Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Engineering Properties and Optimal Conditions of Cementless Grouting Materials

This study aims to analyze the engineering properties of cementless grouting materials (CGMs) and derive optimal binder types and compositions that can ensure superior material performance in comparison with ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The presented CGM is an environment-friendly inorganic binder based on ground granulated blast-furnace slag. The material properties of three CGM types with different chemical compositions were evaluated. To assess the possibility of using CGMs in grouting-construction methods, this study followed special grouting-method specifications of the J company in Korea, and tested whether CGM satisfies the performance requirements of a gel time of 20–50 s and homogel strength greater than 2 MPa after 7 days. For OPC and CGM, gel time increased and homogel strength decreased as the water/binder (W/B) ratio of Liquid B increased or as its replacement ratio decreased. Additionally, gel time decreased while homogel strength increased as the absolute weight of the Liquid B binder increased, and a negative correlation was observed between gel time and homogel strength. CGM2 was the optimal binder to ensure excellent material performance compared with OPC. Optimal mixing proportions were 117.8–167.7% W/B ratio, 42.6–56.7% Liquid B volume ratio, and 20.4–43.7 kg binder weight.
Modified Colon Leakage Score to Predict Anastomotic Leakage in Patients Who Underwent Left-Sided Colorectal Surgery

Colon leakage score (CLS) was introduced as a clinical tool to predict anastomotic leakage (AL) in patients who underwent left-sided colorectal surgery, but its clinical validity has not been widely studied. We evaluated the clinical utility of CLS and developed a modified CLS (m-CLS). In total, 566 patients who underwent left-sided colorectal surgery were enrolled and categorized into training (n = 396) and validation (n = 170) sets via random sampling. Using CLS variables, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was applied for variable selection and predictive signature building in the training set. The model’s performance was validated in the validation set. The predictive powers of m-CLS and CLS were compared by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve in the overall group. Twenty-three AL events (4.1%) were noted. The AL group had a significantly higher mean CLS than the No Leakage group (12.5 vs. 9.6, p = 0.001). Five clinical variables were selected and used to generate m-CLS. The predictive performance of m-CLS was similar in training and validation sets (AUROC 0.838 vs. 0.803, p = 0.724). In the overall set, m-CLS was significantly predictive of AL and performed better than CLS (AUROC 0.831 vs. 0.701, p = 0.008). In conclusion, LASSO-model-generated m-CLS could predict AL more accurately than CLS.
Measuring Daylight: A Review of Dosimetry in Daylight Photodynamic Therapy

Successful daylight photodynamic therapy (DPDT) relies on the interaction of light, photosensitisers and oxygen. Therefore, the ‘dose’ of light that a patient receives during treatment is a clinically relevant quantity, with a minimum dose for effective treatment recommended in the literature. However, there are many different light measurement methods used in the published literature, which may lead to confusion surrounding reliable and traceable dose measurement in DPDT, and what the most appropriate method of light measurement in DPDT might be. Furthermore, for the majority of practitioners who do not carry out any formal dosimetry and for the patients receiving DPDT, building confidence in the evidence supporting this important treatment option is of key importance. This review seeks to clarify the methodology of DPDT and discusses the literature relating to DPDT dosimetry.
Diagnostic challenge for giant left retroperitoneal accessory spleen: a case report

An accessory spleen refers to single or multiple splenic tissues that appear outside the normal spleen position and have structures and functions similar to those of a normal spleen. We herein present a rare case of a 31-year-old woman who was hospitalized because of a 14-year history of sudden left upper abdominal pain after running. Abdominal computed tomography suggested a large soft tissue mass at the left renal hilum surrounded by several enlarged lymph nodes, which was totally different from computed tomography scanning of normal accessory spleen. The mass was resected by robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of accessory spleen. The incidence of retroperitoneal accessory spleen is very rare, which should be differentiated with retroperitoneal tumors.
Carbamazepine Gel Formulation as a Sustained Release Epilepsy Medication for Pediatric Use

This study aimed to develop a carbamazepine (CBZ) sustained release formulation suitable for pediatric use with a lower risk of precipitation. The CBZ was first prepared as sustained release microparticles, and then the microparticles were embedded in alginate beads, and finally, the beads were suspended in a gel vehicle. The microparticles were prepared by a solvent evaporation method utilizing ethyl cellulose as a sustained release polymer and were evaluated for particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and release profile. The beads were fabricated by the dropwise addition of sodium alginate in calcium chloride solution and characterized for size, shape, and release properties. The gel was prepared using iota carrageenan as the gelling agent and evaluated for appearance, syneresis, drug content uniformity, rheology, release profile, and stability. The microparticles exhibited a particle size of 135.01 ± 0.61 µm with a monodisperse distribution and an encapsulation efficiency of 83.89 ± 3.98%. The beads were monodispersed with an average size of 1.4 ± 0.05 mm and a sphericity factor of less than 0.05. The gel was prepared using a 1:1 ratio (gel vehicle to beads) and exhibited no syneresis, good homogeneity, and good shear-thinning properties. The release profile from the beads and from the gel was not significantly affected, maintaining similarity to the tablet form. The gel properties were maintained for one month real time stability, but the accelerated stability showed reduced viscosity and pH with time. In conclusion, CBZ in a gel sustained release dosage form combines the advantages of the suspension form in terms of dosing flexibility, and the advantages of the tablet form in regards to the sustained release profile. This dosage form should be further investigated in vivo in animal models before being considered in clinical trials.
Long tunnel external ventricular drain: an adjunct in the management of patients with infection associated hydrocephalus

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of long tunnelled external ventricular drains (LTEVD) as a temporizing measure in patients with ventriculitis/meningitis requiring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in whom immediate shunt surgery is not feasible. Methods: A retrospective review of the records of 15 patients with ventriculitis/meningitis, in whom an LTEVD was inserted, was performed to evaluate its safety, new onset CSF infection and need for permanent CSF diversion. Results: 15 patients with ventriculitis/meningitis had 16 LTEVDs placed between May 2006 and December 2016. There were 10 males and 5 females, their mean age being 16.5 years (range, 8 months–50 years). The mean duration of CSF drainage was 15.6 days (range, 4 to 44 days). Of the 16 LTEVDs that were inserted, two (13.3% - one CSF infection and one wound infection) developed new infection after 44 and 17 days of continuous CSF drainage respectively. The LTEVDs were removed and permanent CSF diversion procedures were performed in 10 patients during the same admission and in one patient later. At a mean follow up of 11.6 months (range 2–40 months), 8 of the 11 patients who underwent a permanent CSF diversion procedure had no clinical features of meningitis/ventriculitis. Conclusion: LTEVDs are an effective method of temporary CSF diversion in patients requiring the same for more than 5 days. These drains have a low infection rate when placed up to four weeks making them a safe and efficacious adjunct in management of ventriculitis/meningitis associated hydrocephalus.
CRIF1 as a potential target to improve the radiosensitivity of osteosarcoma

Significance The mechanism of radioresistance in osteosarcoma is unknown. We analyze osteosarcoma patient tissues, combine in vitro and in vivo mouse osteosarcoma models, and determine that CR6-interacting factor-1 (CRIF1) drives radioresistance by regulating the activity of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). After ionizing radiation, CRIF1 promotes CDK2 nuclear translocation and phosphorylation on T14/T160, facilitating G1/S checkpoint activation and DNA damage repair. CRIF1 knockdown enhances the radiosensitivity of osteosarcoma in both in vitro and xenograft models. Our study sheds light on the role of tumor-specific biomarkers in identifying a therapeutic window to overcome radioresistance of osteosarcoma, pointing out a way to precision medicine for a particular patient. Resistance to ionizing radiation (IR), which is a conventional treatment for osteosarcoma that cannot be resected, undermines the efficacy of this therapy. However, the mechanism by which IR induces radioresistance in osteosarcoma is not defined. Here, we report that CR6-interacting factor-1 (CRIF1) is highly expressed in osteosarcoma and undergoes nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) after IR. Osteosarcoma cells lacking CRIF1 show increased sensitivity to IR, which is associated with delayed DNA damage repair, inactivated G1/S checkpoint, and mitochondrial dysfunction. CRIF1 interacts with the DNA damage checkpoint regulator CDK2, and CRIF1 and CDK2 colocalize in the nucleus after IR. Nuclear localization of CDK2 is associated with phosphorylation changes that promote DNA repair and activation of the G1/S checkpoint. CRIF1 knockdown synergized with IR in an in vivo osteosarcoma model, leading to tumor regression. Based on these findings, we identify CRIF1 as a potential therapeutic target in osteosarcoma that can increase the efficacy of radiotherapy. More broadly, our findings may provide insights into the mechanism for other types of radioresistant cancers and be exploited for therapeutic ends.
Detection of Hydraulic Phenomena in Francis Turbines with Different Sensors

Nowadays, hydropower is demanded to provide flexibility and fast response into the electrical grid in order to compensate the non-constant electricity generation of other renewable sources. Hydraulic turbines are therefore demanded to work under off-design conditions more frequently, where different complex hydraulic phenomena appear, affecting the machine stability as well as reducing the useful life of its components. Hence, it is desirable to detect in real-time these hydraulic phenomena to assess the operation of the machine. In this paper, a large medium-head Francis turbine was selected for this purpose. This prototype is instrumented with several sensors such as accelerometers, proximity probes, strain gauges, pressure sensors and a microphone. Results presented in this paper permit knowing which hydraulic phenomenon is detected with every sensor and which signal analysis technique is necessary to use. With this information, monitoring systems can be optimized with the most convenient sensors, locations and signal analysis techniques.
Fluorescence-Based Quantitative Synapse Analysis for Cell Type-Specific Connectomics

Abstract Anatomical methods for determining cell type-specific connectivity are essential to inspire and constrain our understanding of neural circuit function. We developed genetically-encoded reagents for fluorescence-synapse labeling and connectivity analysis in brain tissue, using a fluorogen-activating protein (FAP)-coupled or YFP-coupled, postsynaptically-localized neuroligin-1 (NL-1) targeting sequence (FAP/YFPpost). FAPpost expression did not alter mEPSC or mIPSC properties. Sparse AAV-mediated expression of FAP/YFPpost with the cell-filling, red fluorophore dTomato (dTom) enabled high-throughput, compartment-specific detection of putative synapses across diverse neuron types in mouse somatosensory cortex. We took advantage of the bright, far-red emission of FAPpost puncta for multichannel fluorescence alignment of dendrites, FAPpost puncta, and presynaptic neurites in transgenic mice with saturated labeling of parvalbumin (PV), somatostatin (SST), or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing neurons using Cre-reporter driven expression of YFP. Subtype-specific inhibitory connectivity onto layer 2/3 (L2/3) neocortical pyramidal (Pyr) neurons was assessed using automated puncta detection and neurite apposition. Quantitative and compartment-specific comparisons show that PV inputs are the predominant source of inhibition at both the soma and the dendrites and were particularly concentrated at the primary apical dendrite. SST inputs were interleaved with PV inputs at all secondary-order and higher-order dendritic branches. These fluorescence-based synapse labeling reagents can facilitate large-scale and cell-type specific quantitation of changes in synaptic connectivity across development, learning, and disease states.
Proteomic Analysis of miR-195 and miR-497 Replacement Reveals Potential Candidates that Increase Sensitivity to Oxaliplatin in MSI/P53wt Colorectal Cancer Cells

Most patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) eventually develop resistance to systemic combination therapy. miR-195-5p and miR-497-5p are downregulated in CRC tissues and associated with drug resistance. Sensitization to 5-FU, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan by transfection with miR-195-5p and miR-497-5p mimics was studied using cell viability and clonogenic assays in cell lines HCT116, RKO, DLD-1, and SW480. In addition, proteomic analysis of transfected cells was implemented to identify potential targets. Significantly altered proteins were subjected to STRING (protein-protein interaction networks) database analysis to study the potential mechanisms of drug resistance. Cell viability analysis of transfected cells revealed increased sensitivity to oxaliplatin in microsatellite instable (MSI)/P53 wild-type HCT116 and RKO cells. HCT116 transfected cells formed significantly fewer colonies when treated with oxaliplatin. In sensitized cells, proteomic analysis showed 158 and 202 proteins with significantly altered expression after transfection with miR-195-5p and miR-497-5p mimics respectively, of which CHUK and LUZP1 proved to be coinciding downregulated proteins. Resistance mechanisms of these proteins may be associated with nuclear factor kappa-B signaling and G1 cell-cycle arrest. In conclusion, miR-195-5p and miR-497-5p replacement enhanced sensitivity to oxaliplatin in treatment naïve MSI/P53 wild-type CRC cells. Proteomic analysis revealed potential miRNA targets associated with the cell-cycle which possibly bare a relation with chemotherapy sensitivity.
The Cooperative Induction of CCL4 in Human Monocytic Cells by TNF-α and Palmitate Requires MyD88 and Involves MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Chronic low-grade inflammation, also known as metabolic inflammation, is a hallmark of obesity and parallels with the presence of elevated circulatory levels of free fatty acids and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines. CCL4/MIP-1β chemokine plays a key role in the adipose tissue monocyte recruitment. Increased circulatory levels of TNF-α, palmitate and CCL4 are co-expressed in obesity. We asked if the TNF-α/palmitate could interact cooperatively to augment the CCL4 production in human monocytic cells and macrophages. THP-1 cells/primary macrophages were co-treated with TNF-α/palmitate and CCL4 mRNA/protein expression was assessed using qRT-PCR/ELISA. TLR4 siRNA, a TLR4 receptor-blocking antibody, XBlue™-defMyD cells and pathway inhibitors were used to decipher the signaling mechanisms. We found that TNF-α/palmitate co-stimulation augmented the CCL4 expression in monocytic cells and macrophages compared to controls (p < 0.05). TLR4 suppression or neutralization abrogated the CCL4 expression in monocytic cells. Notably, CCL4 cooperative induction in monocytic cells was: (1) Markedly less in MyD88-deficient cells, (2) IRF3 independent, (3) clathrin dependent and (4) associated with the signaling mechanism involving ERK1/2, c-Jun, JNK and NF-κB. In conclusion, TNF-α/palmitate co-stimulation promotes the CCL4 expression in human monocytic cells through the mechanism involving a TLR4-MyD88 axis and MAPK/NF-κB pathways. These findings unravel a novel mechanism of the cooperative induction of CCL4 by TNF-α and palmitate which could be relevant to metabolic inflammation.
Prevalence and Correlates of Pre-Treatment HIV Drug Resistance among HIV-Infected Children in Ethiopia

Pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care in resource-limited settings remains a major challenge to achieving global HIV treatment and virologic suppression targets, in part because the administration of combination antiretroviral therapies (cART) is inherently complex in this population and because viral load and drug resistance genotyping are not routinely available in these settings. Children may also be at elevated risk of transmission of drug-resistant HIV as a result of suboptimal antiretroviral administration for prevention of mother-to-child transmission. We investigated the prevalence and the correlates of pretreatment HIV drug resistance (PDR) among HIV-infected, cART-naive children in Ethiopia. We observed an overall PDR rate of 14%, where all cases featured resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs): ~9% of participants harbored resistance solely to NNRTIs while ~5% harbored resistance to both NNRTIs and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). No resistance to protease inhibitors was observed. No sociodemographic or clinical parameters were significantly associated with PDR, though limited statistical power is noted. The relatively high (14%) rate of NNRTI resistance in cART-naive children supports the use of non-NNRTI-based regimens in first-line pediatric treatment in Ethiopia and underscores the urgent need for access to additional antiretroviral classes in resource-limited settings.
Stimulation of Human Osteoblast Differentiation in Magneto-Mechanically Actuated Ferromagnetic Fiber Networks

There is currently an interest in “active” implantable biomedical devices that include mechanical stimulation as an integral part of their design. This paper reports the experimental use of a porous scaffold made of interconnected networks of slender ferromagnetic fibers that can be actuated in vivo by an external magnetic field applying strains to in-growing cells. Such scaffolds have been previously characterized in terms of their mechanical and cellular responses. In this study, it is shown that the shape changes induced in the scaffolds can be used to promote osteogenesis in vitro. In particular, immunofluorescence, gene and protein analyses reveal that the actuated networks exhibit higher mineralization and extracellular matrix production, and express higher levels of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, collagen type 1α1, runt-related transcription factor 2 and bone morphogenetic protein 2 than the static controls at the 3-week time point. The results suggest that the cells filling the inter-fiber spaces are able to sense and react to the magneto-mechanically induced strains facilitating osteogenic differentiation and maturation. This work provides evidence in support of using this approach to stimulate bone ingrowth around a device implanted in bone and can pave the way for further applications in bone tissue engineering.
Telephone Advice and Triage within PaediatricOncology.

The topic of telephone triage is of particular interest to the author who works in a paediatric Oncology Unit which is the principal treatment centre for children’s cancers within the Merseyside and Cheshire Cancer Network. This Unit provides 24 hour telephone advice for patients, families and carers. In addition, professionals within the network access the line for specialist information to support patients who are receiving on-going treatment for cancer, in particular, designated shared care centres and community teams who provide care nearer to home. To help develop good practice, the Oncology Unit developed a protocol supported by nine separate algorithms and a proforma upon which to document the ‘Telephone Consultation Notes’ made by the nurse (or other health professional). Having completed the handwritten documentation the policy requires the member of staff to further document these details on Meditech. The nine algorithms relate to nine separate health triggers which reflect the core of telephone triage calls and these algorithms aim to guide safe and appropriate practice and indicate what action the nurse should take. This study was developed in response to this initiative. The aim of this study was to explore triage trained nurses’ experiences of providing telephone triage in one NHS children’s oncology setting. This study was underpinned by a two phase, exploratory mixed methods design although the main focus was on the qualitative data generated in the second phase. Phase 1 involved analysis of logged telephone consultation notes. In Phase 2 selected nurses working within the setting who had received training in the triage protocol and who had logged calls within the study period were interviewed. In Phase 1, a total of 221 telephone triage calls (from parents or District General Hospitals) were logged as being received over the four months of data collection and were analysed and eight nurses (6 female and 2 male) participated in the second interview phase of the study. Following analysis of the data four main themes were identified in relation to telephone triage protocols as a means of (1) managing remote communication; (2) promoting safe and legal nursing actions; (3) ensuring best evidence-based practice; and (4) documenting comprehensive assessment Telephone triage is a relatively new development, particularly within children’s oncology care and whilst it provides parents with 24 hour access to advice and support it also creates challenges. Remote, hands-off assessment is not easy and whilst protocols can guide practice and support the practitioner to make clinical decisions it is clear that nurses in this study did not always adhere to the protocol. The study highlighted that nurses rely on their ward-based, face-to-face knowledge and skills and that this is not always readily transferable to telephone triage. Nurses expressed both levels of confidence and levels of uncertainty about their role in telephone triage. Recommendations for practice are proposed based on the findings of this study.