Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical course of patients with adrenal incidentalomas and cortisol autonomy: a German retrospective single center cohort study

Background Adrenal incidentalomas with cortisol autonomy are associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Specific data on the clinical and biochemical course of affected patients are lacking. Methods Retrospective study from a tertiary referral centre in Germany. After exclusion of overt hormone excess, malignancy and glucocorticoid medication, patients with adrenal incidentalomas were stratified according to serum cortisol after 1 mg dexamethasone: autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS), >5.0; possible ACS (PACS), 1.9-5.0; non-functioning adenomas (NFA), ≤1.8 µg/dl. Results A total of 260 patients were enrolled (147 women (56.5%), median follow-up 8.8 (2.0-20.8) years). At initial diagnosis, median age was 59.5 (20-82) years, and median tumour size was 27 (10-116) mm. Bilateral tumours were more prevalent in ACS (30.0%) and PACS (21.9%) than in NFA (8.1%). Over time, 40/124 (32.3%) patients had a shift of their hormonal secretion pattern (NFA to PACS/ACS, n=15/53; PACS to ACS, n=6/47; ACS to PACS, n=11/24; PACS to NFA, n=8/47). However, none of the patients developed overt Cushing’s syndrome. Sixty-one patients underwent adrenalectomy (NFA, 17.9%; PACS, 24.0%; ACS, 39.0%). When non-operated patients with NFA were compared to PACS and ACS at last follow-up, arterial hypertension (65.3% vs. 81.9% and 92.0%; p<0.05), diabetes (23.8% vs. 35.6% and 40.0%; p<0.01), and thromboembolic events (PACS: HR 3.43, 95%-CI 0.89-13.29; ACS: HR 5.96, 95%-CI 1.33-26.63; p<0.05) were significantly less frequent, along with a trend towards a higher rate of cardiovascular events in case of cortisol autonomy (PACS: HR 2.23, 95%-CI 0.94-5.32; ACS: HR 2.60, 95%-CI 0.87-7.79; p=0.1). Twenty-five (12.6%) of the non-operated patients died, with higher overall mortality in PACS (HR 2.6, 95%-CI 1.0-4.7; p=0.083) and ACS (HR 4.7, 95%-CI 1.6-13.3; p<0.005) compared to NFA. In operated patients, prevalence of arterial hypertension decreased significantly (77.0% at diagnosis to 61.7% at last follow-up; p<0.05). The prevalence of cardiovascular events and mortality did not differ significantly between operated and non-operated patients, whereas thromboembolic events were significantly less frequent in the surgical treatment group. Conclusion Our study confirms relevant cardiovascular morbidity in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (especially those with cortisol autonomy). These patients should therefore be monitored carefully, including adequate treatment of typical cardiovascular risk factors. Adrenalectomy was associated with a significantly decreased prevalence of hypertension. However, more than 30% of patients required reclassification according to repeated dexamethasone suppression tests. Thus, cortisol autonomy should ideally be confirmed before making any relevant treatment decision (e.g. adrenalectomy).
Assessing the impact of biochar and nitrogen application on yield, water-nitrogen use efficiency and quality of intercropped maize and soybean

Introduction Biochar (BC) and nitrogen (N) application have the potential to increase grain yield and resource use efficiency in intercropping systems. However, the effects of different levels of BC and N application in these systems remain unclear. To address this gap, the study is intended to ascertain the impact of various combinations of BC and N fertilizer on the performance of maize-soybean intercropping and determine the optimum application of BC and N for maximizing the effect of the intercropping system. Methods A two-year (2021-2022) field experiment was conducted in Northeast China to assess the impact of BC (0, 15, and 30 t ha-1) and N application (135, 180, and 225 kg ha-1) on plant growth, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), N recovery efficiency (NRE) and quality in an intercropping system. Maize and soybean were selected as materials in the experiment, where every 2 rows of maize were intercropped with 2 rows of soybean. Results and discussion The results showed that the combination of BC and N significantly affected the yield, WUE, NRE and quality of intercropped maize and soybean. The treatment of 15 t ha-1 BC and 180 kg ha-1 N increased grain yield and WUE, while that of 15 t ha-1 BC and 135 kg ha-1 N enhanced NRE in both years. Nitrogen promoted the protein and oil content of intercropped maize, but decreased the protein and oil content of intercropped soybean. BC did not enhance the protein and oil content of intercropped maize, especially in the first year, but increased maize starch content. BC was found to have no positive impact on soybean protein, but it unexpectedly increased soybean oil content. The TOPSIS method revealed that the comprehensive assessment value first increased and then declined with increasing BC and N application. BC improved the performance of maize-soybean intercropping system in terms of yield, WUE, NRE, and quality while N fertilizer input was reduced. The highest grain yield in two years was achieved for BC of 17.1-23.0 t ha-1 and N of 156-213 kg ha-1 in 2021, and 12.0-18.8 t ha-1 BC and 161-202 kg ha-1 N in 2022. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the growth of maize-soybean intercropping system and its potential to enhance the production in northeast China.
Mendelian randomization indicates a causal contribution of type 2 diabetes to retinal vein occlusion

Background Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a common retinal vascular disease that can cause severe visual impairment. Many observational studies have shown that type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is associated with RVO, but it remains unknown if the association is causal. The present study aimed to perform Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to evaluate the causal contribution of genetically predicted T2DM to RVO. Methods We obtained summary-level data from a genome-wide association study meta-analysis including 48,286 cases and 250,671 controls for T2DM and from a genome wide association study of 372 cases and 182,573 controls in the FinnGen project for RVO. To verify the robustness of the results, an independent validation dataset for T2DM (12,931 cases and 57,196 controls) was used. In addition to the main MR analysis using the inverse variance weighted (fixed effect) approach, sensitivity analyses and multivariable MR adjusting for common risk factors of RVO were conducted. Results Genetically predicted T2DM was found to be causally associated with RVO risk (odds ratio (OR)=2.823, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.072-3.847, P=4.868×10-11). This association was supported by sensitivity analyses using the weighted median (OR=2.415, 95% CI: 1.411-4.132, P=1.294×10-3), weighted mode (OR=2.370, 95% CI: 1.321-4.252, P=5.159×10-3), maximum likelihood (OR=2.871, 95% CI: 2.100-3.924, P=3.719×10-11), MR-PRESSO (OR=2.823, 95% CI: 2.135-3.733, P=5.150×10-10), and MR-Egger (OR=2.441, 95% CI: 1.149-5.184, P=2.335×10-2) methods. In addition, this association persisted in multivariable MR after accounting for common RVO risk factors (OR=1.748, 95% CI: 1.238-2.467, P=1.490×10-3). The MR analyses using the validation dataset obtained consistent results. Conclusion This study indicates that genetically predicted T2DM may have a causal contribution to RVO. Future studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Primary renal mucinous adenocarcinoma masquerading as a giant renal cyst: a case report

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the kidney is rarely reported in the literature. We present a previously unreported mucinous adenocarcinoma arising from the renal parenchyma. A 55-year-old male patient with no complaints showed a large cystic hypodense lesion in the upper left kidney on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan. A left renal cyst was initially considered, and a partial nephrectomy (PN) was performed. During the operation, a large amount of jelly-like mucus and bean-curd-like necrotic tissue was found in the focus. The pathological diagnosis was mucinous adenocarcinoma, and further systemic examination revealed no clinical evidence of primary disease elsewhere. Then the patient underwent left radical nephrectomy (RN), and the cystic lesion was found in the renal parenchyma, while neither the collecting system nor the ureters were involved. Postoperative sequential chemotherapy and radiotherapy were administered, and no signs of disease recurrence were observed over 30 months of follow-up. Based on a literature review, we summarize the lesion with rarity and the associated dilemma in preoperative diagnosis and treatment. Given the high degree of malignancy, a careful history analysis accompanied by dynamic observation of imaging and tumor markers is recommended for the diagnosis of the disease. Comprehensive treatment based on surgery may improve its clinical outcomes.
Integrin β6 deficiency protects mice from experimental colitis and colitis-associated carcinoma by altering macrophage polarization

Background Given the key role of integrins in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, anti-integrin biologics in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are being investigated in full swing. However, the unsatisfactory efficacy and safety of current anti-integrin biologics in clinical trials limit their widespread use in clinic. Therefore, it is particularly important to find a target that is highly and specifically expressed in the intestinal epithelium of patients with IBD. Methods The function of integrin αvβ6 in IBD and colitis-associated carcinoma (CAC) with the underlying mechanisms has been less studied. In the present study, we detected the level of integrin β6 within inflammation including colitis tissues in human and mouse. To investigate the role of integrin β6 in IBD and CAC, integrin β6 deficient mice were hence generated based on the construction of colitis and CAC model. Results We noted that integrin β6 was significantly upregulated in inflammatory epithelium of patients with IBD. Integrin β6 deletion not only reduced infiltration of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but also attenuated disruption of tight junctions between colonic epithelial cells. Meanwhile, lack of integrin β6 affected macrophage infiltration in mice with colitis. This study further revealed that lack of integrin β6 could inhibit tumorigenesis and tumor progression in CAC model by influencing macrophage polarization, which was also involved in attenuating the degree of intestinal symptoms and inflammatory responses in mice suffering from colitis. Conclusions The present research provides a potentially new perspective and option for the treatment of IBD and CAC.
Epigenetic regulation of SST2 expression in small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors

Background Somatostatin receptor type 2 (SST2) expression is critical for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors and is associated with improved patient survival. Recent data suggest that epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and histone modifications play an important role in regulating SST2 expression and tumorigenesis of NETs. However, there are limited data on the association between epigenetic marks and SST2 expression in small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs). Methods Tissue samples from 16 patients diagnosed with SI-NETs and undergoing surgical resection of the primary tumor at Erasmus MC Rotterdam were analysed for SST2 expression levels and epigenetic marks surrounding the SST2 promoter region, i.e. DNA methylation and histone modifications H3K27me3 and H3K9ac. As a control, 13 normal SI-tissue samples were included. Results The SI-NET samples had high SST2 protein and mRNA expression levels; a median (IQR) of 80% (70-95) SST2-positive cells and 8.2 times elevated SST2 mRNA expression level compared to normal SI-tissue (p=0.0042). In comparison to normal SI-tissue, DNA methylation levels and H3K27me3 levels were significantly lower at five out of the eight targeted CpG positions and at two out of the three examined locations within the SST2 gene promoter region of the SI-NET samples, respectively. No differences in the level of activating histone mark H3K9ac were observed between matched samples. While no correlation was found between histone modification marks and SST2 expression, SST2 mRNA expression levels correlated negatively with DNA methylation within the SST2 promoter region in both normal SI-tissue and SI-NETs (p=0.006 and p=0.04, respectively). Conclusion SI-NETs have lower SST2 promoter methylation levels and lower H3K27me3 methylation levels compared to normal SI-tissue. Moreover, in contrast to the absence of a correlation with SST2 protein expression levels, significant negative correlations were found between SST2 mRNA expression level and the mean level of DNA methylation within the SST2 promoter region in both normal SI-tissue and SI-NET tissue. These results indicate that DNA methylation might be involved in regulating SST2 expression. However, the role of histone modifications in SI-NETs remains elusive.
Bayesian hypothesis testing for key comparisons

Unilateral degrees of equivalence are the key result in the analysis of key comparison data and they are used to approve, or disapprove, calibration and measurement capabilities of the participating laboratories. To this end, it is checked whether a degree of equivalence differs significantly from zero. Proceeding in such a way can be viewed as carrying out a classical hypothesis test. We develop a Bayesian counterpart to this approach which has the advantage that it can include prior assessment of the corresponding Consultative Committee about the calibration and measurement capabilities of the participating laboratories. Simple expressions are derived and their implementation is provided in terms of MATLAB® and R programs. The novel procedure is illustrated by its application to two recent key comparisons CCL-K1 and CCM.FF-K4.1. 2011.
Note on the equivalence of hierarchical variational models and auxiliary deep generative models

This note compares two recently published machine learning methods for constructing flexible, but tractable families of variational hidden-variable posteriors. The first method, called "hierarchical variational models" enriches the inference model with an extra variable, while the other, called "auxiliary deep generative models", enriches the generative model instead. We conclude that the two methods are mathematically equivalent.
Social enablers of Industry 4.0 technology adoption: transformational leadership and emotional intelligence

PurposeMany manufacturers are exploring adopting smart technologies in their operations, also referred to as the shift towards “Industry 4.0”. Employees' contribution to high-tech initiatives is key to successful Industry 4.0 technology adoption, but few studies have examined the determinants of employee acceptance. This study, therefore, aims to explore how managers affect employees' acceptance of Industry 4.0 technology, and, in turn, Industry 4.0 technology adoption.Design/methodology/approachRooted in the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model and social exchange theory, this inductive research follows an in-depth comparative case study approach. The two studied Dutch manufacturing firms engaged in the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in their primary processes, including cyber-physical systems and augmented reality. A mix of qualitative methods was used, consisting of field visits and 14 semi-structured interviews with managers and frontline employees engaged in Industry 4.0 technology adoption.FindingsThe cross-case comparison introduces the manager's need to adopt a transformational leadership style for employees to accept Industry 4.0 technology adoption as an organisational-level factor that extends existing Industry 4.0 technology user acceptance theorising. Secondly, manager's and employee's recognition and serving of their own and others' emotions through emotional intelligence are proposed as an additional individual-level factor impacting employees' acceptance and use of Industry 4.0 technologies.Originality/valueSynthesising these insights with those from the domain of Organisational Behaviour, propositions were derived from theorising the social aspects of effective Industry 4.0 technology adoption.
Analysis of Imperative Sentences in Tasya Farasya's Skincare Video Tutorial on YouTube

In order to follow the procedures for utilizing good and appropriate skincare in the Tasya Farasya skincare lesson youtube video, this study intends to uncover the types of imperative sentences in the film. Sentences with imperatives are those that issue commands. Oral or written instructions may be given for this. According to the Great Dictionary of the Indonesian Language (KBBI), imperative sentences serve as directives or orders in general. An imperative statement directs or asks the listener to act in the speaker's preferred way. The research methodology utilized in this study is qualitative research, which aims to understand what the research subject is feeling by expressing it in language or words in a context using a scientific technique. The author of this study has chosen to use a qualitative method of research because the researcher's title is more focused on describing something, and the qualitative design is consistent with the researcher's title given that this study also aims to analyze the imperative sentences found in Tasya Farasya's YouTube videos. This study adopted a descriptive qualitative methodology.
Sub‐types of insomnia in adolescents: Insights from a quantitative/molecular twin study

Abstract Background Insomnia with short sleep duration has been postulated as more severe than that accompanied by normal/long sleep length. While the short duration subtype is considered to have greater genetic influence than the other subtype, no studies have addressed this question. This study aimed to compare these subtypes in terms of: (1) the heritability of insomnia symptoms; (2) polygenic scores (PGS) for insomnia symptoms and sleep duration; (3) the associations between insomnia symptoms and a wide variety of traits/disorders. Methods The sample comprised 4000 pairs of twins aged 16 from the Twins Early Development Study. Twin models were fitted to estimate the heritability of insomnia in both groups. PGS were calculated for self‐reported insomnia and sleep duration and compared among participants with short and normal/long sleep duration. Results Heritability was not significantly different in the short sleep duration group (A = 0.13 [95%CI = 0.01, 0.32]) and the normal/long sleep duration group (A = 0.35 [95%CI = 0.29, 0.40]). Shared environmental factors accounted for a substantial proportion of the variance in the short sleep duration group (C = 0.19 [95%CI = 0.05, 0.32]) but not in the normal/long sleep duration group (C = 0.00 [95%CI = 0.00, 0.04]). PGS did not differ significantly between groups although results were in the direction expected by the theory. Our results also showed that insomnia with short (as compared to normal/long) sleep duration had a stronger association with anxiety and depression (p < .05)—although not once adjusting for multiple testing. Conclusions We found mixed results in relation to the expected differences between the insomnia subtypes in adolescents. Future research needs to further establish cut‐offs for ‘short’ sleep at different developmental stages and employ objective measures of sleep.
Hall effects on hydromagnetic free convection in a heated vertical channel in the presence of an inclined magnetic field and thermal radiation

An analytical study on unsteady hydromagnetic free convective flow of a viscous incompressible electrically conducting fluid in the presence of an inclined magnetic field taking Hall currents into account has been presented. The governing equations are solved analytically using the Laplace transform technique. The variations of the fluid velocity components and the fluid temperature are shown graphically and are discussed. The shear stresses and the rate of heat transfer at the channel plates are derived. The results are shown in figures and tables followed by a quantitative discussion.
Gender Differences in Emotional and Behavioral Problems of Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study on Talented School Students in Iran (2019)

Background: A considerable percentage of school-age children and adolescents have signs and symptoms of mental health problems. Gender differences can also be important in mental health status. In Iran, talented students are selected through an entrance exam to enter special schools called SAMPAD. Mental health problems in talented school students can also be affected by gender. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of mental health problems of Iranian students studying in SAMPAD junior high schools, aiming to identify gender differences in emotional and behavioral problems. Methods: The study population of this cross-sectional study consisted of male and female students aged 12 - 15 years, in the seventh, eighth, and ninth grades studying in SAMPAD schools of Semnan province, Iran, within the academic year of 2019 - 2020. Sampling was performed by the stratified-cluster random method. The tool used to assess students’ mental health was the standardized Persian version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire related to adolescence, which is used to screen mental health problems in 11-17-year-old adolescents. Results: A total of 112 (52 boys and 60 girls, mean age: 14.0 ± 0.8 years) and their parents participated in the study. The prevalence of mental health problems was estimated at 19.6% (95% CI: 12.3 - 27.0%) and 14.3% (95% CI: 7.8 - 20.8%) according to the student questionnaire and the parents’ questionnaire, respectively. Based on the questionnaire completed by the students, the lack of prosocial behaviors was higher in female students (25% compared to 7.7%, P = 0.017). Based on the questionnaire completed by the parents, it was still significantly higher in female students than in male students (31.7% compared to 7.7%, P = 0.001). The frequency of conduct problems was higher in boys than in girls, according to the parents’ questionnaire (26.9% compared to 10%, P = 0.026). Conclusions: Girls regarding strengthening prosocial behaviors and boys regarding conduct problems require attention and effective action in SAMPAD junior high schools. Screening programs and holding periodic consultations to timely diagnose the problems mentioned above are recommended to the school officials and parents of students.