Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of the electron energy distribution function via optical emission spectroscopy and a Langmuir probe in an ICP

Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and Langmuir probe measurements are used to determine the electron density and the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) intended for sterilization of materials in medical applications. Measuring the EEDF with the Langmuir probe in the ICP discharge is limited to energies below 11 eV. Using OES the EEDF can be determined between 1.5 and 30 eV (in a He : N2 mixture). These methods are reliably compared in an ICP in a He : N2 mixture. Both diagnostics complement one another to determine the EEDF in a wide kinetic energy range.
The streamlined allostatic load index is associated with perceived stress in life – findings from the MIDUS study

Abstract The wear and tear of the body caused by stressful events is subject of extensive research and can be measured by the allostatic load index (ALI). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to replicate an ALI-5 score in a population sample in the USA and to compare these findings with the original ALI-10 score. Data from the Midlife in the United States Study (MIDUS) assessed between 2004 and 2016 were used to calculate different ALI risk scores with 5 and 10 variables, respectively. Examinations included anthropometric data, heart rate variability (HRV), and blood and urine samples. Questionnaires assessed information on perceived stress and medical history. Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between ALI indices and perceived stress, controlling for various confounders. Subgroup analysis explored the difference in gender and in three age clusters. Data of 1421 participants (43% male, 50.4 ± 9.3 years) were included in the analysis. Adjusted logistic regression models showed an odds ratio of 1.37 ± 0.19 (CI 1.05, 1.80; p=.022) for the association of ALI-5 with perceived stress. This association was stronger in females (OR = 1.62 ± 0.28, CI 1.15, 2.28; p = .006) and did not significantly differ between age clusters. Results for the original ALI-10 score did not reach significance. The streamlined ALI-5 score seems to be a reliable risk score and is strongly associated with perceived stress in life. Longitudinal studies should further elaborate this association in different samples. Lay summary: Stress from different sources can lead to serious diseases. A short composite index comprising of five medical variables is highly associated with perceived stress. This index is able to serve as an early indicator to detect people who are at risk to develop stress-related diseases.
The Efficacy of Acupuncture Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of acupuncture for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. Patients and Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis including randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of acupuncture treatment (AT) with pharmacotherapy (methylphenidate hydrochloride, MPH) among patients with ADHD. A total of 12 electronic databases were searched from inception until February 3, 2020. The main outcomes were the effective rate and post-treatment hyperactivity scores. We also assessed the incidence of adverse events and follow-up course. Results: A total of 10 studies involving 876 patients were included in this study. The meta-analysis revealed that AT yielded a significantly higher effective rate than MPH (odds ratio 2.239, 95% CI 1.438–3.487, p < 0.001, 8 studies), and that AT can reduce the hyperactivity scores to a lesser degree than MPH (standardized mean difference = –0.882, 95% CI –1.295 to –0.469, p < 0.001, 3 studies). Two studies reported no adverse events in the AT group, while one study suggested that AT can reduce adverse drug reactions. Furthermore, 3 studies concluded that the effects of AT were maintained, even after completion of treatment. Conclusion: This study suggests that AT may be more beneficial than MPH therapy for ADHD patients. However, the evidence may be highly limited, especially considering the outcome of hyperactivity scores with the high risk of bias, very low GRADE, and small number of studies. Thus, further studies of rigorous design and high quality are needed to confirm and strengthen the results, especially in the Western part of the world. Additionally, well-designed randomized controlled trials that evaluate adverse events and include a long-term follow-up should be conducted to determine the efficacy, safety, and side effects of AT for ADHD in children and adolescents.
Routine Use of Preoperative Neck Ultrasound in Primary Hyperparathyroidism Identifies Coexisting Thyroid Disease and Improves Parathyroid Localization

Background In Jan 2018, we began routinely obtaining neck ultrasound (US) with 123I/99Tc-sestamibi (MIBI) for parathyroid gland localization and to identify thyroid pathology in the setting of primary hyperparathyroidism (1HPT). The aim of this study is to assess if routine neck US is a useful adjunct to 123I/99Tc-MIBI in 1HPT. Methods Patients undergoing surgery for 1HPT with both 123I/99Tc-MIBI and US at our institution after implementation of routine US were reviewed. Biopsy and surgical management of thyroid pathology was evaluated. 123I/99Tc-MIBI and US results were compared to intraoperative findings to determine sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) for parathyroid localization. Results From January 2018 to September 2019, there were 423 patients (mean, 61 years) that met inclusion criteria (80% women). Thyroid nodules were found on US in 57%, mean size 1.3 + 0.8 cm. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed in 87 patients with nodules (36%). 35 patients (8.5%) required total or partial thyroidectomy for diagnoses/treatment. Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) was found in 3.5% of the cohort with micro-PTC 53% and PTC 1-2 cm 40%. A successful parathyroid operation for 1HPT was achieved in 98.6% of patients. Positive predictive value for localization of abnormal parathyroid glands was 97% when US and 123I/99Tc-MIBI had concordant findings. Discussion Routine use of US in 1HPT commonly identifies nodules that are benign or low-risk PTC. Ultrasound is less sensitive for parathyroid localization but when used with 123I/99Tc-MIBI, concordant imaging has a high PPV.
Identification of retinal ganglion cell types expressing the transcription factor Satb2 in three primate species

In primates, the retinal ganglion cells contributing to high acuity spatial vision (midget cells and parasol cells), and blue‐yellow color vision (small bistratified cells) are well understood. Many other ganglion cell types with large dendritic fields (named wide‐field ganglion cells) have been identified, but their spatial density and distribution are largely unknown. Here we took advantage of the recently established molecular diversity of ganglion cells to study wide‐field ganglion cell populations in three primate species. We used antibodies against the transcription factor Special AT‐rich binding protein 2 (Satb2) to explore its expression in macaque (Macaca fascicularis, M. nemestrina), human and marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) retinas. In all three species, Satb2 cells make up a low proportion (1.5–4%) of the ganglion cell population, with a slight increase from central to peripheral retina. Intracellular dye injections revealed that in macaque and human retinas, the large majority (over 80%) of Satb2 cells are inner and outer stratifying large sparse cells. By contrast, in marmoset retina the majority (over 60%) of Satb2 expressing cells were broad thorny cells, with smaller proportions of recursive bistratified (putative direction‐selective), large bistratified, and outer stratifying narrow thorny cells. Our findings imply that Satb2 expression has undergone rapid species specific adaptations during primate evolution, because expression is not conserved across Old World (macaque, human) and New World (marmoset) suborders.
HIF1A: A Putative Modifier of Hemochromatosis

HFE-related hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is characterized by marked phenotypic heterogeneity. Homozygosity for p.C282Y is a low penetrance genotype suggesting that the HFE-HH is a multifactorial disease resulting from a complex interaction involving a major gene defect, genetic background and environmental factors. We performed a targeted NGS-based gene panel to identify new candidate modifiers by using an extreme phenotype sampling study based on serum ferritin and iron removed/age ratio. We found an increased prevalence of the HIF1A p.Phe582Ser and p.Ala588Thr variants in patients with a severe iron and clinical phenotype. Accordingly, Huh-7 cells transfected with both variants showed significantly lower HAMP promoter activity by luciferase assay. The qRT-PCR assays showed a downregulation of hepcidin and an upregulation of the HIF1A target genes (VEGF, HMOX, FUR, TMPRSS6) in cells transfected with the HIF1A-P582S vector. We identified mutations in other genes (e.g., Serpina1) that might have some relevance in single cases in aggravating or mitigating disease manifestation. In conclusion, the present study identified HIF1A as a possible modifier of the HFE-HH phenotype cooperating with the genetic defect in downregulating hepcidin synthesis. In addition, this study highlights that an NGS-based approach could broaden our knowledge and help in characterizing the genetic complexity of HFE-HH patients with a severe phenotype expression.
The Real Time Geometric Effect of a Lordotic Curve-Controlled Spinal Traction Device: A Randomized Cross Over Study

Background: A standard spinal traction (ST) device was designed to straighten the spine without considering physiological lumbar lordosis. Using lordotic curve-controlled traction (LCCT), which maintains the lordotic curve during traction, the traction force would be applied to the posterior spinal structure effectively. Thus, the purpose of our study was to evaluate real-time biomechanical changes while applying the LCCT and ST. Methods: In this study, 40 subjects with mild non-radicular low back pain (LBP) were included. The participants underwent LCCT and ST in random order. Anterior and posterior intervertebral distance, ratios of anterior/posterior intervertebral distance (A/P ratio), and lordotic angles of intervertebral bodies (L2~L5) were measured by radiography. Results: Mean intervertebral distances were greater during LCCT than those measured prior to applying traction (p < 0.05). Mean A/P ratio was also significantly greater during LCCT than during ST or initially (p < 0.05). In particular, for the L4/5 intervertebral segment, which is responsible for most of the lordotic curve, mean LCCT angle was similar to mean lordotic angle in the standing position (10.9°). Conclusions: Based on measurements of radiologic geometrical changes with real-time clinical setting, the newly developed LCCT appears to be a useful traction device for increasing intervertebral disc spaces by maintaining lordotic curves.
Apathy after stroke: Diagnosis, mechanisms, consequences, and treatment

Apathy is a reduction in goal-directed activity in the cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or social domains of a patient’s life and occurs in one out of three patients after stroke. Despite this, apathy is clinically under-recognized and poorly understood. This overview provides a contemporary introduction to apathy in stroke for researchers and practitioners, covering topics including diagnosis, neurobiological mechanisms, associated consequences, and potential treatments for apathy. Apathy is often misdiagnosed as other post-stroke conditions such as depression. Accurate differential diagnosis of apathy, which manifests as reductions in initiative, and depression, which manifests as negative emotionality, is important as it informs prognosis. Research on the neurobiology of apathy suggests that there are few consistent associations between stroke lesion location and the development of apathy. These may be resolved by adopting a network neuroscience approach, which models apathy as a pathology arising from structural or functional damage to brain networks underlying motivated behavior. Importantly, networks can be affected by physiological changes related to stroke, including the acute infarct but also diaschisis and neurodegeneration. Aside from neurobiological changes, apathy is also associated with other negative outcome measures such as functional disability, cognitive impairment, and emotional distress, suggesting that apathy is indicative of a worse prognosis following stroke. Unfortunately, high-quality trials aimed at treating apathy are scarce. Antidepressants may have limited effects on apathy. Acetylcholine and dopamine pharmacotherapy, behavioral interventions, and transcranial magnetic stimulation may be more promising avenues for treatment.
Performance of the ATMOS41 All-in-One Weather Station for Weather Monitoring

Affordable and accurate weather monitoring systems are essential in low-income and developing countries and, more recently, are needed in small-scale research such as precision agriculture and urban climate studies. A variety of low-cost solutions are available on the market, but the use of non-standard technologies raises concerns for data quality. Research-grade all-in-one weather stations could present a reliable, cost effective solution while being robust and easy to use. This study evaluates the performance of the commercially available ATMOS41 all-in-one weather station. Three stations were deployed next to a high-performance reference station over a three-month period. The ATMOS41 stations showed good performance compared to the reference, and close agreement among the three stations for most standard weather variables. However, measured atmospheric pressure showed uncertainties >0.6 hPa and solar radiation was underestimated by 3%, which could be corrected with a locally obtained linear regression function. Furthermore, precipitation measurements showed considerable variability, with observed differences of ±7.5% compared to the reference gauge, which suggests relatively high susceptibility to wind-induced errors. Overall, the station is well suited for private user applications such as farming, while the use in research should consider the limitations of the station, especially regarding precise precipitation measurements.
Mature ovarian teratoma associated with anti-N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: A case report.

Encephalitis associated with anti-N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is a rare form of autoimmune encephalitis. We report the first case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in an unmarried 16-years old female who was admitted to the Neurology Emergency Unit Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Sanglah General Hospital Bali, Indonesia due to decreased consciousness, repetitive talking, headache, involuntary movements in the mouth and feet, and seizures. She was initially diagnosed with viral encephalitis and symptomatic epilepsy. After four weeks of treatment, she was referred to the Gynecology Department. Rectal ultrasound revealed a cystic lesion with a solid component measuring 3.6x2. 64x3.18 cm from the left ovary. Laparotomy cystectomy was performed, and the histopathological examination revealed glial cells and mesoderm components in the form of cartilage tissue. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid were positive for anti-NMDA receptor antibodies. She was treated with human intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab. Her condition was improved gradually. She recovered fully after almost six weeks of hospitalisation.
Effect of water emissivity on solar still efficiency

The proper installation of a solar still can reduce the heat loss from the basin to ambient and significantly increase the still efficiency. In this case, the use of a dye resulted in minimal improvement in still efficiency. The reduction in the water emissivity will reduce the radiation heat transfer from water to glass. This resulted in a substantial improvement in still efficiency and offers great potential for solar still usage. The two methods above are mutually exclusive and could be used concurrently for best results. The numerical predictions reported agree favorably with the most recently published experimental work in a similar configuration.
Glutathione S-Transferase P Influences Redox Homeostasis and Response to Drugs that Induce the Unfolded Protein Response in Zebrafish

We have created a novel glutathione S-transferase π1 (gstp1) knockout (KO) zebrafish model and used it for comparative analyses of redox homeostasis and response to drugs that cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and induce the unfolded protein response (UPR). Under basal conditions, gstp1 KO larvae had higher expression of antioxidant nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) accompanied by a more reduced larval environment and a status consistent with reductive stress. Compared with wild type, various UPR markers were decreased in KO larvae, but treatment with drugs that induce ER stress caused greater toxicities and increased expression of Nrf2 and UPR markers in KO. Tunicamycin and 02-{2,4-dinitro-5-[4-(N-methylamino)benzoyloxy]phenyl}1-(N,N-dimethylamino)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (PABA/nitric oxide) activated inositol-requiring protein-1/X-box binding protein 1 pathways, whereas thapsigargin caused greater activation of protein kinase-like ER kinase/activating transcription factor 4/CHOP pathways. These results suggest that this teleost model is useful for predicting how GSTP regulates organismal management of oxidative/reductive stress and is a determinant of response to drug-induced ER stress and the UPR. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT A new zebrafish model has been created to study the importance of glutathione S-transferase π1 in development, redox homeostasis, and response to drugs that enact cytotoxicity through endoplasmic reticulum stress and induction of the unfolded protein response.
Charring processes in thermoplastic polymers: Effect of condensed phase oxidation on the formation of chars in pure polymers

Fifteen different pure polymers were studied by thermal methods under air, nitrogen, and nitrous oxide in order to determine their tendency to char in relation with their structure and the experimental conditions used. Styrene polymers and aliphatic polyolefines give chars under air and total volatilization without carbonization under nitrogen and nitrous oxide, showing the essential part played by oxygen in the charring process. On the opposite, ambient oxygen has some effect on the carbonization of polymers containing aromatic rings in their main chain. A schematic mechanism of the charring process is discussed in which condensed phase oxidation, formation of olefinic bonds and crosslinking, dehydrogenation–aromatization are postulated.
Central Attention and a Dual Path Convolutional Neural Network in Real-World Tree Species Recognition

Identifying plants is not only the job of professionals, but also useful or essential for the plant lover and the general public. Although deep learning approaches for plant recognition are promising, driven by the success of convolutional neural networks (CNN), their performances are still far from the requirements of an in-field scenario. First, we propose a central attention concept that helps focus on the target instead of backgrounds in the image for tree species recognition. It could prevent model training from confused vision by establishing a dual path CNN deep learning framework, in which the central attention model combined with the CNN model based on InceptionV3 were employed to automatically extract the features. These two models were then learned together with a shared classification layer. Experimental results assessed the effectiveness of our proposed approach which outperformed each uni-path alone, and existing methods in the whole plant recognition system. Additionally, we created our own tree image database where each photo contained a wealth of information on the entire tree instead of an individual plant organ. Lastly, we developed a prototype system of an online/offline available tree species identification working on a consumer mobile platform that can identify the tree species not only by image recognition, but also detection and classification in real-time remotely.
High HIV prevalence, low awareness of and willingness to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among male migrant workers in Southwestern, China: a short report

ABSTRACT Little is known about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and willingness among male rural-to-urban migrant workers, a high-risk population of HIV infection and transmission in China. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of and willingness to use PrEP among this vulnerable population in two cities in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, a province in southwestern China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among male rural-to-urban migrant workers in Guangxi province, during June to August, 2015. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors related to PrEP acceptance. Among 669 male rural-to-urban migrant workers surveyed, the HIV prevalence was 1.79%. Among the 657 HIV-negative participants, 23.0% had heard of PrEP, 1.2% had used PrEP, and 64.7% were willing to use PrEP. Being afraid of HIV/AIDS (OR = 2.08, 95%CI: 1.04–4.19) and willing to have an HIV test (OR = 3.74, 95%CI: 1.64–8.52) were associated with willingness to use PrEP. The findings suggest that among male migrant workers in Southwestern China, the awareness of and willingness to use PrEP were relatively low. Given the fact that the HIV prevalence was high among this population, more educational campaigns about PrEP and targeted interventions are necessary for this high-risk population in Guangxi.
Shellfish consumption and health: A comprehensive review of human studies and recommendations for enhanced public policy

Abstract Shellfish, including various species of mollusks (e.g., clams, oysters, and mussels) and crustaceans (e.g., shrimp and crab), have been a cornerstone of healthy dietary recommendations. However, beyond providing basic nutrition needs, their health-promoting effects have been suggested to include inflammation reduction and prevention of various chronic non-communicable diseases. Currently, studies on the association between shellfish consumption and health outcomes have reported conflicting results. The present comprehensive review summarized the latest studies on shellfish consumption and synthesized the available evidence on the potential health benefits or risks of shellfish consumption. The findings demonstrated that shellfish consumption may increase the risk of hyperuricemia and gout but may not increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and thyroid cancer. Adequate evidence is lacking on the association between shellfish consumption and the risk of colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, oral cancer, endometriosis, hip fracture, cognitive function, wheeze, eczema and food allergy. Raw shellfish consumption may cause gastroenteritis and other diseases infected by bacteria or viruses. This review thus provides consumers and other relevant stakeholders with the latest evidence-based information on the potential benefits and risks of shellfish consumption.