Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
From Lingering to Rift: Metasurface Decoupling for Near‐ and Far‐Field Functionalization

Metasurfaces, simultaneously operating in near‐ and far‐fields, can be employed as a promising candidate to implement different functions, thus significantly improving the information density, security, and system integration. Recent works have showcased some approaches for decoupling‐at‐large between near‐ and far‐field functionalities, but unfortunately, their coupling effects are just reduced and mitigated to some extent rather than eradicated, which in turn leads to the performance limitation of metadevices. Herein, we propose a general platform for the complete rift between near‐ and far‐field functionalities, enabled by strictly decoupled manipulation of optical amplitude and phase, leading to their distinct functions in the near‐ and far‐fields, respectively. This concept is experimentally demonstrated by integrating the functions of a phase‐only metalens and an amplitude‐only grayscale‐imaging nanoprint into a single‐cell metasurface. Because of their completely decoupled functions, both meta‐elements show high‐performance characteristics, i.e., imaging quality close to the diffraction limit and high‐definition grayscale‐imaging with resolution as high as 63 500 dots per inch (dpi). The validated recipe may empower advanced explorations and applications in highly integrated nano‐optoelectronics requiring high performance and less crosstalk.
Association of FSHR, LH, LHR, BMP15, GDF9, AMH, and AMHR polymorphisms with poor ovarian response in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization

Objective: This paper aimed to assess the correlation between LH, LHR, GDF9, FSHR, AMH, AMHR2, and BMP15 polymorphisms, which are related to follicular development, and decreased ovarian response in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for IVF. Methods: This age-matched case-control study included three or four controls per woman undergoing COH. Controls were women with normal ovarian response (NOR) and cases were women with poor ovarian response (POR) in oocyte retrieval (three or fewer oocytes). DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and potential associations with gene polymorphisms related to follicular development (LH, LHR, GDF9, FSHR, AMH, AMHR2, and BMP15) were analyzed. Results: Sixty-six patients were included, 52 in the NOR and 14 in the POR group. Two GDF9 polymorphisms were associated with follicular response after COH, one associated with POR - the presence of a mutant polymorphism in heterozygosis and homozygosis of the GDF9 398-39 (C to G) [23% NOR versus 68% POR (OR 4.01, CI 1.52-10.6, p=0.005)] - and another associated with protective response - the presence of normal homozygosis of GDF9 (C447T) [19.2% NOR versus 50% POR (OR 0.34, IC 0.14-0.84, p=0.019)]. No additional associations were found between the other analyzed polymorphisms and POR. Conclusions: This study found that GDF9 appears to play an important role in follicular development, whereas polymorphisms in its DNA chain may negatively affect ovarian reserve, such as 398-39 (C to G), or positively, as seen in C447T.
MLH1, MSH2, MRE11, and XRCC1 in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: DNA damage is accumulated in the cells over time as the result of both exogenous and endogenous factors. The objective of this study was to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of the repair proteins in oral leukoplakia (OL) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and Methods: Paraffin blocks were selected from the archives of the Laboratory of Hospital Clinico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The sample was composed of 16 cases of OL without dysplasia, 14 cases of OL with dysplasia, and 15 cases of OSCC. The patients’ clinical data were collected and immunohistochemical analysis was performed for MLH1, MSH2, MRE11, and XRCC1. The data were submitted to the χ2 and the Kruskal-Wallis (P≤0.05) tests. Results: MSH2 was overexpressed in OSCC (P=0.020) and was positive in 100% of patients with OL with dysplasia or OSCC (P=0.019). Positivity for MLH1 was significantly associated with comorbidity (P=0.040), especially in patients who presented with 2 or more pathologies (P=0.028). XRCC1 positivity was also associated with comorbidity (P=0.039). No significant associations were found for the MRE11A expression. Although the simultaneous positivity for the 4 markers was observed in presence of comorbidities (P=0.006). Conclusions: This study supports the effect of the overexpression of MSH2 protein in samples of OL with dysplasia and OSCC, most notably in patients who present with comorbidities and negativity for OL without dysplasia.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and occupational outcomes: The role of educational attainment, comorbid developmental disorders, and intellectual disability

Background Individuals with ADHD are at increased risk for poor occupational outcomes. Educational attainment and psychiatric comorbidity may be important contributing factors for these outcomes, but the role of these factors is not well characterized. This study aimed to investigate the associations between ADHD and occupational outcomes, and to examine the influence of educational attainment, comorbid developmental disorders and intellectual disability on these associations. Methods We linked the Swedish population graduating from compulsory school 1998–2008 (N = 1.2 millions) to population-wide register-based data on clinical psychiatric diagnoses and medications, objective annual measures of educational, and occupational outcomes. Individuals were followed for between 6 to 16 years after graduation. Results Individuals with ADHD had annually on average 17 percent lower income, ratio = 0.83 (95% CI 0.83–0.84), 12.19 (11.89–12.49) more days of unemployment, and a higher likelihood of receiving disability pension, odds-ratio = 19.0 (18.4–19.6), compared to controls. Comorbid diagnoses of intellectual disability and developmental disorder explained most of the association between ADHD and disability pension, while lifetime educational attainment partially explained associations between ADHD and all occupational outcomes. Analyses of occupational trajectories found that income was lower and unemployment elevated relative to controls with the same educational attainment. Higher educational attainment correlated with higher income similarly among individuals with ADHD and controls after accounting for individual background factors. Conclusions The occupational burden associated with ADHD is substantial. Comorbid developmental disorders, intellectual disability and educational difficulties (e.g., failing grades) from childhood to adulthood are important factors to consider when designing interventions to improve occupational outcomes in individuals with ADHD.
Efficient Nitrification and Low-Level N2O Emission in a Weakly Acidic Bioreactor at Low Dissolved-Oxygen Levels Are Due to Comammox

Nitrification in wastewater treatment is an important process for eutrophication control and an emission source for the greenhouse gas N2O. The nitrifying process is usually operated at a slightly alkaline pH and high DO (>2 mg/liter) to ensure efficient nitrification. ABSTRACT Nitrification is an essential process for nutrient removal from wastewater and an important emission source of nitrous oxide (N2O), which is a powerful greenhouse gas and a dominant ozone-depleting substance. In this study, nitrification and N2O emissions were tested in two weakly acidic (pH 6.3 to 6.8) reactors: one with dissolved oxygen (DO) at over 2.0 mg/liter and the other with DO at approximately 0.5 mg/liter. Efficient nitrification was achieved in both reactors. Compared to that in the high-DO reactor, N2O emission in the low-DO reactor decreased slightly, by 20%, and had insignificant correlation with the fluctuations of DO (P = 0.935) and nitrite (P = 0.713), indicating that N2O might not be produced mainly via nitrifier denitrification. Based on quantitative PCR (qPCR), quantitative fluorescent in situ hybridization (qFISH), and functional gene amplicon and metagenome sequencing, it was found that complete ammonia oxidizers (comammox), i.e., Nitrospira organisms, significantly outnumbered canonical ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in both weakly acidic reactors, especially in the low-DO reactor with the comammox/AOB amoA gene ratio increasing from 6.6 to 17.1. Therefore, it was speculated that the enriched comammox was the primary cause for the slightly decreased N2O emission under long-term low DO in the weakly acidic reactor. This study demonstrated that the comammox Nitrospira can survive well under the weakly acidic and low-DO conditions, implying that achieving efficient nitrification with low N2O emission as well as low energy and alkalinity consumption is feasible for wastewater treatment. IMPORTANCE Nitrification in wastewater treatment is an important process for eutrophication control and an emission source for the greenhouse gas N2O. The nitrifying process is usually operated at a slightly alkaline pH and high DO (>2 mg/liter) to ensure efficient nitrification. However, it consumes a large amount of energy and chemicals, especially for wastewater without sufficient alkalinity. This paper demonstrates that comammox can adapt well to the weakly acidic and low-DO bioreactors, with a result of efficient nitrification and low N2O emission. These findings indicate that comammox organisms are significant for sustainable wastewater treatment, which provides an opportunity to achieve efficient nitrification with low N2O production as well as low energy and chemical consumption simultaneously.
Reduction of WDR81 impairs autophagic clearance of aggregated proteins and cell viability in neurodegenerative phenotypes

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by neuron loss and accumulation of undegraded protein aggregates. These phenotypes are partially due to defective protein degradation in neuronal cells. Autophagic clearance of aggregated proteins is critical to protein quality control, but the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here we report the essential role of WDR81 in autophagic clearance of protein aggregates in models of Huntington’s disease (HD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In hippocampus and cortex of patients with HD, PD and AD, protein level of endogenous WDR81 is decreased but autophagic receptor p62 accumulates significantly. WDR81 facilitates the recruitment of autophagic proteins onto Htt polyQ aggregates and promotes autophagic clearance of Htt polyQ subsequently. The BEACH and MFS domains of WDR81 are sufficient for its recruitment onto Htt polyQ aggregates, and its WD40 repeats are essential for WDR81 interaction with covalent bound ATG5-ATG12. Reduction of WDR81 impairs the viability of mouse primary neurons, while overexpression of WDR81 restores the viability of fibroblasts from HD patients. Notably, in Caenorhabditis elegans, deletion of the WDR81 homolog (SORF-2) causes accumulation of p62 bodies and exacerbates neuron loss induced by overexpressed α-synuclein. As expected, overexpression of SORF-2 or human WDR81 restores neuron viability in worms. These results demonstrate that WDR81 has crucial evolutionarily conserved roles in autophagic clearance of protein aggregates and maintenance of cell viability under pathological conditions, and its reduction provides mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of HD, PD, AD and brain disorders related to WDR81 mutations.
ProBDNF induces sustained elevation of intracellular Ca2+ possibly mediated by TRPM7 channels in rodent microglial cells

Microglia are intrinsic immune cells that release factors including pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide (NO) and neurotrophins following activation in the brain. Elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) is important for microglial functions, such as the release of cytokines or NO from activated microglia. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin well known for its roles in the activation of microglia. Interestingly, proBDNF, the precursor form of mature BDNF, and mature BDNF elicit opposing neuronal responses in the brain. Mature BDNF induces sustained intracellular Ca2+ elevation through the upregulation of the surface expression of TRPC3 channels in rodent microglial cells. In addition, TRPC3 channels are important for the BDNF‐induced suppression of NO production in activated microglia. In this study, we observed that proBDNF and mature BDNF have opposite effects on the relative expression of surface p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in rodent microglial cells. ProBDNF induces a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i through binding to the p75NTR, which is possibly mediated by Rac 1 activation and TRPM7 channels in rodent microglial cells. Flow cytometry showed that proBDNF increased the relative surface expression of TRPM7. Although proBDNF did not affect either mRNA expression of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines or the phagocytic activity, proBDNF potentiates the generation of NO induced by IFN‐γ and TRPM7 channels could be involved in the proBDNF‐induced potentiation of IFN‐γ‐mediated production of NO. We show direct evidence that rodent microglial cells are able to respond to proBDNF, which might be important for the regulation of inflammatory responses in the brain.
A chromosome‐level genome of the spider Trichonephila antipodiana reveals the genetic basis of its polyphagy and evidence of an ancient whole-genome duplication event

Abstract Background The spider Trichonephila antipodiana (Araneidae), commonly known as the batik golden web spider, preys on arthropods with body sizes ranging from ∼2 mm in length to insects larger than itself (>20‒50 mm), indicating its polyphagy and strong dietary detoxification abilities. Although it has been reported that an ancient whole-genome duplication event occurred in spiders, lack of a high-quality genome has limited characterization of this event. Results We present a chromosome‐level T. antipodiana genome constructed on the basis of PacBio and Hi-C sequencing. The assembled genome is 2.29 Gb in size with a scaffold N50 of 172.89 Mb. Hi‐C scaffolding assigned 98.5% of the bases to 13 pseudo-chromosomes, and BUSCO completeness analysis revealed that the assembly included 94.8% of the complete arthropod universal single-copy orthologs (n = 1,066). Repetitive elements account for 59.21% of the genome. We predicted 19,001 protein-coding genes, of which 96.78% were supported by transcriptome-based evidence and 96.32% matched protein records in the UniProt database. The genome also shows substantial expansions in several detoxification-associated gene families, including cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenases, carboxyl/cholinesterases, glutathione-S-transferases, and ATP-binding cassette transporters, reflecting the possible genomic basis of polyphagy. Further analysis of the T. antipodiana genome architecture reveals an ancient whole-genome duplication event, based on 2 lines of evidence: (i) large-scale duplications from inter-chromosome synteny analysis and (ii) duplicated clusters of Hox genes. Conclusions The high-quality T. antipodiana genome represents a valuable resource for spider research and provides insights into this species’ adaptation to the environment.
Fuel Characteristics of Olive Husk and Walnut, Hazelnut, Sunflower, and Almond Shells

In this work, fuel characteristics such as proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, higher heating value, and ash composition of shells from four oilseed plants (hazelnut, walnut, almond, and sunflower) and olive husk were determined by analytical methods. Fuel properties for the combustion analysis of biomass can be conveniently grouped into physical, chemical, thermal, and mineral properties. The carbon content of selected biomass species varies from about 47.4% to 53.5% due to varying lignin and extractives content. The hydrogen content of the species varies from 5.8% to 6.7%. Oxygen content ranges from 35.5% to 41.6%, S is <0.1% and N ranges from 0.5- 1.6%. Lignin content ranges from 17.0% to 52.3%. The higher heating values (HHVs) of selected samples were correlated with their lignin contents. There was a highly significant linear correlation between the HHVs of the samples and their lignin contents. The HHV (MJ kg -1 ) of the samples as a function of lignin content (L, wt%) was calculated using the following equation: HHV = 0.0889(L) + 16.8218; for which the correlation coefficient (r) was 0.9504. The HHVs calculated with this equation showed a mean difference of 0.056%.
Chest radiographs in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

OBJECTIVES To recognize the radiographic patterns of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chest radiographs of patients confirmed with COVID-19 in Hospital Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia were retrospectively analyzed by two radiologists. The radiographic pattern, distribution among subgroups and evolution of the disease over time were determined. RESULTS Among the 82 patients studied, 65 (79.3%) were males. Mean age of our cohorts was 37 ± 15 years. Baseline chest radiographs were abnormal in 37 patients (45.1%). Over half (52.9%) of the symptomatic patients had abnormal baseline radiograph. Among the children, patients with comorbidities, and patients 60 years of age and above, the abnormal radiographs were 14.3%, 71.4% and 69.3% respectively. Ground glass opacities were the commonest abnormal radiographic feature (35.4%), were peripherally located (35.4%) with predilection for the lower zones (29.3%). Most radiographic abnormalities were multifocal (20.7%) and frequently located in the left lung (19.5%). Radiographic recovery was observed in 15 of 18 patients (83%). Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated greater extent of the disease than observed in radiographs of the same patient. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 pneumonia presented with a specific radiographic pattern in our cohort of patients, comprising of ground glass opacities in peripheral and basilar distribution, affecting a single lung field and was observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Chest radiograph is a useful adjunct screening tool, and in combination with clinical and epidemiological assessment may facilitate in early diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Adenosine A2A receptor agonist polydeoxyribonucleotide ameliorates short-term memory impairment by suppressing cerebral ischemia-induced inflammation via MAPK pathway

Cerebral ischemia causes tissue death owing to occlusion of the cerebral blood vessels, and cerebral ischemia activates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and induces secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Adenosine A2A receptor agonist, polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), suppresses the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and exhibits anti-inflammatory effect. In the current study, the therapeutic effect of PDRN on cerebral ischemia was evaluated using gerbils. For the induction of cerebral ischemia, the common carotid arteries were exposed, and then aneurysm clips were used to occlude the common carotid arteries bilaterally for 7 minutes. In the PDRN-treated groups, the gerbils were injected intraperitoneally with 0.3 mL of saline containing 8 mg/kg PDRN, per a day for 7 days following cerebral ischemia induction. In order to confirm the participation of the adenosine A2A receptor in the effects mediated by PDRN, 8 mg/kg 7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX), adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, was treated with PDRN. In the current study, induction of ischemia enhanced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased phosphorylation of MAPK signaling factors in the hippocampus and basolateral amygdala. However, treatment with PDRN ameliorated short-term memory impairment by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inactivation of MAPK signaling factors in cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, PDRN treatment enhanced the concentration of cyclic adenosine-3,5’-monophosphate (cAMP) as well as phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB). Co-treatment of DMPX and PDRN attenuated the therapeutic effect of PDRN on cerebral ischemia. Based on these findings, PDRN may be developed as the primary treatment in cerebral ischemia.
Effects of moisture content on structural and dielectric properties of cassava starch films

In this work, it was evaluated the effect of moisture content on the structural and dielectric properties of cassava starch films by means of Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), impedancimetric, and gravimetric analysis. The film samples were equilibrated in hermetically sealed desiccators, containing different saturated salts in water in order to promote activity of water between 0.11 and 0.85. The position and amplitude of the peaks in the “fingerprint” region of the FTIR spectra were changed due to the modifications in the interactions between the polymeric chains and water molecules. These effects may be related to the formation of semi-crystalline regions in the film structure. The dielectric properties of the films were also strongly dependent on the moisture content, showing a non-linear and a linear region, which was attributed to the domain of bound and free water in the film, respectively. The gravimetric analyzes showed the typical sigmoidal behavior, attributed to the way the water interacts with the biopolymer. Finally, the flexibility of the films increased with water content increasing.
Effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on behavioural and psychosocial factors related to oral health in adolescents: A cohort study

Abstract Background The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on behavioural and psychosocial aspects related to oral health is unknown. Aim This study evaluated the psychosocial and behavioural changes related to oral health in adolescents immediately before and during the pandemic period of COVID‐19, enabling a longitudinal assessment of the perceived changes. Design This cohort study evaluated 290 adolescents from November 2019 to February 2020 (T1—before the pandemic in Brazil) and from June to July 2020 (T2) in southern Brazil. Sociodemographic, behavioural, and psychosocial variables were measured before and during the pandemic. Issues related to social distancing and job loss were also collected. The differences between the variables in T1 and T2, as well as the effect of social distancing, were assessed using a multilevel‐adjusted logistic regression model for repeated measures. Results A total of 207 adolescents were re‐evaluated at T2 (a response rate of 71.3%). During the pandemic, the frequency of toothbrushing, the use of dental services, and the self‐perceived need for dental treatment significantly decreased. Sugar consumption, bruxism, and quality of sleep did not change significantly. Conclusion Behavioural and psychosocial factors showed significant changes due to the COVID‐19 pandemic in adolescents.