Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INVESTIGATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCs) DETECTED AT VAPOR INTRUSION SITES

OF DISSERTATION INVESTIGATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCs) DETECTED AT VAPOR INTRUSION SITES This dissertation investigates unexplained vapor intrusion field data sets that have been observed at hazardous waste sites, including: 1) non-linear soil gas concentration trends between the VOC source (i.e. contaminated groundwater plume) and the ground surface; and, 2) alternative pathways that serve as entry points for vapors to infiltrate into buildings and serve to increase VOC exposure risks as compared to the classic vapor intrusion model, which primarily considered foundation cracks as the route for vapor entry. The overall hypothesis of this research is that theoretical knowledge of fate and transport processes can be systematically applied to vapor intrusion field data using a multiple lines of evidence approach to improve the science-based understanding of how and when vapor intrusion exposure risks will pose increased exposure risk; and, ultimately this knowledge can be used to develop policies that reduce exposure risks. The first objective of this research involved numerical modeling, field sampling and laboratory tests to investigate which factors influence soil gas transport within the subsurface. Combining results of all of these studies provide improved understanding of which factors influence VOC fate and transport within the subsurface. Importantly, the results demonstrate a nonlinear trend between the VOC source concentration in the subsurface and the ground surface concentration at the study site, which disagrees with many vapor intrusion conceptual models. Ultimately, the source concentration may not be a good predictor of shallow soil gas concentrations. Laboratory tests described the effect of soil characteristics such as the soil water content on VOC vapor diffusion. The numerical model was able to explain specific conditions that could not be described by the field and laboratory data alone. A paper was published that summarizes the major outcomes from this objective (Pennell et al, 2016). The second objective of this research investigated preferential pathways for VOC vapor migration into buildings. Sewer systems can act as important pathways for vapor intrusion. The research objective is to evaluate conditions that increase the potential for inhalation exposure risks via vapor intrusion thorough sewer systems into indoor spaces. A field study was conducted in California over a 4-year period to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of alternative pathways (e.g. aging infrastructure piping systems) within the context of vapor intrusion exposure risks. A paper was published that summarizes the major outcomes from the field study (Roghani et al. 2018). The final research objective involved the development of a numerical model to describe VOC fate and transport within a sewer system. The numerical model predicts VOC mass transport. The model results were compared to the field data and provides insight about the role preferential pathways play in increasing VOC exposure risks.
Random forest: random results or meaningful insights for patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy?

autosomal muscular dystrophy. deletion the long arm of chromosome 4, 1 in a highly methylated region contain-ing a motif of D4Z4 repeats. The size of the D4Z4 repeat contraction due to this deletion influences disease behaviour: longer deletions result in earlier onset of disease and more severe weakness. This suggests that the disorder is caused by an epigenetic disturbance, with the size of the deletion influencing the extent of epigenetic dysregulation. The discovery that hypomethylation of the D4Z4 repeats leads to reduced transcriptional regulation of developmen-tally regulated genes, and that double homeobox 4 ( DUX4 )—a de-velopmentally regulated gene in muscle—shows persistent expression in FSHD, provided further confirmation of this. 2 In this issue of Brain , Katz and co-workers analyse the relationship between the D4Z4 allele size and disease characteristics and confirm that smaller allele sizes correlate with earlier onset of disease, earlier diagnosis, more severe weakness and need wheelchair
Clinical research focused in European adult women with minority diseases: Do we try hard enough?

Abstract We analyzed the European countries participation in clinical trials addressing to new drug development focused on rare diseases in women comparing to more prevalent diseases as breast cancer. Participation was not associated with type of healthcare system neither socio-economic features, but it was associated with population size. Protocol ratios focused on breast cancer vs. orphan drugs and rare diseases was 15:1 and 9:1, respectively, mainly focused on ovarian cancer. Protocol number was insufficient to evaluate the success of Regulation (EC) 141/2000, it is necessary to increase the scientific quality and the number of really new molecules.
Corollary discharge enables proprioception from lateral line sensory feedback

Animals modulate sensory processing in concert with motor actions. Parallel copies of motor signals, called corollary discharge (CD), prepare the nervous system to process the mixture of externally and self-generated (reafferent) feedback that arises during locomotion. Commonly, CD in the peripheral nervous system cancels reafference to protect sensors and the central nervous system from being fatigued and overwhelmed by self-generated feedback. However, cancellation also limits the feedback that contributes to an animal’s awareness of its body position and motion within the environment, the sense of proprioception. We propose that, rather than cancellation, CD to the fish lateral line organ restructures reafference to maximize proprioceptive information content. Fishes’ undulatory body motions induce reafferent feedback that can encode the body’s instantaneous configuration with respect to fluid flows. We combined experimental and computational analyses of swimming biomechanics and hair cell physiology to develop a neuromechanical model of how fish can track peak body curvature, a key signature of axial undulatory locomotion. Without CD, this computation would be challenged by sensory adaptation, typified by decaying sensitivity and phase distortions with respect to an input stimulus. We find that CD interacts synergistically with sensor polarization to sharpen sensitivity along sensors’ preferred axes. The sharpening of sensitivity regulates spiking to a narrow interval coinciding with peak reafferent stimulation, which prevents adaptation and homogenizes the otherwise variable sensor output. Our integrative model reveals a vital role of CD for ensuring precise proprioceptive feedback during undulatory locomotion, which we term external proprioception.
Ultraviolet-C Light Evaluation as Adjunct Disinfection to Remove Multidrug-Resistant Organisms

Abstract Background Our objective was to determine if the addition of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light to daily and discharge patient room cleaning reduces healthcare-associated infection rates of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and Clostridioides difficile in immunocompromised adults. Methods We performed a cluster randomized crossover control trial in 4 cancer and 1 solid organ transplant in-patient units at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. For study year 1, each unit was randomized to intervention of UV-C light plus standard environmental cleaning or control of standard environmental cleaning, followed by a 5-week washout period. In study year 2, units switched assignments. The outcomes were healthcare-associated rates of VRE or C. difficile. Statistical inference used a two-stage approach recommended for cluster-randomized trials with <15 clusters/arm. Results In total, 302 new VRE infections were observed during 45787 at risk patient-days. The incidence in control and intervention groups was 6.68 and 6.52 per 1000 patient-days respectively; the unadjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], .78 − 1.22; P = .54). There were 84 new C. difficile infections observed during 26118 at risk patient-days. The incidence in control and intervention periods was 2.64 and 3.78 per 1000 patient-days respectively; the unadjusted IRR was 1.43 (95% CI, .93 − 2.21; P = .98). Conclusions When used daily and at post discharge in addition to standard environmental cleaning, UV-C disinfection did not reduce VRE or C. difficile infection rates in cancer and solid organ transplant units.
Transglutaminase addition increases quality and acceptation of sausages obtained from mechanically separated meat of hybrid sorubins

This work aimed at evaluating the chemical and physical parameters of sausages prepared with mechanically separated meat (MSM) from hydrid sorubim fish without (0.0%) or with the addition of the transglutaminase enzyme at 0.3% and 0.6%, and at analyzing the sensory and the acceptance parameters of these products. The addition of transglutaminase differed significantly in the chemical composition (P<0.05). The protein content gradually decreased from 21.83 to 19.23% while the shear strength increased from 2.02 to 2.95 N with the transglutaminase addition. Moreover, due to combination with salt and phosphate, it promoted a slight influence on the colour of the obtained product, so that the brightness, the yellowness and the redness increased in the formulations added of the enzyme (0.3 and 0.6%) presented better results compared to the formulation without addition of the enzyme. Sensory analysis indicated that there was significant difference in the attributes texture and flavor, being recorded higher average values for treatments with the addition of transglutaminase (0.3 and 0.6%) in relation to the treatment absence of this enzyme (P<0.05). The acceptance rate for sausages which had transglutaminase in the formulation ranged between 79.86 and 84.03%, indicating a high acceptance. Sausages containing transglutaminase in the formulation obtained a higher purchasing intention from the consumers (66%).
Immunomodulation of endothelial cells induced by macrolide therapy in a model of septic stimulation

Sepsis is defined as the host's inflammatory response to a life‐threatening infection. The endothelium is implicated in immunoregulation during sepsis. Macrolides have been proposed to display immunomodulatory properties. The goal of this study was to analyze whether macrolides can exert immunomodulation of endothelial cells (ECs) in an experimental model of sepsis.
Parkinson's Disease Phenotypes in Patient Neuronal Cultures and Brain Organoids Improved by 2‐Hydroxypropyl‐β‐Cyclodextrin Treatment

The etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is only partially understood despite the fact that environmental causes, risk factors, and specific gene mutations are contributors to the disease. Biallelic mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)‐induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) gene involved in mitochondrial homeostasis, vesicle trafficking, and autophagy are sufficient to cause PD.
A Novel Brain-Permeant Chemotherapeutic Agent for the Treatment of Brain Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Development of metastases to central nervous system (CNS) is an increasing clinical issue following the diagnosis of advanced breast cancer. The propensity to metastasize to CNS varies by breast cancer subtype. Of the four breast cancer subtypes, triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) have the highest rates of both parenchymal brain metastasis and leptomeningeal metastasis (LM). LM is rapidly fatal due to poor detection and limited therapeutic options. Therapy of TNBC brain metastasis and LM is challenged by multifocal brain metastasis and diffuse spread of LM, and must balance brain penetration, tumor cytotoxicity, and the avoidance of neurotoxicity. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic options in TNBCs CNS metastasis. QBS10072S is a novel chemotherapeutic that leverages TNBC-specific defects in DNA repair and LAT1 (L-amino acid transporter type 1)-dependent transport into the brain. In our study, activity of QBS10072S was investigated in vitro with various cell lines including the human TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and its brain-tropic derivative MDA-MB-231-BR3. QBS10072S was preferentially toxic to TNBC cells. The efficacy of QBS10072S against brain metastasis and LM was tested using a model of brain metastasis based on the internal carotid injection of luciferase-expressing tumor cells into NuNu mice. The compound was well tolerated, delayed tumor growth and reduced leptomeningeal dissemination, resulting in significant extension of survival. Given that current treatments for LM are palliative with only few studies reporting a survival benefit, QBS10072S is planned to be investigated in clinical trials as a therapeutic for TNBC LM. Significance: TNBC brain metastasis often involves dissemination into leptomeninges. Treatment options for TNBC leptomeningeal metastasis are limited and are mostly palliative. Our study demonstrates significant efficacy of the brain-penetrating agent QBS10072S against TNBC brain metastasis and leptomeningeal spread. Graphical Abstract
Hellp syndrome-related hypertensive chorioretinopathy: A multimodal imaging and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) study

Introduction Pregnancy may be associated to unique retinal disorders and is associated to worsening of retinal disease that also occurs in non-pregnant females. We report a case of chorioretinopathy caused by pre-eclampsia associated to HELLP (Hemolysis-Elevated-Liver enzymes and Low Platelet count) syndrome. Methods Multimodal Imaging features of HELLP syndrome-related hypertensive chorioretinopathy including retinography, Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT), Fluorescein angiography (FA), Indocyanine-green angiography (ICG) along with OCT-angiography (OCTA) are presented and discussed. Results Multimodal imaging and OCTA show both retinal and choroidal involvement by HELLP syndrome, resolved after hypertension treatment. Conclusions Multimodal imaging is useful to study HELLP syndrome-related hypertensive chorioretinopathy. Moreover, OCTA is a new technology able to study and follow the circulatory status of the choriocapillaris during the disease.
Terahertz Photoconductive Emitter With Dielectric-Embedded High-Aspect-Ratio Plasmonic Grating for Operation with Low-Power Optical Pumps

Here we report design, optimization and fabrication of a plasmon-assisted terahertz (THz) photoconductive antenna (PCA) for THz pulse generation at low-power optical pumps. The PCA design combines a high-aspect ratio dielectric-embedded plasmonic Au-grating placed into the photoconductive gap. Antenna structure, Si3N4-passivation of the photoconductor and the Al2O3-antireflection coating are used to further enhance antenna performance. Both the plasmon-assisted and conventional pCAs were fabricated for comparative analysis of their transient photocurrents, THz waveforms and THz power spectra. A superior performance of the plasmon-assisted PCA was confirmed. Thus, depending on the optical pump power, the transient photocurrent and the THz power spectrum were 101–102 and 102–103 times higher, respectively, for the plasmonic PCA. The highest THz power enhancement of 3×103 was observed at low-power optical pumps of < 1.0 mW. These results demonstrate a strong potential of the plasmonic PCA for operation with low-power lasers; thus, opening new opportunities for the development of portable and cost-effective THz spectrometers and imaging systems.
Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Lower Face Contouring: Layperson Perceptions of Attractiveness and Personality Traits

Background: Traditional approaches to lower face contouring involve ostectomy of the mandibular angle or body. More recently, nonsurgical techniques have gained popularity, including neurotoxin injection to the masseter muscle. This study aims to evaluate layperson perceptions of patient attractiveness and personality traits following lower face contouring using either surgical or nonsurgical treatment. Methods: In this survey study distributed via Amazon's Mechanical Turk, respondents viewed a series of 14 patient images obtained in clinic before and after surgical or nonsurgical jawline slimming, or without any facial aesthetic procedure. Respondents rated changes in attractiveness and personality trait scores between the before and after image (score: −50 to 50, with 50 representing the greatest posttreatment increase and 0 representing no change). We used descriptive statistics and multivariable regression to determine differences in respondent ratings between patient images. Results: A total of 415 respondents (mean age 38 years, 50.6% female) successfully completed the survey. Compared to patients who underwent nonsurgical treatment, those who received surgery had significantly greater increases in perceived attractiveness (P < 0.001), femininity (P < 0.001), friendliness (P < 0.001), intelligence (P < 0.001), trustworthiness (P < 0.001), financial wealthiness (P < 0.001), dominance (P < 0.01), and self-esteem (P < 0.001). Gonial angles increased and jaw widths decreased following both surgical and nonsurgical intervention, with no statistically significant difference between treatment groups. Conclusions: From the layperson perspective, surgical compared to nonsurgical jawline contouring offers greater improvements in perceptions of attractiveness and favorable personality traits.
In vitro genotoxicity of dibutyl phthalate on A549 lung cells at air–liquid interface in exposure concentrations relevant at workplaces

The ubiquitous use of phthalates in various materials and the knowledge about their potential adverse effects is of great concern for human health. Several studies have uncovered their role in carcinogenic events and suggest various phthalate‐associated adverse health effects that include pulmonary diseases. However, only limited information on pulmonary toxicity is available considering inhalation of phthalates as the route of exposure. While in vitro studies are often based on submerged exposures, this study aimed to expose A549 alveolar epithelial cells at the air–liquid interface (ALI) to unravel the genotoxic and oxidative stress‐inducing potential of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) with concentrations relevant at occupational settings. Within this scope, a computer modeling approach calculating alveolar deposition of DBP particles in the human lung was used to define in vitro ALI exposure conditions comparable to potential occupational DBP exposures. The deposited mass of DBP ranged from 0.03 to 20 ng/cm2, which was comparable to results of a human lung particle deposition model using an 8 h workplace threshold limit value of 580 μg/m3 proposed by the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits for the European Union. Comet and Micronucleus assay revealed that DBP induced genotoxicity at DNA and chromosome level in sub‐cytotoxic conditions. Since genomic instability was accompanied by increased generation of the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde, oxidative stress might play an important role in phthalate‐induced genotoxicity. The results highlight the importance of adapting in vitro studies to exposure scenarios relevant at occupational settings and reconsidering occupational exposure limits for DBP.
Short‐term outcomes of robot‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy with extended lymphadenectomy for esophageal cancer compared with video‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy: A single‐center retrospective study

The safety and feasibility of robot‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the short‐term outcomes of RAMIE with extended lymphadenectomy and conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in order to investigate the safety and feasibility of RAMIE.
Dietary Supplementation of Glycyrrhetinic Acid (GA) Promoting Lipid Lipolysis from Blunt Snout Bream Megalobrama amblycephala by TNF-α and LPL Expression

Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), which is a main active principal constituent of liquorice, is extensively used as a non-nutrition sweetener or antiinflammatory in Chinese medicine. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different GA levels on growth, biometric parameters, plasma lipid metabolites, Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene expression of Megalobrama amblycephala (average weight, 68.78 ± 1.13 g). Three diets were formulated to contain various levels of GA (0, 30 and 300 mg/kg). Fish were randomly distributed into 12 cages and fed three times daily for 8 weeks. Dietary GA levels have little significant effect on weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Intraperitoneal fat ratio and viscera/body ratio decreased significantly as dietary GA levels increased, and hepatosomatic index tended to decrease as dietary GA levels increased. Plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, and non-esterified free fatty acid levels also decreased as dietary GA concentrations increased. Adipose tissue and liver TNF-α expression increased significantly with increasing dietary GA levels; whereas, LPL expression showed an opposite trend. Results of this study indicate that dietary supplementation of 300 mg/kg GA had a positive effect in promoting lipid lipolysis in Megalobrama amblycephala without having a negative effect on growth through the regulation of TNF-α and LPL expression. Produced by the Society of Israeli Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology, the IJA is an open-access, scientific journal, published on http://www.aquaculturehub. org/group/israelijournalofaqua culturebamidgehija To read papers free of charge, please register online at the above website. Sale of IJA papers is strictly forbidden.
Modulation of the intrinsic chromatin binding property of HIV-1 integrase by LEDGF/p75

Abstract The stable insertion of the retroviral genome into the host chromosomes requires the association between integration complexes and cellular chromatin via the interaction between retroviral integrase and the nucleosomal target DNA. This final association may involve the chromatin-binding properties of both the retroviral integrase and its cellular cofactor LEDGF/p75. To investigate this and better understand the LEDGF/p75-mediated chromatin tethering of HIV-1 integrase, we used a combination of biochemical and chromosome-binding assays. Our study revealed that retroviral integrase has an intrinsic ability to bind and recognize specific chromatin regions in metaphase even in the absence of its cofactor. Furthermore, this integrase chromatin-binding property was modulated by the interaction with its cofactor LEDGF/p75, which redirected the enzyme to alternative chromosome regions. We also better determined the chromatin features recognized by each partner alone or within the functional intasome, as well as the chronology of efficient LEDGF/p75-mediated targeting of HIV-1 integrase to chromatin. Our data support a new chromatin-binding function of integrase acting in concert with LEDGF/p75 for the optimal association with the nucleosomal substrate. This work also provides additional information about the behavior of retroviral integration complexes in metaphase chromatin and the mechanism of action of LEDGF/p75 in this specific context.