem of using suitable master devices. The most appropri- ate master devices for this purpose are the instrumented gloves and the hand exoskeletons. When using such mas- ter devices, either for telemanipulation of objects or for interacting with virtual worlds, it is crucial to the success of the task that the human operator "feels" the grasping and manipulating forces exerted by the slave robotic fin- gers. This requires that the slave hand fingertip forces as well as the tactual sensations be fedback to the hu- man operator's fingers via the dexterous master. This paper thus has two goals. The first goal is to iden- tify and analyze some specific requirements on the design of dexterous master devices meant for teleoperating mul- tifingered robotic hands, within this context of finger force feedback. The requirements are of 2 categories: construc- tional and functional. The constructional issues consist of the isomorphism, portability, motion range capabil- ity, and accommodation for human hand size variability. The functional issues consist of the bandwidth compat- ibility with the human hand, which itself has asymmet- ric input/output characteristics, the proprioceptive (force limit) compatibility, and the consideration of the psycho- metric stability of the human hand in sensing force magni- tudes and variations. Also of importance is the sensitivity of the master device that must be more than that of the human hand. Also evaluated in this paper are the 14 existing designs of hand masters to see how well they satisfy the afore stated constructional and functional requirements. Only 6 are capable of feeding back the slave finger forces to that of the operator while none of them completely satisfy all the requirements listed above. Hence described at the end is a new design of a force feedback master aimed at satis- fying the requirements. Its fabrication and experimental demonstration, however, remain to be performed. The second goal of this paper is to evaluate the state-