Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of NK Cell-Based Therapeutics for the Treatment of Lung Cancer for Biologics: Targets and Therapy

Abstract Lung cancer has a dismal prognosis and novel targeted therapies leave still room for major improvements and better outcomes. Immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoint (IC) proteins, either as single agents or in combination with chemotherapy, is active but responders constitute only approximately 10–15% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Other effector immune cells such as CAR-T cells or NK cells may help to overcome the limitations of the IC inhibitor therapies for lung cancer. NK cells can kill tumor cells without previous priming and are present in the circulatory system and lymphoid organs. Tissue-residing NK cells differ from peripheral effector cells and, in case of the lung, comprise CD56bright CD16-negative populations showing high cytokine release but low cytotoxicity in contrast to the circulating CD56dim CD16-positive NK cells exhibiting high cytotoxic efficacy. This local attenuation of NK cell killing potency seems due to a specific stage of NK differentiation, immunosuppressive factors as well as presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (TREGs). Improved NK cell-based immunotherapies involve IL-2-stimulated effector cells, NK cells expanded with the help of cytokines, permanent NK cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NK cells and NK cells armed with chimeric antigen receptors. Compared to CAR T cell therapy, NK cells administration is devoid of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and cytokine-release syndrome. Although NK cells are clearly active against lung cancer cells, the low-cytotoxicity differentiation state in lung tumors, the presence of immunosuppressive leucocyte populations, limited infiltration and adverse conditions of the microenvironment need to be overcome. This goal may be achieved in the future using large numbers of activated and armed NK cells as provided by novel methods in NK cell isolation, expansion and stimulation of cytotoxic activity, including combinations with monoclonal antibodies in antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC). This review discusses the basic characteristics of NK cells and the potential of NK cell preparations in cancer therapy.
The Impact of Quarantine on Sleep Quality and Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose We investigated the impact of isolation on sleep quality and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Methods An online survey was conducted on 353 (88 isolated and 265 not isolated) individuals from May to June 2020. Subjective sleep quality was determined using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and psychological distress measured using the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10). Results The mean age of the isolated group was 28.6 years versus 27.5 years for the non-isolated group, with male participants accounting for 37% in both groups. The mean PSQI score was 8.5±3.6 and 8.4±3.5 for the isolated and non-isolated groups, respectively (P= 0.92). The mean K-10 score was 27.6± 9.4 and 25.3± 9.5 for the isolated and non-isolated groups, respectively (P= 0.04). Poor sleep (PSQI ≥6) was reported in 235 (66.6%) and psychological distress (K-10 ≥20) in 244 (69.1%) participants. Isolation was not associated with poor sleep (OR: 0.73 (95% CI: 0.41–1.3), P=0.29), but was statistically significant with psychological distress (OR: 2.12 (95% CI: 1.10–4.08), P=0.03). Conclusion Poor sleep and psychological distress symptoms were highly prevalent in our study population. Isolation may influence psychological distress but not sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of China Lindera praecox (Lauraceae) and intra-species diversity

Abstract Lindera praecox is a signature composition in the broadleaved deciduous forest of East China and Japan. Presently, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of this species was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. It is 152,818 bp in length and encodes 85 protein-coding genes, 36 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The phylogenetic analysis indicated intraspecific varieties within L. praecox species collected in China and Japan. This chloroplast genome sequencing offers genetic background for resources conservation and phylogenetic studies.
Effectiveness of Bezlotoxumab for Prevention of Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection Among Transplant Recipients

Abstract Background Bezlotoxumab significantly reduces the incidence of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI); however, limited data are available in solid organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis comparing recurrent CDI in SOT and HCT recipients receiving standard of care alone (oral vancomycin, fidaxomicin, or metronidazole) or bezlotoxumab plus standard of care. The primary outcome was 90-day incidence of recurrent CDI, and secondary outcomes included 90-day hospital readmission, mortality, and incidence of heart failure exacerbation. Results Overall, 94 patients received bezlotoxumab plus standard of care (n = 38) or standard of care alone (n = 56). The mean age was 53 years; patients had a median of 3 prior Clostridioides difficile episodes and 4 risk factors for recurrent infection. Most patients were SOT recipients (76%), with median time to index CDI occurring 2.7 years after transplantation. Ninety-day recurrent CDI occurred in 16% (6/38) in the bezlotoxumab cohort compared to 29% (16/56) in the standard of care cohort (P = .13). Multivariable regression revealed that bezlotoxumab was associated with significantly lower odds of 90-day recurrent CDI (odds ratio, 0.28 [95% confidence interval, .08–.91]). There were no differences in secondary outcomes, and no heart failure exacerbations were observed. Conclusions In a cohort of primarily SOT recipients, bezlotoxumab was well tolerated and associated with lower odds of recurrent CDI at 90 days. Larger, prospective trials are needed to confirm these findings among SOT and HCT populations.
Oil chemical traits of kernels of different almond cultivars from China

Almonds are one of the most popular edible nuts worldwide. In the global dry fruit market, their annual output is the highest compared to those of hazelnut, walnut, and cashew. Almonds are cholesteroland gluten-free. They are high in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and are a great energy source, which is beneficial for heart health and weight management (Cassady et al., 2009; Abaspour et al., 2012; Maestri et al., 2015; Čolić et al., 2017). They are consumed not only as snack foods, but also used as ingredients in a variety of processed foods and in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries (Bolling et al., 2010; Socias i Company et al., 2017).
STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION SUPPORTED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT OF ANTI – ASTHAMATIC MULTIPARTICULATE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

A multiparticulate drug delivery system of theophylline and etophylline, two widely used anti asthmatic drugs, was developed using factorial design and the manufacturing procedure along with the drug entrapment efficiency of the microcapsules were optimized and suitable statistical models were developed. The release rate and its variation due to addition of film-modifier polyisobutylene were studied. The release was found to follow Higuchi square root kinetics. The developed formulation may be useful in prophylaxis of recurrent and nocturnal asthmatic attacks.
Video Classification using Machine Learning

1,2,3Student, Department of Information Technology, Atharva college of Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra India. 4Professor, Department of Information Technology, Atharva college of Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra India. ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract Society is rapidly accepting the utilization of cameras in an exceedingly large choice of locations and applications: Live traffic monitoring, automobile parking space surveillance, inside vehicles and intelligent spaces. These cameras offer data on a commonplace that require to be analyzed in an efficient manner. Unfortunately, most visual surveillance still depends on a operator to sift through this video. We will analyze any footage using the assistance of machine learning and classify the footage into two classes which are Dangerous activity and Safe Activity. The developed system makes use of the successful techniques like Deep Learning. Particularly, convolutional neural networks are accustomed detect features within the video images, meanwhile Recurrent Neural Networks are accustomed analyze these features and predict the possible activity within the video.
International Journal of Instruction

EFL teacher’s identity plays a significant role in the construction of teachers’ characteristics in educational settings. In the Iranian EFL context, the study of teachers’ role identity has been given more attention in recent years. The present study has two objectives. First, it aimed to investigate Iranian EFL teachers’ perception of their role identity. The study also intended to determine the dominant role identities among participants. To this end, 19 Iranian EFL teachers were chosen through purposive sampling from three universities in Shiraz, Iran. Three data collection methods including semi-structured interview, classroom observation and narrative inquiry were used to collect data. The data were analyzed through Wellington's (2000) staging method. The findings revealed that various EFL teachers’ role identities could be categorized under three main themes of teacher as a manager, professional and acculturator based on Farrell’s (2011) model. The results of chi-square analysis also revealed that two role of teacher as a knowledge transmitter and caregiver were more dominant EFL teachers’ role identities among Iranian EFL teachers in the present study. The findings can have pedagogical implications for EFL teachers, educators and educational staff to better understand teachers’ role identities in various contexts.
Diversity Initiatives and White Americans’ Perceptions of Racial Victimhood

Seven experiments explore whether organizational diversity initiatives heighten White Americans’ concerns about the respect and value afforded toward their racial group and increase their perceptions of anti-White bias. The presence (vs. absence) of organizational diversity initiatives (i.e., diversity awards, diversity training, diversity mission statements) caused White Americans to perceive Whites as less respected and valued than Blacks and to blame a White man’s rejection for a promotion on anti-White bias. Several moderators were tested, including evidence that Whites were clearly advantaged within the organization, that the rejected White candidate was less meritorious than the Black candidate, that promotion opportunities were abundant (vs. scarce), and individual differences related to support for the status hierarchy and identification with Whites. There was little evidence that these moderators reduced Whites’ perceptions of diversity initiatives as harmful to their racial group.
Prone-Positioning for Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. OBJECTIVES: To determine the characteristics and outcomes of patients prone-positioned during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and lung CT pattern associated with improved respiratory system static compliance after that intervention. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center study over 8 years. Settings: Twenty-six bed ICU in a tertiary center. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A propensity score–matched analysis compared patients with prone-positioning during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and those without. An increase of the static compliance greater than or equal to 3 mL/cm H2O after 16 hours of prone-positioning defined prone-positioning responders. The primary outcome was the time to successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning within 90 days of postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation start, with death as a competing risk. Among 298 venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation–treated adults with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, 64 were prone-positioning extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Although both propensity score–matched groups had similar extracorporeal membrane oxygenation durations, prone-positioning extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients’ 90-day probability of being weaned-off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and alive was higher (0.75 vs 0.54, p = 0.03; subdistribution hazard ratio [95% CI], 1.54 [1.05–2.58]) and 90-day mortality was lower (20% vs 42%, p < 0.01) than that for no prone-positioning extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation–related complications were comparable for the two groups. Patients without improved static compliance had higher percentages of nonaerated or poorly aerated ventral and medial-ventral lung regions (p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Prone-positioning during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was safe and effective and was associated with a higher probability of surviving and being weaned-off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at 90 days. Patients with greater normally aerated lung tissue in the ventral and medial-ventral regions on quantitative lung CT-scan performed before prone-positioning are more likely to improve their static compliance after that procedure during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
The influence of ‘deliberate’ implementation intention on medical students’ risk decision task outcomes

ABSTRACT Implementation intention is a kind of behaviour choice strategy in which individuals adopt specific and definite behaviour patterns to achieve behavioural goals. The standard form is ‘if something happens, then I will do something’. Previous studies have shown that implementation intention strategy is a fast and effective mental skill with notable advantages. However, adding the requirement of ‘deliberate’ to the implementation plan will increase the probability of decision adjustment to a certain extent. In this study, the classic Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) was selected as the evaluation index of risk decision-making, and the ‘deliberate’ implementation intention was adopted to explore the impact of this behavioural strategy on risk selection. The recruited medical students were divided into two groups: the implementation intention group (n = 37) and the control group (n = 34). The baseline assessment for the BART was performed by all participants, and the intensive training of ‘deliberate’ implementation intention to ‘make as much money as possible’ was conducted before the post-test decision-making after one week. The adjusted BART (adj BART) value and AvgIncome were significantly higher than those at baseline in the implementation intention group(adj BART value: baseline 12.63 ± 2.90, post-test: 14.78 ± 2.66, F = 15.978, p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.307; AvgIncome: baseline 12.43 ± 2.56, post-test 15.00 ± 2.57, F = 20.953, p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.368). The mixed-model ANOVAs showed that there was a significant interaction between test time and group (adj BART value: F = 4.859, p = 0.031, η 2 = 0.066; AvgIncome: F = 4.261, p = 0.043, η 2 = 0.058). Conclusion: The implementation of ‘deliberate’ intention can help medical students make more rational judgements in risk decision-making tasks, avoid over conservative behaviour and obtain more benefits.
Single-cell analysis of the ventricular-subventricular zone reveals signatures of dorsal and ventral adult neurogenesis

The ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ), on the walls of the lateral ventricles, harbors the largest neurogenic niche in the adult mouse brain. Previous work has shown that neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in different locations within the V-SVZ produce different subtypes of new neurons for the olfactory bulb. The molecular signatures that underlie this regional heterogeneity remain largely unknown. Here, we present a single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset of the adult mouse V-SVZ revealing two populations of NSPCs that reside in largely non-overlapping domains in either the dorsal or ventral V-SVZ. These regional differences in gene expression were further validated using a single-nucleus RNA-sequencing reference dataset of regionally microdissected domains of the V-SVZ and by immunocytochemistry and RNAscope localization. We also identify two subpopulations of young neurons that have gene expression profiles consistent with a dorsal or ventral origin. Interestingly, a subset of genes are dynamically expressed, but maintained, in the ventral or dorsal lineages. The study provides novel markers and territories to understand the region-specific regulation of adult neurogenesis.
Observed impact of skin substitutes in lower extremity diabetic ulcers: lessons from the Medicare Database (2015-2018).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate large propensity-matched cohorts to assess outcomes in patients receiving advanced treatment (AT) with skin substitutes for lower extremity diabetic ulcers (LEDUs) versus no AT (NAT) for the management of LEDUs. METHOD The Medicare Limited Dataset (1 October 2015 through 2 October 2018) were used to retrospectively analyse people receiving care for a LEDU treated with AT or NAT (propensity-matched Group 1). Analysis included major and minor amputations, emergency department (ED) visits and hospital readmissions. In addition, AT following parameters for use (FPFU) was compared with AT not FPFU (propensity-matched Group 2). A paired t-test was used for comparisons of the two groups. For comparisons of three groups, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used. A Bonferroni correction was performed when multiple comparisons were calculated. RESULTS There were 9,738,760 patients with a diagnosis of diabetes, of whom 909,813 had a LEDU. In propensity-matched Group 1 (12,676 episodes per cohort), AT patients had statistically fewer minor amputations (p=0.0367), major amputations (p<0.0001), ED visits (p<0.0001), and readmissions (p<0.0001) compared with NAT patients. In propensity-matched Group 2 (1131 episodes per cohort), AT FPFU patients had fewer minor amputations (p=0.002) than those in the AT not FPFU group. CONCLUSION AT for the management of LEDUs was associated with significant reductions in major and minor amputation, ED use, and hospital readmission compared with LEDUs managed with NAT. Clinics should implement AT in accordance with the highlighted parameters for use to improve outcomes and reduce costs.
Effects of Composted Pulp and Paper Industry Wastewater Treatment Residuals on Soil Properties And Cereal Yield

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of pulp and paper industry wastewater treatment sludge composts on soil and cereal crops. Five forest industry wastewater sludge composts were tested in a field study which was conducted in a silty clay soil in southern Finland with barley in 1998, with oats in 1999 and with barley in 2000. Two composts contained only pulp mill biosludge and bark in a ratio of 1:4 and 1:2, respectively. Two other composts were mixtures of biosludge and primary sludge with the addition of bark in a ratio of 1:2 and 3:4, respectively. These two wastewater sludges originated from a pulp mill and from a recycled paper mill. The fifth compost consisted of biosludge and primary sludge from a board mill. Two application rates of each compost were studied: the low rate was based on an annual P fertilization rate recommended for barley, 50-200 m3/ha; and the high rate was a double or triple the low rate depending on the mineral N concentration of the compost, 150-600 m3/ha. Based on the Finnish fertilizer recommendations, nutrient demands of the test plants were annually fulfilled by mineral fertilizers depending on the treatment. Total contents of N, P, K and Ca in composts were 8.8-17.5, 0.7-3.9, 1.5-6.5, and 4-25 g/kg dry matter, respectively. Especially at high doses, composts had beneficial effects on soil bulk density, porosity, C and N contents and C:N ratio. Despite the high total N rates applied with the composts, the mineralization following crop harvest did not significantly increase soil nitrate late autumn or following spring as compared to the soils that received mineral fertilization. There was no significant difference in the grain yields between plots that received mineral fertilization and compost treatments supplemented with mineral fertilizers. However, there was a decreased fertilization effect of some composts on straw yields during the first experimental year, indicating immobilization of mineral N. Heavy metals added in soil with the composts did not significantly increase their concentrations in the grain crops. All the composts had relatively low nutrient contents and low fertilizing value, but beneficial effects on soil properties and were regarded as soil conditioners. Soil improving and fertilizing effects of the composts varied annually depending on the weather conditions during the growing season. Heavy metal concentrations of the composts studied were far below the limit values set for the soil conditioners in the Finnish government regulations.
Effects of Various Factors on Biogas Purification and Nano-CaCO3 Synthesis in a Membrane Reactor

Reducing CO2 content will significantly improve biogas quality. In this study, a CO2/Ca(OH)2 precipitation reaction was used to purify biogas and prepare CaCO3 nanoparticles simultaneously in a membrane reactor. Results showed that the rate of biogas purification was greater than 99%, and CaCO3 particles were successfully formed in the membrane reactor, which was detected with an average particle size between 300 and 550 nm with chemical additives. Further experiments revealed that the flow rate of biogas, temperature, and different chemical additives showed negligible effects on the biogas purification efficiency, while CaCO3 particle size decreased with the increasing flow rate and increased with the increasing temperature. The average particle sizes of the CaCO3 particles were 334, 537, 437, and 867 nm, corresponding to the addition of EDTA, ZnSO4, Na6O18P6, and the control, respectively. This method was proven to be an effective technique of simultaneously purifying biogas and synthesizing nano-CaCO3.
Ventilation heterogeneity imaged by multibreath wash‐ins of hyperpolarized 3He and 129Xe in healthy rabbits

Multibreath imaging to estimate regional gas mixing efficiency is superior to intensity‐based single‐breath ventilation markers, as it is capable of revealing minute but essential measures of ventilation heterogeneity which may be sensitive to subclinical alterations in the early stages of both obstructive and restrictive respiratory disorders. Large‐scale convective stratification of ventilation in central‐to‐peripheral directions is the dominant feature of observed ventilation heterogeneity when imaging a heavy/less diffusive xenon gas mixture; smaller‐scale patchiness, probably originating from asymmetric lung function at bronchial airway branching due to the interaction of convective and diffusive flows, is the dominant feature when imaging a lighter/more diffusive helium gas mixture. Since detecting low regional ventilation is crucial for characterizing diseased lungs, our results suggest that dilution with natural abundance helium and imaging at higher lung volumes seem advisable when imaging with hyperpolarized 129Xe; this will allow the imaging gas to reach slow‐filling and/or non‐dependent lung regions, which might otherwise be impossible to distinguish from total ventilation shunt regions. The ability to differentiate these regions from those of total shunt is worse with typical single‐breath imaging techniques.