Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Ratio-based Responses

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. intercept corrections, ratio-based efficiency, regression models, slope-based efficiency ABSTRACT. It is not appropriate to compare ratio-based expressions for different cultivars or treatments if a plot of the denominator versus the numerator of a ratio-based expression has a nonzero y-intercept and the values for either the denominators or numerators differ with cultivars or treatments. Whenever nonzeroy-intercepts are encountered, the value for a ratio-based expression will be dependent on both the denominator and numerator. The ''ratio problem'' is demonstrated with shoot N concentration in blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and amino acid accumulation in almonds (Prunisdulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb). Data were collected from the first and second growth flush of blueberry shoots on plants that were at two in-row spacings and two rates of N fertilizer. Free amino acid:total amino acid ratios were measured in dormant almond trees fertilized at different rates with and without foliar N supplements. Functions describing the relationship between dry weight and total N content in blueberry tissues have positive y-intercepts for both N fertilizer application rates. Functions describing the relationship between total amino acids and free amino acids in almond trees have a negative y-intercept. Differences attributable to fertilization rate in blueberries probably were the result of differences in N uptake and N utilization, but the effects of spacing and growth flush are indirect and can be accounted for by differences in dry weight. Likewise, effects of fertilization rate and foliar N supplement in almonds are indirect and can be accounted for by differences in the total amino acids in dormant trees. With regression one can determine if the relationship between the denominator and numerator differs for the groups or treatments being studied. When an analysis of covariance is used to account for differences in the denominators of ratio-based expressions, results are consistent with the regression analysis. When a conclusion is based on statistical differences of a ratio-based expression, it is the researcher's responsibility to determine whether these effects are direct or indirect.
Smooth Muscle Cell–Specific PKM2 (Pyruvate Kinase Muscle 2) Promotes Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Switching and Neointimal Hyperplasia

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objective: The role of glycolytic enzyme PKM2 (pyruvate kinase muscle 2) in smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype switching and neointimal hyperplasia is poorly understood. We determined the role of PKM2 in SMC phenotype switching and neointimal hyperplasia. Approach and Results: We show that PKM2 is expressed in the SMC-rich neointima of the murine carotid artery and peri-strut areas in bare-metal stented human coronary arteries. PDGF-BB (platelet-derived growth factor-BB) stimulation upregulates the expression of PKM2 in cultured murine and human coronary SMC. To provide conclusive evidence for PKM2 in SMC function, we generated SMC-specific PKM2−/− mutant strain. We report that PKM2 deletion in SMC reduces injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia by inhibiting SMC proliferation and migration, suppressing synthetic phenotype, and reducing aerobic glycolysis associated with decreased ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase), mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), and STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) signaling. Furthermore, we show that nuclear PKM2 interacts with STAT3 and β-catenin and regulates transcription of MEK5 (mitogen/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase-5), cyclin D1, GLUT1 (glucose transporter 1), and LDHA (lactate dehydrogenase A). Treatment of human coronary SMC with ML265, an activator that induces PKM2 tetramerization and blocks its nuclear translocation, inhibited proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching. Perivascular application of PKM2 activator reduced neointimal hyperplasia in mice. Conclusions: These findings reveal that PKM2 is a key regulator of SMC function in vascular remodeling and implicates PKM2 as a potential target to reduce neointimal hyperplasia.
Accuracy and reliability of injury coding in the national Dutch Trauma Registry

Abstract Objective Injury coding is well known for lack of completeness and accuracy. The objective of this study was to perform a nationwide assessment of accuracy and reliability on Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) coding by Dutch Trauma Registry (DTR) coders and to determine the effect on Injury Severity Score (ISS). Additionally, the coders’ characteristics were surveyed. Methods Three fictional trauma cases were presented to all Dutch trauma coders in a nationwide survey (response rate 69%). The coders were asked to extract and code the cases’ injuries according to the AIS manual (version 2005, update 2008). Reference standard was set by three highly experienced coders. Summary statistics were used to describe the registered AIS codes and ISS distribution. The primary outcome measures were accuracy of injury coding and inter-rater agreement on AIS codes. Secondary outcome measures were characteristics of coders: profession, work setting, experience in injury coding and training level in injury coding. Results The total number of different AIS codes used to describe 14 separate injuries in the three cases was 89. Mean accuracy per AIS code was 42.2% (range 2.4–92.7%). Mean accuracy on number of AIS codes was 23%. Overall inter-rater agreement per AIS code was 49.1% (range 2.4–92.7%). The number of assigned AIS codes varied between 0 and 18 per injury. Twenty-seven percentage of injuries were overlooked. ISS was correctly scored in 42.4%. In 31.7%, the AIS coding of the two more complex cases led to incorrect classification of the patient as ISS < 16 or ISS ≥ 16. Half (47%) of the coders had no (para)medical degree, 26% were working in level I trauma centers, 37% had less than 2 years of experience and 40% had no training in AIS coding. Conclusions Accuracy of and inter-rater agreement on AIS injury scoring by DTR coders is limited. This may in part be due to the heterogeneous backgrounds and training levels of the coders. As a result of the inconsistent coding, the number of major trauma patients in the DTR may be over- or underestimated. Conclusions based on DTR data should therefore be drawn with caution.
Which one is superior in predicting 30 and 90 days mortality after COPD exacerbation: DECAF, CURB-65, PSI, BAP-65, PLR, NLR

ABSTRACT Objectives: The major scores associated with the mortality after COPD exacerbations were; DECAF, CURB-65, PSI and BAP-65 scores. We aimed to compare these scores in predicting 30- and 90-day mortality in patients hospitalized with exacerbation of COPD. Methods: The data of 141 patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of COPD exacerbation between January 2018 and March 2019 and accepted to participate in the study were prospectively recorded. Results: Age, mean modified-medical-research-council (mMRC) dyspnea score, pleural effusion, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), presence of atrial fibrillation (AF), PaCO2 pressure values were found to be significantly higher at both 30 and 90-days deceased group, while hemoglobin, albumin and pH values were significantly lower (all p < 0.05). DECAF, CURB-65, PSI and BAP-65 scores were significantly higher for both 30 and 90-days mortality (all p < 0.05). DECAF, CURB-65, PSI, BAP-65 scores, PLR, NLR predicted to 30 day and 90 day mortality. But, CURB-65 found (OR 2.968 and 2.284, respectively) superior to others in predicting 30 and 90-days mortality. Conclusions: CURB-65 score is a significant, simple and feasible score for predicting 30 and 90 days mortality in COPD exacerbation and may be routinely used in all patients hospitalized with COPD exacerbation.
Expanded perlite: an inexpensive natural efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the green and highly accelerated solvent-free synthesis of 5-substituted-1H-tetrazoles using [bmim]N3 and nitriles

A versatile, green and highly accelerated protocol for preparing 5-substituted-1H-tetrazoles is reported. In this method, 5-substituted-1H-tetrazoles are synthesized from nitriles and [bmim]N3, in the presence of the expanded perlite as an inexpensive natural efficient heterogeneous catalyst, under solvent-free condition. A wide variety of aryl nitriles underwent [3 + 2] cycloaddition to afford the desired tetrazoles in good to excellent yields, rapidly. This method has the advantages of high yields, short reaction times, simple methodology, and easy work-up. The catalyst can be recovered by simple filtration and reused delivering good yields.
Visual function in guinea pigs: behavior and electrophysiology

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Guinea pig visual function is characterised based on behavioural and electrophysiological measures and retinal ganglion cell density is examined to further develop the guinea pig as a model of human ocular conditions. Background Guinea pigs are an important model of human ocular conditions. Here, guinea pig spatial frequency discrimination, pattern and full-field photopic electroretinography (ERG), and retinal ganglion cell distribution were investigated. Methods Adult guinea pigs (n = 6) were included. Optomotor responses to square-wave gratings from 0.3 to 2.4 cycles per degree (cpd) were assessed. Pattern ERG responses were recorded using square-wave gratings from 0.025 to 0.25 cpd at 100% contrast, alternating at a temporal frequency of 1.05 Hz. Full-field ERG responses were recorded using a 10.0 cd.s/m2 flash. Ganglion cell density was determined histologically from retinal whole mounts. Results Maximum spatial frequency discrimination was 1.65 ± 0.49 cpd for stimuli rotating temporally to nasally and 0.75 ± 0.16 cpd for stimuli rotating nasally to temporally. For pattern ERG, a maximum amplitude of 3.50 ± 1.16 µV for the first negative to positive peak (N1P1) was elicited with a 0.025 cpd grating, and 2.5 ± 0.1 µV for the positive to second negative peak (P1N2) was elicited with a 0.05 cpd grating. For full-field ERG, a-wave amplitude was 19.2 ± 4.24 µV, b-wave amplitude was 33.6 ± 8.22 µV, and the PhNR was 24.0 ± 5.72 µV. Peak retinal ganglion cell density was 1621 ± 129 cells/mm2, located 1–2 mm superior to the optic nerve head. Conclusion Guinea pigs show directional selectivity for stimuli moving in the temporal to the nasal visual field. Guinea pigs demonstrate a quantifiable PhNR in the full-field ERG and negative and positive waveforms in the pattern ERG. The visual streak is located in the superior retina.
Desorption of copper from polyvinyl alcohol-immobilized seaweed biomass

The desorption characteristics of copper on biomass of a marine macroalga, Sargassum baccularia, immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel beads, were investigated using HCl eluting solutions. Both the extent and the rate of desorption were affected by the pH of the eluent. Nearly 91% of the copper initially adsorbed was released back into an HCl solution at pH 1.0 after 40 min of contact time when apparent desorption equilibrium was achieved. When the pH was raised to 2.0, about 81% of the bound copper was desorbed within 120 min of contact time. Apparent desorption rate constants were determined using first-order desorption models. Very high concentrations of copper in the eluate could be obtained by using small amounts of the HCl eluent. However, this was achieved at the expense of the desorption efficiency. The PVA-immobilized seaweed biomass beads could be regenerated with HCl solution at pH 1.0 or 2.0 in multiple cycles of copper biosorption-desorption. Following desorption at pH 1.0 in the first cycle, about 55% of the biosorption capacity of the virgin biomass could be reused in subsequent cycles; in the case of desorption at pH 2.0, about 67% of the original uptake capacity was reusable.
Circumferential esophageal perforation resulting in tension hydropneumothorax in a patient with septic shock

Esophageal perforations occur traumatically or spontaneously and are typically associated with high mortality rates. Early recognition and prompt management are essential. We present the case of a 76-year-old man who was admitted to the medical intensive care unit with fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis, shock, and multi-organ failure. After an initial period of improvement, his condition rapidly deteriorated despite aggressive medical management, and he required mechanical ventilation. Radiography after endotracheal intubation showed interval development of pneumomediastinum and bilateral hydropneumothorax with tension physiology. Chest tube placement resulted in the drainage of multiple liters of dark fluid, and pleural fluid analysis was notable for polymicrobial empyemas. Despite the unusual presentation, esophageal perforation was suspected. Endoscopy ultimately confirmed circumferential separation of the distal esophagus from the stomach, and bedside endoscopic stenting was performed with transient improvement. Two weeks after admission, he developed mediastinitis complicated by recurrent respiratory failure and passed away. This report further characterizes our patient’s unique presentation and briefly highlights the clinical manifestations, management options, and outcomes of esophageal perforations.
Comparison of pediatric patients with noninfectious idiopathic uveitis and noninfectious uveitis associated with an underlying systemic disease: from a referral center in Turkey

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the demographic, clinical, treatment, and outcome features of pediatric noninfectious uveitis patients at a Turkish tertiary center. Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study included 101 pediatric patients with noninfectious uveitis. Location of uveitis, laterality, age at onset of uveitis, complications of uveitis, duration of follow-up, associated systemic diseases, laboratory findings, medications used, and status of uveitis at the time of data collection were obtained from the patients’ files. The patients were divided into two groups according to etiology of uveitis, as follows; group 1: idiopathic noninfectious uveitis; group 2: noninfectious uveitis in association with an underlying systemic disease. Clinical findings were compared between the two groups. Results: Mean age at diagnosis of uveitis was 9.36 ± 4.24 years and mean duration of follow-up was 48.4 ± 9.2 months. Anterior uveitis was the most common form, accounting for 69.3% (n = 70) of the patients. There were 67 (66.3%) patients in group 1 and 34 (33.7%) patients in group 2. Mean age at diagnosis of uveitis was lower in group 2 (p < 0.05). Although gender, type of inflammation, laterality of eye involvement, and mean age at initiation of biological treatment did not differ between the groups; symptomatic uveitis was more common in group 1, whereas anterior uveitis was also more common in group 2 (p < 0.05). At the time of data collection 16 (15.8%) of the patients had active uveitis. Ocular complications were observed fewer in idiopathic noninfectious uveitis group than noninfectious uveitis associated with an underlying systemic disease (p < 0.05). Biological therapy was administered in 26.8% of the patients in group 1, versus 67.6% of those in group 2. Ocular complications were observed in 22.8% of the patients at presentation or during the follow-up. Conclusion: Herein a large retrospective cohort of noninfectious pediatric uveitis has been described. The findings indicate that noninfectious idiopathic uveitis is characterized by more symptomatic, later onset, and fewer complications than noninfectious uveitis associated with an underlying systemic disease.
The Foaming Behavior and Synergistic Effect in Aqueous CO2 Foam by In Situ Physisorption of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate and Triton X-100 Surfactants and Their Mixture

Foaming behavior is an important consideration in the design of many foam-based operations and processes. The foam behavior and synergistic effect of aqueous CO2 by the single anionic surfactant alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS), nonionic single surfactant Triton X-100 (TX100), and mixed surfactant solution (AOS-TX100) with varying concentrations were investigated in detail. The role of each surfactant and mixed surfactant solutions were analyzed in view of the foamability, foam stability, and synergistic effect after equilibrium of aqueous CO2 foam. It was found that AOS and the composite surfactant AOS-TX100 (8:2) had better foaming behavior than any single surfactant and mixed surfactants.
Long-term progression of myopic maculopathy in degenerative myopia as imaged by SD-OCT and IR imaging

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Clinicians can benefit from developing an understanding of the natural disease progression of myopic maculopathy in degenerative myopia using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Background The prevalence of high myopia is constantly increasing. In this work, infrared imaging and OCT is used to study the natural course of the disease. Methods This is a retrospective longitudinal study. Medical records of 72 patients with high myopia (< 6.00 D) and a minimum five-year follow-up period were analysed. Collected data on all enrolled patients included demographic characteristics and medical history, as well as recordings on best-corrected visual acuity, slitlamp examination, OCT, and fluorescein angiography in cases of suspected myopic choroidal neovascularisation. Images were independently marked by two graders. Results The mean age of patients was 54.6 ± 14.4 years (59.72% female) with baseline logMAR best-corrected visual acuity of 0.22 ± 0.28. At baseline examination, 70.83% of the study group showed signs of maculopathy and 62.5% diffuse or patchy atrophy. During follow-up, 22.2% of patients with any type of atrophy showed enlarged affected areas. Two patients with baseline lacquer cracks developed new lesions. There was a weak correlation between patient age and maculopathy progression (r = 0.233; p = 0.03). While central retinal thickness was not associated with maculopathy progression (p = 0.203), a moderate correlation was found between choroidal thickness and maculopathy progression (r = −0.516; p < 0.001). Conclusion Lesion characteristics in myopic degeneration have been elucidated, taking advantage of the ongoing technological advances in retinal imaging. The understanding of disease patterns and progression is essential for appropriate management of patients, while discovering biomarkers which lead to choroidal neovascularisation development is of urgent importance to establish international diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols.
Constructing ionic highway in alkaline polymer electrolytes

Alkaline polymer electrolytes (APEs) are an emerging material that enables the use of nonprecious-metal catalysts in electrochemical energy technology, such as fuel cell and water electrolysis. Yet the OH− conduction in APE has been of much lower efficiency than the H+ conduction in its acidic counterpart (typically Nafion), leading to a large dissipative loss in energy conversion applications. Here we report that, by properly constructing ion-aggregating structures in APE, a OH− conducting highway can be built, such that the OH− conduction in APE becomes as efficient as the H+ conduction in Nafion (greater than 0.1 S cm−1 at 80 °C under moderate ion-exchange capacity 1.0 mmol g−1). The optimal approach to constructing such an ionic highway is first screened computationally using coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations, and then implemented experimentally based on a quaternary ammonia polysulfone (QAPS) model system. The resulting ordered structure of ion assembly has been unambiguously revealed by both the theoretically calculated structure factor and experimental results of TEM and SAXS. These findings have not only furthered our understanding about the ionic channels in APE, but also provided a general strategy for the rational design of polymer electrolytes.
Kinetic isotope effects and intermediate formation for the aqueous alkaline homogeneous hydrolysis of 1,3,5-triaza-1,3,5-trinitrocyclohexane (RDX)

The kinetics and activation parameters for the aqueous alkaline hydrolysis of hexaproteo (RDX-h/sub 6/) and hexadeuterio (RDX-d/sub 6/) 1,3,5-triaza-1,3,5-trinitrocyclohexanes with hydroxide ion concentrations between 0.020 and 0.25 M and temperatures of 25.0, 35.0, and 45.0/sup 0/C have been investigated. Both RDX-h/sub 6/ and RDX-d/sub 6/ showed good second-order rate constants for the expression, -d(RDX)/dt = k/sub 2/(OH/sup -/)(RDX) = k/sub 1/(RDX), where k/sub 1/ is the first-order rate constant with excess hydroxide ion. At 25.0/sup 0/C the kinetic isotope effect for k/sub 2/-(RDX-h/sub 6/)/k/sub 2//sup 1/(RDX-d/sub 6/) = 2.4. Mass spectral evidence for two short-lived intermediates, pentaproteo (I-h/sub 5/) and pentadeuterio (I-d/sub 5/) 1,3,5-triaza-3,5-dinitrocyclohexene-1, obtained by loss of the elements of nitrous acid from RDX-h/sub 6/ and RDX-d/sub 6/ is presented. Products obtained on further hydrolysis of I-h/sub 5/ include, NO/sub 2//sup -/, N/sub 2/O, NH/sub 3/, N/sub 2/, CH/sub 2/O, and HCOO/sup -/, the relative amounts of which depend on the hydroxide ion concentration. A novel method is presented for generating these base sensitive, short-lived intermediates with strongly basic ion-exchange resins.
NCX 667, a Novel Nitric Oxide Donor, Lowers Intraocular Pressure in Rabbits, Dogs, and Non-Human Primates and Enhances TGFβ2-Induced Outflow in HTM/HSC Constructs

Purpose NCX 667, a novel nitric oxide (NO) donor with an isomannide core, was characterized for its IOP-lowering ability in animal models of ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Bioengineered human trabecular meshwork/Schlemm's canal (HTM/HSC) constructs were used to explore the mode of action. Methods Ocular normotensive New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits (ONT-rabbits), spontaneously ocular hypertensive pigmented Dutch-belted rabbits (sOHT-rabbits), hypertonic saline (5%)–induced transient ocular hypertensive NZW rabbits (tOHT-rabbits), ocular normotensive Beagle dogs (ONT-dogs), and laser-induced ocular hypertensive cynomolgus monkeys (OHT-monkeys) were used. NCX 667 or vehicle (30 µL) was instilled in a crossover, masked fashion and intraocular pressure (IOP) measured before dosing (baseline) and for several hours thereafter. The ONT-rabbits were used for cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) determination in ocular tissues after ocular dosing with NCX 667. Transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGFβ2) (2.5 ng/mL, six days)–treated HTM/HSC constructs were used to address changes in outflow facility. Results NCX 667 resulted in robust and dose-dependent IOP decrease in all models used. Maximal IOP-lowering efficacy at 1% was −4.1 ± 0.6, −12.2 ± 2.7, −10.5 ± 2.0, −5.3 ± 0.8, and −6.6 ± 1.9 mmHg, respectively, in ONT-dogs, sOHT-rabbits, tOHT-rabbits, ONT-rabbits, and OHT-monkeys. In ONT-rabbits NCX 667 (1%) increased cGMP in aqueous humor (AH) but not in retina and iris/ciliary body. NCX 667 concentration-dependently increased outflow facility in TGFβ2-treated HTM/HSC constructs (outflow facility, 0.10 ± 0.06 and 0.30 ± 0.10 µL/min/mmHg/mm2, respectively, in vehicle- and NCX 667–treated constructs). Conclusions NCX 667 leads to robust IOP lowering in several animal models. Evidence in HTM/HSC constructs indicate that the IOP reduction likely results from NO-mediated increase of the conventional outflow pathway. Other mechanisms including changes in AH production and episcleral vein pressure may not be excluded at this time.