Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Associations Between Child Maltreatment and Adolescents’ Health-Related Quality of Life and Emotional and Social Problems in Low-Income Families, and the Moderating Role of Social Support

This study aimed to examine the associations between different types of child maltreatment and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and emotional and social problems in adolescents, and to examine the moderating effect of social support on those associations. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and June 2016 in Hong Kong. The sample comprised 351 parent and adolescent dyads from low-income families. The parents reported on child maltreatment (physical abuse, psychological aggression, and neglect), and the adolescents reported on their HRQoL, emotional problems, and social problems. The adolescents’ perceived social support was included as a potential moderator. Results of the study show that child physical abuse was strongly associated with emotional and social problems (B = 0.91-1.45, p < .05). Lower overall HRQoL was associated with psychological aggression (B = −3.96, p < .05) and neglect (B = −4.14, p < .05). Physical functioning was affected by psychological aggression (B = −3.16, p < .05), and emotional functioning was affected by neglect (B = −4.82, p < .05). Social functioning was impacted by all three types of maltreatment (B = −9.16 to −5.26, p < .05). This study extends previous literature by showing the varying effects of different types of child maltreatment on children’s health in the context of low-income families. The findings of this study also support that peer social support may buffer the effects of child physical abuse on adolescents’ emotional and social problems.
High Temperature Gas Treatment for Clean Gas Applications

In biomass-gasification based energy systems (CHP, polygeneration) high overall efficiency are essential for competitive operation. Producer gas impurities reduce activities or damage expensive catalysts, which are used in modern energy conversion processes. Therefore a cheap and efficient gas treatment at process-related high temperature level is desired. Within the frame of project work at Bioenergy 2020+ relevant mechanisms that cause damages of active surfaces are investigated. Based on the requirements of clean gas applications (here SOFC, high temperature CO-shift) hot gas cleaning processes are tested under real conditions. Special attention was given to particulate matter, sulphur and chlorine compounds. Detailed characterisation all chemical reactive compounds (gaseous, solid), attendant laboratory sorbent tests, as well as surface analysis of used materials (sorbents and catalysts) lead to operational limits of applied technologies and materials. Hot gas filtration test series (dust loads of 20 to 100 g/m3, usc) have shown that the installed filter candles (metal-membrane) achieve a separation rate above 99.98 % (residual below 5 mg/m3; 500 °C; 200 h operation). Dust properties (feedstock, operation conditions of gasification) do have a major impact on residual dust loads. Desulphurization tests showed, that at temperatures from 500 to 650 °C ZnO-based sorbents achieved cleaned gas H2Sconcentrations below 3 mg/m3 (usc) only under laboratory conditions, in comparison to 10 to 30 mg/m3 (usc) in real gas tests (gasification plant Güssing).
Three-port versus standard four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a clinical trial

Introduction: After the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 1987, the 4-port operation technique became the standard worldwide. This study is a comparison of the intraoperative complications observed using 3-port and 4-port methods, and an examination of the reliability of the 3-port method. Materials and Methods: The files of 400 patients who underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to gallbladder disease between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the use of a 3-port or a 4-port method, and the intraoperative complications of the groups were compared. Results: A total of 400 patient files were reviewed and the only significant difference between the 2 groups among the parameters of age, gender, and weight was the female-male ratio. Of the 3-port cases, 13.5% were male, and 86.5% were female. Of the 4-port cases, 23.5% were male and 76.5% were female (p=0.010) . A significant difference was not seen between the 2 groups with respect to the mean operation time (p=0.548) or operation success (p=0.253). The average hospitalization period was longer in the 3-port group (1.98 days vs 1.18 days, respectively; p<0.001). No significant difference was found in the number of intraoperative complications: gallbladder perforation (p=0.215), liver laver hemorrhage (p=0.481), entry of the gallstone into the abdomen (p=0.760), and choledoch injury (p=0.522). Conclusion: The success rate of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy was similar in the 3-port and 4-port groups. The mean length of hospitalization was longer in the 3-port group compared with the 4-port group. Analysis suggested that the greater number of intraoperative complications in the 3-port group had an effect on the hospitalization period . There were no instances of further complications developing after the 3-port procedure.
Primary Health Care System Readiness for Diabetes Mellitus and Tuberculosis Service Integration in South Africa

Background: In recognition of the convergence of high levels of Tuberculosis (TB) and increasing Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in South Africa, the country has prioritized integrated clinical service management for acute diseases and chronic conditions at the primary health care level. The shift toward collaborative activities requires changes in all areas of the health system. Objective: To assess the readiness of the primary health care system to provide integrated tuberculosis and diabetes services, this case study assessed leadership/governance, the health workforce, health information systems, access to medicines, and service delivery. Methods: The mixed-method study included interviews with health facility managers, facility checklist of TB and DM supplies and commodities, review of health records, a patient survey, and focus group discussions with health managers in three districts in KwaZulu Natal Province, Eastern Cape Province, and Free State Province. Results: Performance in bi-directional screening and co-management of TB and DM was weak: TB patients sometimes received DM screening, and the results were sometimes reported. Whether DM patients were routinely being screened for TB was unclear due to the lack of systematic reporting on DM patients. Two potential factors undermining service delivery were the overburdened health workforce and the poor health information system, particularly for DM data recording and reporting. The availability of supplies and commodities for integrated service delivery was good. Conclusion: South Africa has exhibited a strong policy-level commitment to the integrated management of chronic and acute diseases at all levels. The challenge is on operationalizing the guidelines at the primary health care level. Investments need to focus particularly on strengthening the capacity of the health workforce at the primary health care level and establishing an integrated strategy for data collection and analysis.
Exposure to environmental chemicals and type 1 diabetes: an update

This narrative review summarises recently published epidemiological and in vivo experimental studies on exposure to environmental chemicals and their potential role in the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). These studies focus on a variety of environmental chemical exposures, including to air pollution, arsenic, some persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, bisphenol A and phthalates. Of the 15 epidemiological studies identified, 14 include measurements of exposures during childhood, 2 include prenatal exposures and 1 includes adults over age 21. Together, they illustrate that the role of chemicals in T1DM may be complex and may depend on a variety of factors, such as exposure level, timing of exposure, nutritional status and chemical metabolism. While the evidence that these exposures may increase the risk of T1DM is still preliminary, it is critical to investigate this possibility further as a means of preventing T1DM.
Ano1 mediates pressure-sensitive contraction frequency changes in mouse lymphatic collecting vessels

Lymphatic collecting vessels exhibit spontaneous contractions with a pressure-dependent contraction frequency. The initiation of contraction has been proposed to be mediated by the activity of a Ca2+-activated Cl− channel (CaCC). Here, we show that the canonical CaCC Anoctamin 1 (Ano1, TMEM16a) plays an important role in lymphatic smooth muscle pacemaking. We find that isolated murine lymphatic muscle cells express Ano1, and demonstrate functional CaCC currents that can be inhibited by the Ano1 inhibitor benzbromarone. These currents are absent in lymphatic muscle cells from Cre transgenic mouse lines targeted for Ano1 genetic deletion in smooth muscle. We additionally show that loss of functional Ano1 in murine inguinal-axillary lymphatic vessels, whether through genetic manipulation or pharmacological inhibition, results in an impairment of the pressure–frequency relationship that is attributable to a hyperpolarized resting membrane potential and a significantly depressed diastolic depolarization rate preceding each action potential. These changes are accompanied by alterations in action potential shape and duration, and a reduced duration but increased amplitude of the action potential–induced global “Ca2+ flashes” that precede lymphatic contractions. These findings suggest that an excitatory Cl− current provided by Ano1 is critical for mediating the pressure-sensitive contractile response and is a major component of the murine lymphatic action potential.
Erectile Dysfunction Is Highly Prevalent in Men With Newly Diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cross-sectional studies on sexual function in men with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) yield mixed results. Using a prospective incidence cohort, we aimed to describe sexual function at baseline and over time and to identify factors associated with impaired sexual function in men with IBD. METHODS Men 18 years and older enrolled between April 2008 and January 2013 in the Ocean State Crohn's and Colitis Area Registry (OSCCAR) with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were eligible for study. Male sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a self-administered questionnaire that assesses 5 dimensions of sexual function over the most recent 4 weeks. To assess changes in the IIEF per various demographic and clinical factors, linear mixed effects models were used. RESULTS Sixty-nine of 82 eligible men (84%) completed the questionnaire (41 Crohn's disease, 28 ulcerative colitis). The mean age (SD) of the cohort at diagnosis was 43.4 (19.2) years. At baseline, 39% of men had global sexual dysfunction, and 94% had erectile dysfunction. Independent factors associated with erectile dysfunction are older age and lower physical and mental component summary scores on the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). CONCLUSION In an incident cohort of IBD patients, most men had erectile dysfunction. Physicians should be aware of the high prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its associated risk factors among men with newly diagnosed IBD to direct multidisciplinary treatment planning.
Total Worker Health® (TWH)

The American worksite has been a venue for both health protection and health promotion programs. Health protection programs are interventions aimed specifically at preventing occupational injuries or illnesses. Work-related injuries and illnesses lead to morbidity, mortality, and considerable financial and social costs. Health promotion (HP) programs, often called wellness programs, are interventions aimed at improving overall health and wellbeing. They often address modifiable behavior risk factors such as smoking, physical activity, and diet, which are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States.
Lnc‐UCID Promotes G1/S Transition and Hepatoma Growth by Preventing DHX9‐Mediated CDK6 Down‐regulation

Although thousands of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been annotated, only a limited number of them have been functionally characterized. Here, we identified an oncogenic lncRNA, named lnc‐UCID (lncRNA up‐regulating CDK6 by interacting with DHX9). Lnc‐UCID was up‐regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and a higher lnc‐UCID level was correlated with shorter recurrence‐free survival of HCC patients. Both gain‐of‐function and loss‐of function studies revealed that lnc‐UCID enhanced cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) expression and thereby promoted G1/S transition and cell proliferation. Studies from mouse xenograft models revealed that tumors derived from lnc‐UCID‐silenced HCC cells had a much smaller size than those from control cells, and intratumoral injection of lnc‐UCID small interfering RNA suppressed xenograft growth. Mechanistically, the 850‐1030‐nt domain of lnc‐UCID interacted physically with DEAH (Asp‐Glu‐Ala‐His) box helicase 9 (DHX9), an RNA helicase. On the other hand, DHX9 post‐transcriptionally suppressed CDK6 expression by binding to the 3′‐untranslated region (3′UTR) of CDK6 mRNA. Further investigation disclosed that lnc‐UCID enhanced CDK6 expression by competitively binding to DHX9 and sequestering DHX9 from CDK6‐3′UTR. In an attempt to explore the mechanisms responsible for lnc‐UCID up‐regulation in HCC, we found that the lnc‐UCID gene was frequently amplified in HCC. Furthermore, miR‐148a, whose down‐regulation was associated with an increase of lnc‐UCID in HCC, could bind lnc‐UCID and inhibit its expression. Conclusion: Up‐regulation of lnc‐UCID, which may result from amplification of its gene locus and down‐regulation of miR‐148a, can promote HCC growth by preventing the interaction of DHX9 with CDK6 and subsequently enhancing CDK6 expression. These findings provide insights into the biological functions of lncRNAs, the regulatory network of cell cycle control, and the mechanisms of HCC development, which may be exploited for anticancer therapy.
Accuracy of Left Ventricular Cavity Volume and Ejection Fraction for Conventional Estimation Methods and 3D Surface Fitting

Background While left ventricular cavity volume (LVV) and ejection fraction (LVEF) are used routinely for clinical decision‐making, the errors in LVV and LVEF estimates in the clinic have yet to be rigorously quantified and are perhaps underappreciated. Methods and Results The goal of this study was to quantify the accuracy and precision of several common geometric‐model‐based methods for estimating LVV and LVEF using a highly sampled, high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging data set and an independent ground truth. The effect on LVV and LVEF accuracy of slice number and orientation was also studied. When using the common geometric assumptions and limited short‐ and/or long‐axis views, the expected LVEF measurement uncertainty can be as high as 49%. The composite midpoint rule applied to a stack of short‐axis slices can achieve LVEF error <3% and LVV error of ≈10%, but in the clinic an additional ≈8% uncertainty is expected. An analogous approach applied to a series of radially prescribed long‐axis slices can achieve higher LVEF accuracy, up to 3.9% with 12 slices, and more reliable LVV measurements than methods based solely on short‐axis images. Using a mathematical 3‐dimensional surface model that incorporates anatomic information from multiple views achieves superior accuracy, with LVEF error <4% and LVV error <2.5% when using 6 slices in each short‐ and long‐axis view. Conclusions Combining anatomical information from multiple views into a conformal 3‐dimensional surface model greatly reduces errors in LVV and LVEF estimates, with potential clinical benefit via improved early detection of cardiac disease.
Dietary curcumin enhances intestinal antioxidant capacity in ducklings via altering gene expression of antioxidant and key detoxification enzymes.

The study investigated the effects of dietary curcumin supplementation on tissue distribution of curcumin and its metabolites, intestinal antioxidant capacity, and expression of detoxification-related genes in ducks. A total of 720 one-day-old male Cherry Valley Pekin ducklings (initial BW 58.6 ± 0.1 g) were randomly assigned to 4 dietary groups each with 6 replicates of 30 ducks using a single factorial arrangement design. Ducks in the control group were fed a basal diet and the remainder were fed the basal diet supplemented with 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg curcumin. The experiment lasted for 21 D. Curcumin was present at 13.12 to 16.18 mg/g in the cecal digesta, 75.50 to 575.40 μg/g in jejunal mucosa, 35.10 to 73.65 μg/g in liver, and 7.02 to 7.88 μg/mL in plasma. The jejunal and hepatic contents of curcumin increased significantly (P < 0.05) in response to supplementation with 400 and 800 mg/kg of curcumin respectively, compared with 200 mg curcumin/kg group. There was a linear (P < 0.001) effect of dietary curcumin on relative abundance of SOD1, GPX1, CAT, HO-1, and Nrf2 transcripts, and a quadratic (P < 0.001) increase in the activities of GSH-Px and T-AOC in jejunal mucosa. The expression of CYP1A4, CYP2D17 increased and CYP1B1, CYP2A6 decreased linearly (P < 0.001) with dietary curcumin concentrations. In addition, dietary curcumin increased gene expression of GST, MRP6, and ABCB1 in jejunal mucosa. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 200 to 800 mg/kg curcumin enhanced the accumulation of curcumin and its metabolites in jejunum as well as increasing the antioxidant capacity and detoxification potential, which play major roles in the protection of duck intestines against damage.
Number of Tebuconazole Applications for Maximizing Disease Control and Yield of Peanut in Growers' Fields in Alabama.

Disease and yields of peanut were monitored in growers' fields treated with zero, one, two, three, and four applications of tebuconazole. Yields ranged from 1,918 to 6,891 kg/ha and averaged 4,319 kg/ha over eight locations in 3 study years. Defoliation caused by peanut leaf spots (Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium acutatum) and incidence of southern stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) were inversely related to number of tebuconazole applications, while yield was directly related to number of tebuconazole applications. Average yields with zero, one, two, and four tebuconazole applications (each application at 0.25 kg a.i./ha) were 3,609, 4,088, 4,526, and 4,868 kg/ha, respectively. Data from each location were best modeled by quadratic equations allowing determination of numbers of tebuconazole applications for minimal disease and maximal yields. Calculated spray numbers indicate that between three and four applications of tebuconazole is best for disease control and yield maximization.
ROCK inhibition improves axonal regeneration in a preclinical model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Alteration of the RhoA/ROCK (Rho kinase) pathway has been shown to be neuroprotective in SOD1G93A mice, the most commonly used animal model of ALS. Since previous studies indicate that, apart from neuroprotection, ROCK inhibitor Y‐27632 can also accelerate regeneration of motor axons, we here assessed the regenerative capability of axons in SOD1G93A mice with and without treatment with Y‐27632. Regeneration of axons was examined after sciatic nerve crush in pre‐ and symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. Proregenerative effects of Y‐27632 were studied during the disease course in the SOD1G93A mouse model. In symptomatic SOD1G93A mice, axonal regeneration was markedly reduced compared to presymptomatic SOD1G93A mice and wild types. Treatment with Y‐27632 improved functional and morphological measures of motor axons after sciatic crush in all tested conditions. Y‐27632 treatment did not increase the lifespan of symptomatic SOD1G93A mice, but did improve axonal (re)innervation of neuromuscular junctions. Our study provides proof of concept that axonal regeneration of motor neurons harboring SOD1G93A is impaired, but amenable for pharmacological interventions aiming to accelerate axonal regeneration. Given the lack of treatments for ALS, approaches to improve axonal regeneration, including by inhibiting ROCK, should be further explored.
INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF STRATEGICALLY SELECTED GRAIN BOUNDARIES ON SUPERCONDUCTING PROPERTIES OF SRF

High purity Nb is commonly used for fabricating SRF cavities due to its high critical temperature and good formability. However, microstructural defects such as dislocations and grain boundaries in niobium can serve as favorable sites for pinning centers of magnetic flux that can degrade SRF cavity performance. In this study, six bi-crystal niobium samples extracted from strategically selected grain boundaries from two niobium disks were investigated for the effect of grain misorientation on magnetic flux behavior. Laue X-ray and EBSD-OIM crystallographic analysis were used to characterize grain orientations and orientation gradients. Cryogenic Magneto-Optical Imaging (MOI) was used to directly observe magnetic flux penetration at about 5-8 K. Flux penetration was observed along one of the grain boundaries, as well as along a low angle boundary that was not detected prior to MOI imaging. Hydride scars on the sample surface after MOI were examined using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analysis. The relationships between dislocation content, cryo-cooling, flux penetration, and grain boundaries are examined.
Ultrastructural Studies of the Effects of Allium sativum on Phytopathogenic Fungi in vitro.

A study was made of the effects of garlic on the development of mycelium in the following phytopathogenic fungi: Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. , Rhizoctonia solani Kühn, Pythium ultimum Trow var. ultimum, and Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. and Magnus) Briosi and Cav. A suspension of micronized garlic powder, which has volatile organic compounds mainly consisting of linear chain aldehydes, allyl sulfides and disulfides, was used for the trials. Mycelial development of the fungi was strongly inhibited at the maximum concentration of the aqueous extract tested (100 ml/liter); however only the growth of P. ultimum var. ultimum was entirely blocked. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed cytomorphological alterations of the hyphae treated with garlic. R. solani and C. lindemuthianum hyphae appeared especially collapsed, while those of F. solani were less damaged, although thinner than the control hyphae. A general increase in vacuolization was also observed, with consequent reduction in the cytoplasm of the treated fungal cells. R. solani also revealed a thickening of the cell wall, whereas C. lindemuthianum revealed a singular accumulation of osmiophil bodies immediately under the cell membrane.