Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circulating miRNA Profiles of Doxorubicin‐induced Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients

&NA; Doxorubicin (DOX) cardiotoxicity is unpredictable and begins with the first dose of chemotherapy. This study aimed to obtain information about circulating microRNA of cancer patients in the early dose of DOX chemotherapy, who either did or did not develop cardiac abnormality after the completion of chemotherapy. Plasma of 20 patients treated for breast cancer with DOX‐chemotherapy was analyzed using quantitative RT‐PCR. Circulating microRNA profiles of patients with DOX cardiotoxicity were compared to microRNA profiles of patients without DOX cardiotoxicity by quantitative real‐time PCR. Thirty‐two microRNAs were significantly dysregulated in the patients with abnormal cardiac function. Functional analysis of the 32 miRNAs suggested association with cell death, cell cycle, and inflammation. We have identified a miRNA signature associated with early doses of DOX‐based chemotherapy that may potentially predict later impairment of cardiac function in breast cancer patients. Our data lay a foundation for future studies to identify biomarkers for presymptomatic DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity.
The effect of the number of blades on wind turbine wake - a comparison between 2-and 3-bladed rotors

Due to cost benefit and weight reduction, 2-bladed wind turbines have the potential to become more important for offshore wind applications. In order to optimize the arrangement of wind turbines in wind farms and for accurate forecasts of the power production, a detailed knowledge of the wake flow is needed. In this study, three different rotors with varying number of blades and similar performance behaviour have been designed and manufactured using the 3dimensional (3D) printing technology. The performance characteristics of these rotors as well as their wake features are measured experimentally in wind tunnel tests and compared. The velocity deficit is seen to vary only insignificantly for the wakes in distances of 3D (where D is the rotor diameter), 5D and 7D behind the turbine. However, higher turbulence intensity levels are recorded in the wake of the 2-bladed rotors. This could have potential for a faster wake recovery and thus a narrower turbine spacing.
Antibacterial, Antiproliferative, and Immunomodulatory Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized with Fucans from the Alga Dictyota mertensii

In this study, we aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles containing fucans from Dictyota mertensii (Martius) Kützing using an environmentally friendly method and to characterize their structure as well as antiproliferative, immunomodulatory, and antibacterial effects. Fucan-coated silver nanoparticles (FN) were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared analysis, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry. They were evaluated for their effect on cell viability, minimum inhibitory bactericidal concentration, and release of nitric oxide and cytokines. The FN were successfully synthesized using an environmentally friendly method. They were size-stable for 16 months, of a spherical shape, negative charge (−19.1 mV), and an average size of 103.3 ± 43 nm. They were able to inhibit the proliferation of the melanoma tumor cell line B16F10 (60%). In addition, they had immunomodulatory properties: they caused an up to 7000-fold increase in the release of nitric oxide and cytokines (IL-10; IL-6 and TNF-α) up to 7000 times. In addition, the FN showed inhibitory effect on Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, with MIC values of 50 µg/mL. Overall, the data showed that FN are nanoparticles with the potential to be used as antitumor, immunomodulatory, and antibacterial agents.
The prognostic impact of fluctuating levels of C-reactive protein in Brazilian haemodialysis patients: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND A single elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) value predicts mortality in haemodialysis (HD) patients, but the relative importance of repeated vs occasional positive systemic inflammatory response findings is not known. METHODS To assess the influence on survival of occasional inflammation, CRP, serum albumin (S-Alb) and fibrinogen were analysed bimonthly in 180 HD patients (54% male, 49+/-14 years). Clinically significant inflammation was defined as CRP >5.1 mg/l, based on the receiver operating characteristics curve for CRP as predictor of death. Based on four consecutive measurements of CRP, patients were assigned into three groups: group 1 (n = 74; 41%), no inflammation (CRP < or = 5.1 mg/l in all measurements); group 2 (n = 65; 36%), occasional inflammation (1-3 measurements of CRP > 5.1 mg/l); and group 3 (n = 41; 23%), persistent inflammation (all measurements of CRP >5.1 mg/l). The nutritional status was evaluated by subjective global assessment (SGA) and body mass index (BMI), and the survival (21 months of follow-up) by Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox model. RESULTS The median and range of CRP values (mg/l) for group 1, 2 and 3 were: 3.2 (3.2-5.1), 3.6 (3.2-54.9) and 13.8 (5.2-82), respectively (P<0.001), whereas the prevalence of malnutrition, assessed by SGA and BMI, did not differ significantly between the groups. The survival rate by Kaplan-Meier analysis was significantly different among the groups (chi2 = 12.34; P = 0.0004). Patients in group 3 showed the highest mortality (34%; P = 0.001), compared with group 1 (8%) and group 2 (14%; P = 0.01), respectively, whereas there was no significant difference in mortality between groups 1 and 2. Age, CRP, S-Alb level and SGA were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION The patients with a persistent elevation of CRP had a higher mortality rate than the patients with occasional CRP elevation. Thus, persistent, rather than occasional, inflammation is an important predictor of death in HD patients.
Concentrations of Methadone in Breast Milk and Plasma in the Immediate Perinatal Period

This study evaluates concentrations of methadone in breast milk and plasma among a sample of methadone-maintained women in the immediate perinatal period. Twelve methadone-maintained, lactating women provided blood and breast milk specimens 1, 2, 3, and 4 days after delivery. Specimens were collected at the time of trough (just before methadone dose) and peak (3 hours after dosing) maternal methadone levels. Paired specimens of foremilk (prefeed) and hindmilk (postfeed) were obtained at each sampling time. Although there was a significant increase in methadone concentration in breast milk over time for the peak postfeed sampling time, t (22) = 2.40, P = . 0255, methadone concentrations in breast milk were small, ranging from 21 to 314 ng/mL, and were unrelated to maternal methadone dose. Results obtained from this study contribute to the recommendation of breastfeeding for methadone-maintained women regardless of methadone dose. J Hum Lact. 23(2):184-190.
When Did Coloring Books Become Mindful? Exploring the Effectiveness of a Novel Method of Mindfulness-Guided Instructions for Coloring Books to Increase Mindfulness and Decrease Anxiety

Mindfulness has been associated with the use of coloring books for adults; however, the question of whether they do increase mindfulness has not been addressed. In two studies, we attempted to identify whether mindfulness is increased, and whether there is a need for ongoing guidance while coloring, similar to mindfulness meditation. In the first randomized controlled experiment, university students (n = 88) were assigned to an unguided mandala coloring group (i.e., described in mainstream literature as a mindfulness practice) or to a free-drawing group. Measurements of state mindfulness and state anxiety were taken pre- and post- experiment. Results indicated no change in mindfulness or anxiety. In the second randomized controlled experiment, university students (n = 72) were assigned to an unguided mandala coloring group (i.e., same as Experiment 1), or, to a mindfulness-guided coloring group (i.e., same as the unguided coloring group with a mindfulness practitioner guiding participants as in mindfulness breathing meditation, with instructions modified and applied to coloring). Results indicated that the mindfulness-guided mandala coloring group performed better in decreasing anxiety, but no change was observed in mindfulness. Exit interviews revealed that some participants did not like the voice guiding them while coloring, which suggested further differing and significant findings. While mindfulness-guided coloring appears promising, guidance or instructions on how to color mindfully may require further development and adjustment to enhance health and wellbeing.
Functional topography of the right inferior parietal lobule structured by anatomical connectivity profiles

The nature of the relationship between structure and function is a fundamental question in neuroscience, especially at the macroscopic neuroimaging level. Although mounting studies have revealed that functional connectivity reflects structural connectivity, whether similar structural and functional connectivity patterns can reveal corresponding similarities in the structural and functional topography remains an open problem. In our current study, we used the right inferior parietal lobule (RIPL), which has been demonstrated to have similar anatomical and functional connectivity patterns at the subregional level, to directly test the hypothesis that similar structural and functional connectivity patterns can inform the corresponding topography of this area. In addition, since the association between the RIPL regions and particular functions and networks is still largely unknown, post‐hoc functional characterizations and connectivity analyses were performed to identify the main functions and cortical networks in which each subregion participated. Anatomical and functional connectivity‐based parcellations of the RIPL have consistently identified five subregions. Our functional characterization using meta‐analysis‐based behavioral and connectivity analyses revealed that the two anterior subregions (Cl1 and Cl2) primarily participate in interoception and execution, respectively; whereas the posterior subregion (Cl3) in the SMG primarily participates in attention and action inhibition. The two posterior subregions (Cl4, Cl5) in the AG were primarily involved in social cognition and spatial cognition, respectively. These results indicated that similar anatomical and functional connectivity patterns of the RIPL are reflected in corresponding structural and functional topographies. The identified cortical connectivity and functional characterization of each subregion may facilitate RIPL‐related clinical research. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4316–4332, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Domestic violence and mental health in older adults

Abstract Domestic violence affects every age group and is present throughout the life span, but, while the mental health impact of domestic violence is clearly established in working age adults, less is known about the nature and impact of domestic violence among older adults. This review, therefore, aimed to synthesize findings on the prevalence, nature, and impact of domestic violence among older adults, and its identification and management. Electronic searches were conducted of Medline, PsycINFO, Cinahl, and Embase to identify studies reporting on the mental health and domestic violence in older adults. Findings suggested that, although prevalence figures are variable, the likely lifetime prevalence for women over the age of 65 is between 20–30%. Physical abuse is suggested to decrease with age, but rates of emotional abuse appear to be stable over the lifespan. Among older adults, domestic violence is strongly associated with physical and mental health problems, and the scarce research comparing the impact of domestic violence across the age cohorts suggests that the physical health of older victims may be more severely affected than younger victims. In contrast, there is evidence that older victims may experience less psychological distress in response to domestic violence than younger victims. Internationally, evidence on the management of domestic violence in older adults is sparse. Findings suggest, however, that identification of domestic violence is poor among older adults, and there are very limited options for onwards referral and support.
Catalytic Activity of Silicon Nanowires Decorated with Gold and Copper Nanoparticles Deposited by Pulsed Laser Ablation

Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) decorated by pulsed laser ablation with gold or copper nanoparticles (labeled as AuNPs@SiNWs and CuNPs@SiNWs) were investigated for their catalytic properties. Results demonstrated high catalytic performances in the Caryl–N couplings and subsequent carbonylations for gold and copper catalysts, respectively, that have no precedents in the literature. The excellent activity, attested by the very high turn over number (TON) values, was due both to the uniform coverage along the NW length and to the absence of the chemical shell surrounding the metal nanoparticles (MeNPs). A high recyclability was also observed and can be ascribed to the strong covalent interaction at the Me–Si interface by virtue of metal “silicides” formation.
Tensile Strength of Fiber-Reinforced Composites: III. Beyond the Traditional Weibull Model for Fiber Strengths

Commercially available graphite and ceramic fibers exhibit statistical strength distributions having separate Weibull moduli p' for the scaling of strength versus fiber length and p for the distribution of strengths across a collection of fibers at fixed length. It is shown that very similar distributions arise if each fiber in a collection of fibers exhibits Weibull length scaling according to p' but with the scale strength appropriate to each fiber distributed according to a Weibull modulus m, with the relationship [ILLEGIBLE]. An analytic model based on the Global Load Sharing approximation is used to predict the trends in composite tensile strength for composites composed of such fibers. From this insight, an analytic model for the strength of composites containing such fibers, but with Local Load Sharing (LLS), is developed by adapting a previous model. Numerical simulations of the tensile strength under LLS are then presented and excellent agreement in the composite strength distribution between the numerical and analytic models is demonstrated. The new analytic model is applied to predict the tensile strength of several unidirectional graphite/epoxy composites, and the predictions shown agree well with experimental strengths. The differences between theory and experiment approach the order of the uncertainties in underlying fiber strengths and fiber volume fractions in the composites.
Item Response Theory Analysis of ADHD Symptoms in Children With and Without ADHD

Item response theory (IRT) was separately applied to parent- and teacher-rated symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from a pooled sample of 526 six- to twelve-year-old children with and without ADHD. The dimensional structure ADHD was first examined using confirmatory factor analyses, including the bifactor model. A general ADHD factor and two group factors, representing inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive dimensions, optimally fit the data. Using the graded response model, we estimated discrimination and location parameters and information functions for all 18 symptoms of ADHD. Parent- and teacher-rated symptoms demonstrated adequate discrimination and location values, although these estimates varied substantially. For parent ratings, the test information curve peaked between −2 and +2 SD, suggesting that ADHD symptoms exhibited excellent overall reliability at measuring children in the low to moderate range of the general ADHD factor, but not in the extreme ranges. Similar results emerged for teacher ratings, in which the peak range of measurement precision was from −1.40 to 1.90 SD. Several symptoms were comparatively more informative than others; for example, is often easily distracted (“Distracted”) was the most informative parent- and teacher-rated symptom across the latent trait continuum. Clinical implications for the assessment of ADHD as well as relevant considerations for future revisions to diagnostic criteria are discussed.
General movements and motor outcomes in two infants exposed to Zika virus: brief report

ABSTRACT Objective: We described the general movements (GMs) in the fidgety period and the motor performance of two infants who were exposed to Zika virus (ZIKV) during distinct trimesters of gestation. Methods: Infants were assessed at 4 and 12 months of age. Prechtl's GM assessment and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale were used. Results: In Case 1, the mother presented confirmed ZIKV infection in the 10th week of gestation and the infant was born full-term with brain abnormalities and microcephaly. Fidgety movements were absent at 16 weeks after term and motor development was severely impaired at 12 months of age. In Case 2, the mother presented confirmed ZIKV infection in the 34th week of gestation and the infant was born full-term with no signs of brain changes or microcephaly. Fidgety movements at 13 weeks were normal in presentation and motor outcome was typical at 12 months. Conclusion: GM assessment can be useful for ZIKV-exposed infants. These findings represent the first information on GMs and long-term motor outcomes in ZIKV-exposed infants.
Dry Sliding Wear of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) Epoxy Composite

This paper presents an experimental study carried out to determine the effects of fibre size on the mass loss, specific wear rate, roughness, and temperature distribution of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) epoxy composites. These epoxy samples were produced by mixing raw OPEFB fibres with epoxy. The samples were prepared at different sizes of fibres (100, 125, 180 and 250µm). Wear tests in dry sliding condition was carried out using Abrasion Resistance Tester (TR-600. The wear tests were performed at room temperature with two different loads (10 and 30N) and at constant sliding velocity of 1.4m/s. Mass loss and specific wear rate values for the composite materials were obtained and roughness values before and after abrasion were recorded. Temperature changes during abrasion testing of the composite surfaces were also captured using Infrared Camera. The mass loss was significantly higher for the smallest fibre size (100µm) examined at 30N. At other fibre sizes, the mass loss values were relatively closed. Distribution and orientation of fibres are suspected to have influenced the trend observed in the results.
Comparison of Brachial Artery Vasoreactivity in Elite Power Athletes and Age-Matched Controls

Elite endurance athletes typically have larger arteries contributing to greater skeletal muscle blood flow, oxygen and nutrient delivery and improved physical performance. Few studies have examined structural and functional properties of arteries in power athletes. Purpose To compare the size and vasoreactivity of the brachial artery of elite power athletes to age-matched controls. It was hypothesized brachial artery diameters of athletes would be larger, have less vasodilation in response to cuff occlusion, but more constriction after a cold pressor test than age-matched controls. Methods Eight elite power athletes (age = 23±2 years) and ten controls (age = 22±1 yrs) were studied. High-resolution ultrasonography was used to assess brachial artery diameters at rest and following 5 minutes of forearm occlusion (Brachial Artery Flow Mediated Dilation = BAFMD) and a cold pressor test (CPT). Basic fitness measures included a handgrip test and 3-minute step test. Results Brachial arteries of athletes were larger (Athletes 5.39±1.51 vs. Controls: 3.73±0.71 mm, p<0.05), had greater vasodilatory (BAFMD%: Athletes: 8.21±1.78 vs. Controls: 5.69±1.56%) and constrictor (CPT %: Athletes: -2.95±1.07 vs. Controls: −1.20±0.48%) responses, compared to controls. Vascular operating range (VOR = Peak dilation+Peak Constriction) was also greater in athletes (VOR: Athletes: 0.55±0.15 vs. Controls: 0.25±0.18 mm, p<0.05). Athletes had superior handgrip strength (Athletes: 55.92±17.06 vs. Controls: 36.77±17.06 kg, p<0.05) but similar heart rate responses at peak (Athletes: 123±16 vs. Controls: 130±25 bpm, p>0.05) and 1 minute recovery (Athletes: 88±21 vs. Controls: 98±26 bpm, p>0.05) following the step test. Conclusion Elite power athletes have larger brachial arteries, and greater vasoreactivity (greater vasodilatory and constrictor responses) than age-matched controls, contributing to a significantly greater VOR. These data extend the existence of an ‘athlete’s artery’ as previously shown for elite endurance athletes to elite power athletes, and presents a hypothetical explanation for the functional significance of the ‘power athlete’s artery’.
Effect of band filling in the paramagnetic tetragonal phase of iron chalcogenides

The normal state of layered Fe-chalcogenide superconductors shows a range of anomalous, non-Fermi liquid responses. Unconventional metallic resistivity, characteristic pseudogap and saturating features and proximity to insulating states mark these systems as correlated metals. Motivated thereby, we use a combination of first-principles and many-particle calculations to show that multiband electronic correlations generate a low-energy pseudogap in the normal state of Fe(Te,Se) end-members, which, depending on the band filling, promotes incoherent metallic or orbital-selective insulating states. Upon comparison, good qualitative agreement with experimental (photoemission and electrical resistivity) data of FeTe1−xSe x systems is found. Based on observed charge transport we propose that the parent bulk compounds are best described as partially filled multiband systems.
Radiative forcing and temperature response to changes in urban albedos and associated CO2 offsets

The two main forcings that can counteract to some extent the positive forcings from greenhouse gases from pre-industrial times to present day are the aerosol and related aerosol-cloud forcings, and the radiative response to changes in surface albedo. Here, we quantify the change in radiative forcing and land surface temperature that may be obtained by increasing the albedos of roofs and pavements in urban areas in temperate and tropical regions of the globe by 0.1. Using the catchment land surface model (the land model coupled to the GEOS-5 Atmospheric General Circulation Model), we quantify the change in the total outgoing (outgoing shortwave+longwave) radiation and land surface temperature to a 0.1 increase in urban albedos for all global land areas. The global average increase in the total outgoing radiation was 0.5 W m−2, and temperature decreased by ∼0.008 K for an average 0.003 increase in surface albedo. These averages represent all global land areas where data were available from the land surface model used and are for the boreal summer (June–July–August). For the continental US the total outgoing radiation increased by 2.3 W m−2, and land surface temperature decreased by ∼0.03 K for an average 0.01 increase in surface albedo. Based on these forcings, the expected emitted CO2 offset for a plausible 0.25 and 0.15 increase in albedos of roofs and pavements, respectively, for all global urban areas, was found to be ∼57 Gt CO2. A more meaningful evaluation of the impacts of urban albedo increases on global climate and the expected CO2 offsets would require simulations which better characterize urban surfaces and represent the full annual cycle.