Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic segmentation of abnormal capillary nonperfusion regions in optical coherence tomography angiography images using marker-controlled watershed algorithm

Abstract. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most complications of diabetes. It is a progressive disease leading to significant vision loss in the patients. Abnormal capillary nonperfusion (CNP) regions are one of the important characteristics of DR increasing with its progression. Therefore, automatic segmentation and quantification of abnormal CNP regions can be helpful to monitor the patient’s treatment process. We propose an automatic method for segmentation of abnormal CNP regions on the superficial and deep capillary plexuses of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images using the marker-controlled watershed algorithm. The proposed method has three main steps. In the first step, original images are enhanced using the vesselness filter and then foreground and background marker images are computed. In the second step, abnormal CNP region candidates are segmented using the marker-controlled watershed algorithm, and in the third step, the candidates are modeled using an undirected weighted graph and finally, by applying merging and removing procedures correct abnormal CNP regions are identified. The proposed method was evaluated on a dataset with 36 normal and diabetic subjects using the ground truth obtained by two observers. The results show the proposed method outperformed some of the state-of-the-art methods on the superficial and deep capillary plexuses according to the most important metrics.
Methanomethylophilus alvus Mx1201 Provides Basis for Mutual Orthogonal Pyrrolysyl tRNA/Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Pairs in Mammalian Cells

Genetic code expansion via stop codon suppression is a powerful technique for engineering proteins in mammalian cells with site-specifically encoded non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs). Current methods rely on very few available tRNA/aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase pairs orthogonal in mammalian cells, the pyrrolysyl tRNA/aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase pair from Methanosarcina mazei (Mma PylRS/PylT) being the most active and versatile to date. We found a previously uncharacterized pyrrolysyl tRNA/aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase pair from the human gut archaeon Methanomethylophilus alvus Mx1201 (Mx1201 PylRS/PylT) to be active and orthogonal in mammalian cells. We show that the new PylRS enzyme can be engineered to expand its ncAA substrate spectrum. We find that due to the large evolutionary distance of the two pairs, Mx1201 PylRS/PylT is partially orthogonal to Mma PylRS/PylT. Through rational mutation of Mx1201 PylT, we abolish its non-cognate interaction with Mma PylRS, creating two mutually orthogonal PylRS/PylT pairs. Combined in the same cell, we show that the two pairs can site-selectively introduce two different ncAAs in response to two distinct stop codons. Our work expands the repertoire of mutually orthogonal tools for genetic code expansion in mammalian cells and provides the basis for advanced in vivo protein engineering applications for cell biology and protein production.
Low Wall Shear Stress Is Associated with Local Aneurysm Wall Enhancement on High-Resolution MR Vessel Wall Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Some retrospective studies have found that the aneurysm wall enhancement on high-resolution MR vessel wall postgadolinium T1WI has the potential to distinguish unstable aneurysms. This study aimed to identify hemodynamic characteristics that differ between the enhanced and nonenhanced areas of the aneurysm wall on high-resolution MR vessel wall postgadolinium T1WI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TOF-MRA and high-resolution MR vessel wall T1WI of 25 patients were fused to localize the enhanced area of the aneurysm wall. Using computational fluid dynamics, we studied the aneurysm models. Mean static pressure, mean wall shear stress, and oscillatory shear index were compared between the enhanced and nonenhanced areas. RESULTS: The aneurysmal enhanced area had lower wall shear stress (P < .05) and a lower oscillatory shear index (P = .021) than the nonenhanced area. In addition, the whole aneurysm had lower wall shear stress (P < .05) and a higher oscillatory shear index (P = .007) than the parent artery. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that there are hemodynamic differences between the enhanced and nonenhanced areas of the aneurysm wall on high-resolution MR vessel wall postgadolinium T1WI.
How movement direction shapes the spatial representation of its effects: About the consequence of the ideomotor bidirectional association

Ideomotor theories assume that action and perception share a common representational system in which a movement and its effect are equally represented and integrated by a bidirectional association. However, there is no mention of how this association leads to influence the representational content of each part. In this article, we investigated the influence of movement properties on the spatial representation of auditory effects. In line with the Action Constrains Theory of space perception, we suggest that changes in the movement direction leads to correlative changes in the spatial representation of the effect. In a pre-experiment, we replicated traditional ideomotor results with a response-effect (R-E) compatibility procedure. In two experiments, we used one condition of this procedure (i.e., the corresponding R-E mapping) to manipulate the movement properties associated to a non-spatialised effect. In the first experiment, the effect was associated with horizontal outward movements or with forward–backward movements. In the second experiment, we tested some alternative explanations for the results obtained in the first experiment. Globally, we showed that rightward movements led to localised auditory effect more on the right space than leftward movements and that backward movements led to localisation of the effect closer from the subjects than forward movements. In accordance with the Action Constrains Theory of space perception, these data suggest that movement shapes the spatial organisation of the effect representation.
Domain-Specific Anxiety Relates to Children’s Math and Spatial Performance

Mathematical and spatial reasoning abilities during childhood predict later success in male-dominated science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines, yet relatively little is known about the affective correlates of children’s math and spatial performance or gender differences therein. In the present research, we assessed math and spatial anxiety in 394 elementary schoolchildren (ages 6 to 12 years) and investigated their relations to math achievement and spatial reasoning performance, respectively. In addition, we evaluated children’s verbal anxiety and reading ability to determine the domain specificity of relations between anxiety and cognitive performance during childhood. At the zero-order level, math, spatial, and verbal anxiety were moderately correlated with one another and with children’s performance in the corresponding cognitive domains. Importantly, however, all three forms of anxiety displayed some domain specificity in their relations to cognitive performance. Gender differences in math and spatial anxiety were also domain-specific, with girls reporting significantly greater math and spatial anxiety, but not verbal anxiety, across the age range tested. These results demonstrate that math and spatial anxiety represent unique constructs early in development, exhibiting specificity in their associations with gender and cognitive performance during the first years of formal schooling.
Synthesis and Ceramic Conversion of a New Organodecaborane Preceramic Polymer with High-Ceramic-Yield

Boron carbide is one of the hardest materials known, with diamond-like mechanical properties and excellent chemical stability. It is wildly used in military defense area, nuclear industry, aerospace technology, etc. Precursor-derived ceramics have made it easier to produce pure boron carbide in processed forms and expand its applications. The challenge of this method is the synthesis of precursor polymer with high-ceramic-yield. The aim of the present work is to develop a new poly(6-norbornenyldecaborane-co-decaborane) [P(ND-co-D)] copolymer, which was successfully synthesized via ring-opening metathesis polymerization of 6-norbornenyldecaborane and tandem hydroboration with decaborane. The obtained light-yellow powder displayed good solubility, and was fully characterized by NMR, FT-IR and GPC analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the char yield was up to 79%. The polymer-to-ceramic transformation process and pyrolysis mechanism has shown that the rearrangement of carbon chains of P(ND-co-D) mainly occurred in the temperature range of 350 °C~470 °C. Furthermore, the crystallization behavior and microstructures of derived ceramics were studied by XRD and SEM. Nano-sized boron carbide powders were prepared by pyrolysis of P(ND-co-D) under argon at 1400 °C for 2 h, while the structure and morphologies of the obtained rhombohedral B4C were investigated.
The Impact of Metallic Nanoparticles on Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

Nanotechnology has a wide range of medical and industrial applications. The impact of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) on the proliferation and differentiation of normal, cancer, and stem cells is well-studied. The preparation of NPs, along with their physicochemical properties, is related to their biological function. Interestingly, various mechanisms are implicated in metallic NP-induced cellular proliferation and differentiation, such as modulation of signaling pathways, generation of reactive oxygen species, and regulation of various transcription factors. In this review, we will shed light on the biomedical application of metallic NPs and the interaction between NPs and the cellular components. The in vitro and in vivo influence of metallic NPs on stem cell differentiation and proliferation, as well as the mechanisms behind potential toxicity, will be explored. A better understanding of the limitations related to the application of metallic NPs on stem cell proliferation and differentiation will afford clues for optimal design and preparation of metallic NPs for the modulation of stem cell functions and for clinical application in regenerative medicine.
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy: A review

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a complex disease that remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Originating as a result of inflammatory response, the development and progression of CAV is attributed to endothelial dysfunction, cellular infiltration, and a wide‐range of genetic and patient factors. The detection of CAV remains a diagnostic challenge, as symptoms can be variable or absent. While coronary angiography remains the initial test of choice for the diagnosis and surveillance of CAV, intravascular imaging (either by ultrasound or optical coherence tomography) and physiologic assessments are useful adjuncts in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Positron emission tomography, computed tomographic, and magnetic resonance imaging may have a role increasing the time interval between invasive screening tests for prognosis. Medical management should include a statin, vasodilator, and tailored immunosuppressive regimen that maximally decrease allograft rejection and CAV progression while causing minimal side effects. Patients that are less responsive to pharmacotherapy should be considered for invasive management with percutaneous coronary intervention. Although surgical revascularization is a poor option, repeat OHT is the only definitive treatment option but given its morbidity should be reserved for a highly selected patient population.
Immobilization and characterization of lipase from an indigenous Bacillus aryabhattai SE3-PB isolated from lipid-rich wastewater

Abstract Extracellular lipase from an indigenous Bacillus aryabhattai SE3-PB was immobilized in alginate beads by entrapment method. After optimization of immobilization conditions, maximum immobilization efficiencies of 77% ± 1.53% and 75.99% ± 3.49% were recorded at optimum concentrations of 2% (w/v) sodium alginate and 0.2 M calcium chloride, respectively, for the entrapped enzyme. Biochemical properties of both free and immobilized lipase revealed no change in the optimum temperature and pH of both enzyme preparations, with maximum activity attained at 60 °C and 9.5, respectively. In comparison to free lipase, the immobilized enzyme exhibited improved stability over the studied pH range (8.5–9.5) and temperature (55–65 °C) when incubated for 3 h. Furthermore, the immobilized lipase showed enhanced enzyme-substrate affinity and higher catalytic efficiency when compared to soluble enzyme. The entrapped enzyme was also found to be more stable, retaining 61.51% and 49.44% of its original activity after being stored for 30 days at 4 °C and 25 °C, respectively. In addition, the insolubilized enzyme exhibited good reusability with 18.46% relative activity after being repeatedly used for six times. These findings suggest the efficient and sustainable use of the developed immobilized lipase for various biotechnological applications.
Knowledge attitude and practice of Turkish health professionals towards pharmacovigilance in a university hospital.

BACKGROUND Pharmacovigilance and spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have pivotal roles in drug safety. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of health professionals towards pharmacovigilance in a university hospital in Turkey. METHODS An observational, cross-sectional study via a 25-item self-administered questionnaire was conducted among physicians (n=161) and nurses (n=321). RESULTS Although 66% (320/482) of the subjects were aware of the 'pharmacovigilance' term, the awareness of the Turkish Pharmacovigilance Center was as low as 30% (161/482). Similarly, 41% (198/482) of the subjects did not know the pharmacovigilance contact point of the hospital. Defining and determining new ADRs and improving patient safety were associated with the importance of spontaneous reporting by the subjects. According to the physicians, unawareness of the national pharmacovigilance system was the first discouraging factor, as was the unawareness of the need for spontaneous reporting of ADRs for the nurses. Although the frequency with which the nurses encountered ADRs was lower than that of the physicians, their claimed reporting ratio (21%; 68/321) was more than the physicians (8%; 12/161). CONCLUSIONS There is significant potential under-reporting of ADRs, which seems to be the result of several factors, including the lack of the knowledge of the national pharmacovigilance system.
Impact of Average Rating on Social Media Endorsement: The Moderating Role of Rating Dispersion and Discount Threshold

This paper examines how a restaurant’s online review ratings affect consumers to endorse deal vouchers sold by the restaurant via social media before they redeem the vouchers. While the effect of the average of review ratings is straightforward, we focus on examining how the effect is moderated by the dispersion of review ratings and the discount threshold set for the group-buying deals. A comprehensive literature review suggests that a large rating dispersion can deliver two different messages to consumers (uncertainty in product quality and uniqueness of product taste) and thus may either positively or negatively moderate the effect of average rating on social media endorsement. Discount threshold may serve as a quality signal, reinforcing the effect of average rating. The empirical results show that the effect of average rating is greater when review ratings are more dispersed and discount threshold is relatively large. The findings generate important managerial and research implications.
Decoding β-Cyclocitral-Mediated Retrograde Signaling Reveals the Role of a Detoxification Response in Plant Tolerance to Photooxidative Stress

β-Cyclocitral, generated in the chloroplast under high-light stress, mitigates photooxidative stress by recruiting the xenobiotic response involving SCL14, TGAII, and ANAC102 transcription factors. When exposed to unfavorable environmental conditions, plants can absorb light energy in excess of their photosynthetic capacities, with the surplus energy leading to the production of reactive oxygen species and photooxidative stress. Subsequent lipid peroxidation generates toxic reactive carbonyl species whose accumulation culminates in cell death. β-Cyclocitral, an oxidized by-product of β-carotene generated in the chloroplasts, mediates a protective retrograde response that lowers the levels of toxic peroxides and carbonyls, limiting damage to intracellular components. In this study, we elucidate the molecular mechanism induced by β-cyclocitral in Arabidopsis thaliana and show that the xenobiotic detoxification response is involved in the tolerance to excess light energy. The involvement of the xenobiotic response suggests a possible origin for this pathway. Furthermore, we establish the hierarchical structure of this pathway that is mediated by the β-cyclocitral-inducible GRAS protein SCARECROW LIKE14 (SCL14) and involves ANAC102 as a pivotal component upstream of other ANAC transcription factors and of many enzymes of the xenobiotic detoxification response. Finally, the SCL14-dependent protective mechanism is also involved in the low sensitivity of young leaf tissues to high-light stress.
Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Dietary Intake in Families: A Cluster-Analysis With Mother-Father-Child Triads

Background: The co-occurrence of multiple health behaviors such as physical activity, diet, and sedentary behavior affects individuals' health. Co-occurence of different health behaviors has been shown in a large number of studies. This study extended this perspective by addressing the co-occurrence of multiple health behaviors in multiple persons. The objective was to examine familial health behavioral patterns by (1) identifying clusters of families with similar behavior patterns and (2) characterizing the clusters by analyzing their correlates. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 198 families (mother, father, and child). Mothers, fathers, and children completed questionnaires assessing health related behaviors (physical activity, consumption of “healthy” and “unhealthy” foods, and screen time), the perception of Family Health Climate (regarding physical activity and nutrition) and demographics. Twelve variables (four health behaviors of three family members) were included in a cluster analysis conducted with Ward's Method and K-means analysis. Chi-square tests and analyses of variance were performed to characterize the family clusters regarding their demographics and their perception of Family Health Climate. Results: Three clusters of families with specific behavioral patterns were identified: “healthy behavior families” with levels of physical activity and consumption of healthful foods above average and levels of media use and consumption of sweets below average; “unhealthy behavior families” with low levels of consumption of healthful foods and high levels of screen time; “divergent behavior families” with unhealthier behavioral patterns in parents and healthier screen time and eating behaviors combined with low physical activity levels in children. Family Health Climate differed between family clusters with most positive ratings in “healthy behavior families” and least positive ratings in “unhealthy behavior families. ” “Divergent behavior families” rated the nutrition climate nearly as high as “healthy behavior families” while they rated the physical activity climate nearly as low as the “unhealthy behavior families. ” Conclusions: The study shows that co-occurrence of multiple health behaviors occurs on the family level. Therefore, focusing the family as a whole instead of individuals and targeting aspects related to the Family Health Climate in interventions could result in benefits for both children and adults and enhance effectivity of intervention programs.
Prevalence of Variant Reclassification Following Hereditary Cancer Genetic Testing

Importance Variant reclassification is an important component of hereditary cancer genetic testing; however, there are few published data quantifying the prevalence of reclassification. Objective Retrospective cohort study of individuals who had genetic testing from 2006 through 2016 at a single commercial laboratory. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort of individuals who had genetic testing between 2006 and 2016 at a single commercial laboratory was assessed. Variants were classified as benign, likely benign, variant of uncertain significance, likely pathogenic, or pathogenic. Retrospective chart reviews were conducted for patients from the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) Medical Center. Exposures Hereditary cancer genetic testing. Main Outcomes and Measures Frequency of and time to amended reports; frequency and types of variant reclassification. Results From 2006 through 2018, 1.45 million individuals (median [interquartile range] age at testing, 49 years [40.69-58.31 years], 95.6% women) had genetic testing, and 56.6% (n = 821 724) had a personal history of cancer. A total of 1.67 million initial tests were reported and 59 955 amended reports were issued due to variant reclassification. Overall, 6.4% (2868 of 44 777) of unique variants were reclassified. Reclassification to a different clinical category was rare among unique variants initially classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic (0.7%, 61 of 9112) or benign or likely benign (0.2%, 15 of 8995). However, 7.7% (2048 of 26 670) of unique variants of uncertain significance were reclassified: 91.2% (1867 of 2048) were downgraded to benign or likely benign (median time to amended report, 1.17 years), 8.7% (178 of 2048) were upgraded to pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (median time to amended report, 1.86 years). Because most variants were observed in more than 1 individual, 24.9% (46 890 of 184 327) of all reported variants of uncertain significance were reclassified. Conclusions and Relevance Following hereditary cancer genetic testing at a single commercial laboratory, 24.9% of variants of uncertain significance were reclassified, which included both downgrades and upgrades. Further research is needed to assess generalizability of the findings for other laboratories, as well as the clinical consequences of the reclassification as a component of a genetic testing program.
Mitochondrial Genome Transfer to Tumor Cells Breaks The Rules and Establishes a New Precedent in Cancer Biology

ABSTRACT Horizontal gene transfer is known to occur in bacteria and archaea whereas higher organisms including mammals undergo vertical transfer. Our recent results demonstrate horizontal transfer of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from normal host cells to tumor cells lacking mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This mtDNA migration results in recovery of respiration, restored tumor initiation, and metastasis.