Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in Adolescents: Practical Guidance and Management Challenges

Abstract This paper reviews the current understanding of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and whether any treatment strategies have been effective. ME/CFS is a condition of as yet unknown etiology that commonly follows an infective process. It includes a new onset of fatigue (of more than 3–6 month duration and not relieved by rest), post-exertional malaise, cognitive difficulties and unrefreshing sleep, and frequently orthostatic intolerance, somatic symptoms and pain. Long COVID has renewed interest in the condition and stimulated research with findings suggestive of a multisystem neuroimmune disease. There are no definitively effective treatments. Despite earlier recommendations regarding graded exercise therapy and cognitive behavior therapy, the current recommendations are managing symptoms, with lifestyle management and supportive care. This paper provides an outline of strategies that young people and their families have reported as helpful in managing a chronic illness that impacts their life socially, physically, emotionally, cognitively and educationally. As the illness frequently occurs at a time of rapid developmental changes, reducing these impacts is reported to be as important as managing the physical symptoms. Young people face a mean duration of 5 years illness (range 1–16 years) with a likely residual 20% having significant restrictions after 10 years. Their feedback has suggested that symptom management, self-management strategies, advocacy and educational liaison have been the most helpful. They value professionals who will listen and take them seriously, and after excluding alternative diagnoses, they explain the diagnosis, are supportive and assist in monitoring their progress. Remaining engaged in education was the best predictor of later functioning. This allowed for social connections, as well as potential independence and fulfilling some aspirations. The need to consider the impact of this chronic illness on all aspects of adolescent development, as part of management, is highlighted.
Capillary instability of an annular liquid jet

An analytical investigation of the stability of a viscous, annular liquid jet moving in an inviscid medium is presented. This problem is a generalization of the well-known cases of a round cylindrical jet (obtained here when the ratio of internal to external radii tends to zero) and the flat thin liquid sheet (when the ratio above tends to unity). A critical ‘penetration’ thickness T is defined. When the annulus thickness is greater than T, the annular jet behaves like a full liquid jet; the only unstable perturbations are axisymmetric, and their growth rate is independent of thickness. When the annulus thickness is less than T, the jet behaves like a two-dimensional liquid sheet; the most unstable perturbations are antisymmetric and their growth rate increases as the jet thickness decreases. Therefore, an annular liquid jet with a sufficiently small ring thickness will disintegrate into spherical shells much faster than a full liquid jet disintegrates into drops, in accordance with existing experimental data. Non-dimensional expressions for the penetration thickness are given for both viscous and inviscid jets.
Identification of explosive using the spectrum dynamics of reflected THz and GHz radiation

The method of THz spectrum dynamics analysis (SDA - Spectral dynamics analysis - method) is applied for the detection and identification of substances by using the signal reflected from sample. It allows to obtain the spectrogram - composite Fourier spectrum dynamics - of the signal and to analyze the dynamics of many spectral lines simultaneously, even if the measurements are made on short time interval (less than 50 ps). The efficiency of the SDA method used for longer time intervals (more than 100 ps) is discussed also. The Fourier-Gabor sliding window method is used for obtaining the spectrogram. We consider the examples of finding selected explosives and harmless materials in pellets by using a THz pulse reflected from them. A THz pulse with a few cycles falls on the sample and reflects from it. The receiver makes the discrete measurements of electric field strength of signal reflected from the sample. To restore the signal to the required accuracy the SVD - Single Value Decomposition - technique is used. Our investigations show that the spectrograms and dynamics of several spectral lines of the THz pulse reflected differ from the corresponding spectrograms and dynamics of spectral lines for the reference pulse and hence it is possible to detect the presence of the material in the sample of interest. The efficiency of using the SDA method for identification of a substance by a THz pulse reflected from the sample is discussed and a comparison with an efficiency of applying the SDA method for the identification of substance by analysis of the pulse transmitted through the sample.
Numerical simulation of nonlinear acoustic streaming in a resonator using gas-kinetic scheme

The acoustic streaming motion in a compressible air-filled two-dimensional cylindrical resonator driving by a piston is simulated by using the gas-kinetic scheme, and the effects of acoustic field intensity on the formation process of flow structure as well as streaming pattern are investigated numerically for the practical applications of high-intensity acoustic devices. Therefore, five cases with different excitation amplitudes are considered in simulation ranging from the linear to highly nonlinear regions. The validation of the developed model is verified by comparing the numerical results of streaming velocities with the theoretical ones for the linear case. The wave form of pressure and velocity and the transient flow field structure as well as the resulting streaming pattern are found to be strongly correlated to the excitation amplitude. Be observed for the linear case is a sine wave and a uniform of quasi-one-dimensional flow field as well as classical Rayleigh streaming. Periodic shock waves and strongly two-dimensional flow fields as well as the irregular acoustic streaming fields have been observed for the nonlinear cases. And some new physical phenomena have also been revealed for the highly nonlinear case, and these facts are that the wave form will deviate from typical “shock wave”-type toward a more distorted type, and at the same time, the two-dimensional transient flow fields are characterized by the changing flow direction and circulatory flow pattern, which are all correlated to a turbulent streaming with various scales of irregular and unsteady vortices throughout the resonator. Detailed explanations are provided for these nonlinear phenomena, and a critical Reynolds number for the transition to turbulence is also numerically obtained which is consistent with the experiment result from the previous publication. The present work has demonstrated that the gas-kinetic scheme is capable of resolving large Reynolds number of nonlinear acoustic problems with no any restriction on the nonlinearity level.
AlSb THIN FILMS PREPARED BY DC MAGNETRON SPUTTERING AND ANNEALING

Aluminum antimonide (AlSb) is thought to be a potential material for high efficiency solar cells. In this paper, AlSb thin films have been fabricated by DC magnetron sputtering on glass substrates. The sputtering target consists of aluminum and antimony, and the area ratio of Al to Sb is 7:3, which is derived from research into the relationship between the deposition rates of both the metals and sputtering power. XRD and AFM measurements show that the as-deposited films are amorphous, but become polycrystalline with an average grain size of about 20 nm after annealing in an argon atmosphere. From optical absorption measurements of annealed AlSb films, a band gap of 1.56 eV has been demonstrated. Hall measurements show that the films are p-type semiconductors. The temperature dependence of dark conductivity tested in vacuum displays a linear lnσ to 1/T curve, which indicates a conductivity activation energy of around 0.61 eV.
In Situ Fenestrated Thoracic Endovascular Repair Using the Upstream Peripheral Go BackTM Re-Entry Catheter.

PURPOSE The aim is to present a case of in situ fenestrated thoracic endovascular repair, using a re-entry peripheral catheter, needing urgent repair due to recurrent episodes of hemoptysis because of an aorto-bronchial fistula after previous thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). TECHNIQUE A 74-year-old male with a previous TEVAR presented with hemoptysis, fever, and cachexia. An aorto-bronchial fistula and type Ia endoleak were depicted on computed tomography angiography (CTA). Due to the patient's frail general condition, a proximal TEVAR extension was planned, prior to thoracotomy for debridement, and long-term antibiotics. An in situ fenestrated TEVAR was performed to provide proximal sealing and revascularize the left common carotid and subclavian arteries. For fenestration creation, an Upstream Peripheral Go Back catheter (Bentley, Hechingen, Germany) was used. The Go Back catheter has been approved as a re-entry tool for complex peripheral arterial revascularization. In this case, both fenestrations were successfully created. Proximal seal and target vessel patency were confirmed on CTA. Thoracotomy confirmed aortic exclusion. A wedge lobectomy was performed in combination with pediculated omentectomy to exclude the exposed endograft. CONCLUSION In urgent cases, where custom-made thoracic devices are unavailable, in situ fenestrations with the Go Back catheter are an alternative to laser fenestrations. CLINICAL IMPACT Fenestrations are often required in acute TEVAR to achieve a proximal seal in the arch. In situ fenestrations with the Go Back catheter are an alternative to laser fenestrations and PMEGs in this setting.
Antimony nanobelt asymmetric membranes for sodium ion battery

In this study, composite asymmetric membranes containing antimony (Sb) nanobelts are prepared via a straightforward phase inversion method in combination with post-pyrolysis treatment. Sb nanobelt asymmetric membranes demonstrate improved cyclability and specific capacity as the alloy anode of sodium ion battery compared to Sb nanobelt thin films without asymmetric porous structure. The unique structure can effectively accommodate the large volume expansion of Sb-based alloy anodes, prohibit the loss of fractured active materials, and aid in the formation of stable artificial solid electrolyte interphases as evidenced by an outstanding capacity retention of ∼98% in 130 cycles at 60 mA g−1. A specific capacity of ∼600 mAh g−1 is obtained at 15 mA g−1 (1/40C). When the current density is increased to 240 mA g−1, ∼80% capacity can be maintained (∼480 mAh g−1). The relations among phase inversion conditions, structures, compositions, and resultant electrochemical properties are revealed through comprehensive characterization.
Measuring light regularity: sleep regularity is associated with regularity of light exposure in adolescents

Abstract Study Objectives Light is the main time cue for the human circadian system. Sleep and light are intrinsically linked; light exposure patterns can influence sleep patterns and sleep can influence light exposure patterns. However, metrics for quantifying light regularity are lacking, and the relationship between sleep and light regularity is underexplored. We developed new metrics for light regularity and demonstrated their utility in adolescents, across school term and vacation. Methods Daily sleep/wake and light patterns were measured using wrist actigraphy in 75 adolescents (54% male, 17.17 ± 0.83 years) over 2 weeks of school term and a subsequent 2-week vacation. The Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) and social jetlag were computed for each 2-week block. Light regularity was assessed using (1) variation in mean daily light timing (MLiT); (2) variation in daily photoperiod; and (3) the Light Regularity Index (LRI). Associations between SRI and each light regularity metric were examined, and within-individual changes in metrics were examined between school and vacation. Results Higher SRI was significantly associated with more regular LRI scores during both school and vacation. There were no significant associations of SRI with variation in MLiT or daily photoperiod. Compared to school term, all three light regularity metrics were less variable during the vacation. Conclusions Light regularity is a multidimensional construct, which until now has not been formally defined. Irregular sleep patterns are associated with lower LRI, indicating that irregular sleepers also have irregular light inputs to the circadian system, which likely contributes to circadian disruption.
Antihyperglycemic effects of Lysiphyllum strychnifolium leaf extract in vitro and in vivo

Abstract Context Lysiphyllum strychnifolium (Craib) A. Schmitz (LS) (Fabaceae) has traditionally been used to treat diabetes mellitus. Objective This study demonstrates the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of aqueous extract of LS leaves in vivo and in vitro. Materials and methods The effects of aqueous LS leaf extract on glucose uptake, sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) mRNA expression in Caco-2 cells, α-glucosidase, and lipid peroxidation were evaluated in vitro. The antidiabetic effects were evaluated using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a 28-day consecutive administration to streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NA)-induced type 2 diabetic mice. Results The extract significantly inhibited glucose uptake (IC50: 236.2 ± 36.05 µg/mL) and downregulated SGLT1 and GLUT2 mRNA expression by approximately 90% in Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, it non-competitively inhibited α-glucosidase in a concentration-dependent manner with the IC50 and Ki of 6.52 ± 0.42 and 1.32 µg/mL, respectively. The extract at 1000 mg/kg significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels in both the OGTT and 28-day consecutive administration models as compared with untreated STZ-NA-induced diabetic mice (p < 0.05). Significant improvements of serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and GLUT4 levels were observed. Furthermore, the extract markedly decreased oxidative stress markers by 37–53% reduction of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in muscle and malondialdehyde (MDA) in muscle and pancreas, which correlated with the reduction of MDA production in vitro (IC50: 24.80 ± 7.24 µg/mL). Conclusion The LS extract has potent antihyperglycemic activity to be used as alternative medicine to treat diabetes mellitus.
Genomic vulnerability to climate change in Quercus acutissima, a dominant tree species in East Asian deciduous forests

Understanding the evolutionary processes that shape the landscape of genetic variation and influence the response of species to future climate change is critical for biodiversity conservation. Here, we sampled 27 populations across the distribution range of a dominant forest tree, Quercus acutissima, in East Asia, and applied genome‐wide analyses to track the evolutionary history and predict the fate of populations under future climate. We found two genetic groups (East and West) in Q. acutissima that diverged during Pliocene. We also found a heterogeneous landscape of genomic variation in this species, which may have been shaped by population demography and linked selections. Using genotype‐environment association analyses, we identified climate‐associated SNPs in a diverse set of genes and functional categories, indicating a model of polygenic adaptation in Q. acutissima. We further estimated three genetic offset metrics to quantify genomic vulnerability of this species to climate change due to the complex interplay between local adaptation and migration. We found that marginal populations are under higher risk of local extinction because of future climate change, and may not be able to track suitable habitats to maintain the gene–environment relationships observed under the current climate. We also detected higher reverse genetic offsets in northern China, indicating that genetic variation currently present in the whole range of Q. acutissima may not adapt to future climate conditions in this area. Overall, this study illustrates how evolutionary processes have shaped the landscape of genomic variation, and provides a comprehensive genome‐wide view of climate maladaptation in Q. acutissima.
Late-onset Chronic Kidney Disease Over 2 Decades After Pediatric Liver Transplantation: A Single-center, Retrospective Study

Background. Although chronic kidney disease (CKD) after liver transplantation (LTx) is a common complication in adults, its long-term significance after pediatric LTx remains unclear. We examined the decades-long transition of renal function and revealed the risk factors for late-onset CKD after pediatric LTx in a single-center retrospective cohort of 117 pediatric LTx recipients who survived >5 y. Methods. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and CKD stages were calculated using serum creatinine. Risk factor analysis for late-onset CKD was performed in 41 patients whose eGFR could be evaluated at >20 y after LTx. Results. The median age at LTx was 1.3 y, and most primary diagnoses were biliary atresia (77%). The mean pre-LTx and 1, 5, 10, 20, and >20 y post-LTx eGFRs were 180, 135, 131, 121, 106, and 95 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, with a median renal follow-up period of 15 y. The eGFR declined by 47% at >20 y after LTx (P < 0.001). CKD was observed in 8%, 19%, and 39% of cases at 10, 20, and >20 y after LTx, respectively. In patients receiving cyclosporine, trough levels were 1.5 times higher in those with CKD up to 10 y after LTx. The multivariate analysis showed that older age at LTx (odds ratio, 1.3 by 1 y; P = 0.008) and episodes of repeated/refractory rejection (odds ratio, 16.2; P = 0.002) were independent risk factors of CKD >20 y after LTx. Conclusions. In conclusion, renal function deteriorates slowly yet steadily after pediatric LTx. Long-term careful surveillance is essential after pediatric LTx, especially in repeated/refractory rejection or long-term high trough-level use of cyclosporine cases.
Characterization of Gut Microbiota Compositions along the Intestinal Tract in CD163/pAPN Double Knockout Piglets and Their Potential Roles in Iron Absorption

Iron deficiency is a major risk factor for iron deficiency anemia, which is among the most common nutritional disorders in piglets. However, it remains unclear how the gut microbiota interacts with host iron absorption. ABSTRACT The gut microbiota is known to play a role in regulating host metabolism, yet the mechanisms underlying this regulation are not well elucidated. Our study aimed to characterize the differences in gut microbiota compositions and their roles in iron absorption between wild-type (WT) and CD163/pAPN double-gene-knockout (DKO) weaned piglets. A total of 58 samples along the entire digestive tract were analyzed for microbial community using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The colonic microbiota and their metabolites were determined by metagenomic sequencing and untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), respectively. Our results showed that no alterations in microbial community structure and composition were observed between DKO and WT weaned piglets, with the exception of colonic microbiota. Interestingly, the DKO piglets had selectively increased the relative abundance of the Leeia genus belonging to the Neisseriaceae family and decreased the Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014 genus abundance. Functional capacity analysis showed that organic acid metabolism was enriched in the colon in DKO piglets. In addition, the DKO piglets showed increased iron levels in important tissues compared with WT piglets without any pathological changes. Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicated that the specific bacteria such as Leeia and Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014 genus played a key role in host iron absorption. Moreover, the iron levels had significantly (P < 0.05) positive correlation with microbial metabolites, particularly carboxylic acids and their derivatives, which might increase iron absorption by preventing iron precipitation. Overall, this study reveals an interaction between colonic microbiota and host metabolism and has potential significance for alleviating piglet iron deficiency. IMPORTANCE Iron deficiency is a major risk factor for iron deficiency anemia, which is among the most common nutritional disorders in piglets. However, it remains unclear how the gut microbiota interacts with host iron absorption. The current report provides the first insight into iron absorption-microbiome connection in CD163/pAPN double knockout piglets. The present results showed that carboxylic acids and their derivatives contributed to the absorption of nonheme iron by preventing ferric iron precipitation.
Ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone syndrome secondary to treatment-related neuroendocrine differentiation of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer

Summary A 64-year-old man with progressive metastatic castrate-resistant prostate adenocarcinoma presented with recurrent fluid overload, severe hypokalaemia with metabolic alkalosis and loss of glycaemic control. Clinical features were facial plethora, skin bruising and proximal myopathy. Plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), serum cortisol and 24-h urinary cortisol levels were elevated. Low-dose dexamethasone failed to suppress cortisol. Pituitary MRI was normal and 68Gallium-DOTATATE PET–CT scan showed only features of metastatic prostate cancer. He was diagnosed with ectopic ACTH syndrome secondary to treatment-related neuroendocrine prostate cancer differentiation. Medical management was limited by clinical deterioration, accessibility of medications and cancer progression. Ketoconazole and cabergoline were utilised, but cortisol remained uncontrolled. He succumbed 5 months following diagnosis. Treatment-related neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate adenocarcinoma is a rare cause of ectopic ACTH syndrome. Learning points Neuroendocrine differentiation following prostate adenocarcinoma treatment with androgen deprivation has been described. Ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) syndrome should be considered where patients with metastatic prostate cancer develop acute electrolyte disturbance or fluid overload. Ketoconazole interferes with adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis and can be used in ectopic ACTH syndrome, but the impact may be insufficient. Inhibition of gonadal steroidogenesis is favourable in prostate cancer. More data are required to evaluate the use of cabergoline in ectopic ACTH syndrome. Ectopic ACTH syndrome requires prompt management and is challenging in the face of metastatic cancer.
Poisson Approximation for the Final State of a Generalized Epidemic Process

A so-called generalized epidemic model is considered that describes the spread of an infectious disease of the SIR type with any specified distribution for the infectious period. The statistic under study is the number of susceptibles who ultimately survive the disease. In a pioneering paper, Daniels established for a particular case that when the population is large, this variable may have a Poisson-like behavior. This result was discussed later by several authors. In the present work, a necessary and sufficient condition is derived that guarantees the validity of such a Poisson approximation for the generalized epidemic. The proof relies on two key ideas, namely, the building of an equivalent Markovian representation of the model and the use of a suitable coupling via a random walk.