Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Effect and Safety of Preservative-Free And Preservative-Containing Brimonidine/Timolol Fixed-Combination Ophthalmic Solutions in Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of newly developed preservative-free (PF) brimonidine/timolol fixed-combination (BTFC) ophthalmic solutions and a preservative-containing (PC) BTFC ophthalmic solution in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Methods: This study was conducted as a multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PF BTFC as compared with PC BTFC in adult patients (aged ≥ 19 years) with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). A total of the 106 patients were enrolled, with 53 patients each randomized to the two treatment groups and included in the analysis of the safety set (SS). After a washout period, patients with an IOP below 35 mmHg at 9 a.m. were enrolled. After a full ophthalmic and glaucoma examination, a total of 106 OAG and OHT patients were randomized to the PF group or PC group. All subjects were examined 4 and 12 weeks after first administration. At each follow-up visit, IOP was measured at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and the efficacy, safety, and compliance were evaluated. Throughout the study, all adverse events were recorded and monitored by the investigators. Results The mean IOP changes from baseline to 12 weeks at 11:00 a.m. were −3.45 ± 2.53 mmHg in the PF group and −3.65 ± 2.76 mmHg in the PC group (p < .0001 for both). The difference in mean IOP change between the two groups was 0.20 ± 2.65 mmHg, which was not significantly different. The proportion of patients with IOP reductions of ≥ 15% and ≥ 20% and IOP at all-time points in the PF group were not significantly different when compared with in the PC group. There were no specific differences between the two groups regarding the incidence of adverse events. Conclusions PF BTFC ophthalmic solution shows a similar efficacy and safety profile to that of PC BTFC.
‘Enhancing’ red cell fate through epigenetic mechanisms

Purpose of review Transcription of erythroid-specific genes is regulated by the three-dimensional (3D) structure and composition of chromatin, which dynamically changes during erythroid differentiation. Chromatin organization and dynamics are regulated by several epigenetic mechanisms involving DNA (de-)methylation, posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of histones, chromatin-associated structural proteins, and higher-order structural changes and interactions. This review addresses examples of recent developments in several areas delineating the interface of chromatin regulation and erythroid-specific lineage transcription. Recent findings We survey and discuss recent studies that focus on the erythroid chromatin landscape, erythroid enhancer-promotor interactions, super-enhancer functionality, the role of chromatin modifiers and epigenetic crosstalk, as well as the progress in mapping red blood cell (RBC) trait-associated genetic variants within cis-regulatory elements (CREs) identified in genome-wide association study (GWAS) efforts as a step toward determining their impact on erythroid-specific gene expression. Summary As one of the best characterized and accessible cell differentiation systems, erythropoiesis has been at the forefront of studies aiming to conceptualize how chromatin dynamics regulate transcription. New emerging technologies that bring a significantly enhanced spatial and temporal resolution of chromatin structure, and allow investigation of small cell numbers, have advanced our understanding of chromatin dynamics during erythroid differentiation in vivo.
Thermal ablation in adrenal disorders: a discussion of the technology, the clinical evidence and the future

Purpose of review To summarise the emerging role of thermal ablation as a therapeutic modality in the management of functioning adrenal tumours and metastases to the adrenal gland. Recent findings Observational evidence has demonstrated the benefit of thermal ablation in (i) resolving adrenal endocrinopathy arising from benign adenomas, (ii) treating solitary metastases to the adrenal and (iii) controlling metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma and phaeochromocytoma/paraganglioma. Summary Microwave thermal ablation offers a promising, minimally invasive therapeutic modality for the management of functioning adrenocortical adenomas and adrenal metastases. Appropriate technological design, treatment planning and choice of imaging modality are necessary to overcome technical challenges associated with this emerging therapeutic approach.
Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in underweight and obesity in 5-year-old children, 2011–2018: a population-based, repeated cross-sectional study

Objective To explore trends in prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities in underweight and obesity in 5-year-old schoolchildren in Scotland between 2011/2012 and 2017/2018. Design A population-based, repeated cross-sectional study. Setting Local authority primary schools in Scotland. Participants 373 189 5-year-old schoolchildren in Scotland between 2011/2012 and 2017/2018. Methodology Trends in prevalence and inequalities in underweight and obesity were examined across seven school years (2011/2012–2017/2018) for 373 189 5-year-old schoolchildren in Scotland. Body mass index SD scores were calculated, and epidemiological cut-offs relative to the UK 1990 references categorised underweight and obesity. Slope/relative indices of inequality (SII/RII) were calculated for underweight and obesity by school year using the area-based Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. Results The prevalence of obesity rose slightly overall during the study period (9.8% in 2011/2012; 10.1% in 2017/2018). However, this masked a widening of inequalities, with children from the most deprived areas experiencing a greater risk of obesity in 2017/2018 than in 2011/2012 (risk ratio=1.14, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.25) compared with an unchanged risk in children from the least deprived areas (risk ratio=0.95, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.11). SII and RII indicate widening inequalities for obesity, with RII rising from 1.95 (95% CI 1.71 to 2.22) in 2011/2012 to 2.22 (95% CI 1.93 to 2.56) in 2017/2018. The prevalence of underweight was consistently low (compared with the UK 1990 references) and remained unchanged over the study period (1.2% in 2011/2012; 1.1% in 2017/2018), with no consistent evidence of social patterning over time. Conclusions Inequalities in obesity in schoolchildren in Scotland are large and have widened from 2011, despite only a slight rise in overall prevalence. In contrast there has been little change in underweight prevalence or inequalities during the study period. Extra resources for policy implementation and measures which do not widen inequalities and focus on reaching the most deprived children are required to tackle the high prevalence and growing inequalities in childhood obesity in Scotland.
ZFTA-RELA Dictates Oncogenic Transcriptional Programs to Drive Aggressive Supratentorial Ependymoma.

Over 60% of supratentorial (ST) ependymomas harbor a ZFTA-RELA (ZRfus) gene fusion (formerly C11orf95-RELA). To study the biology of ZRfus, we developed an autochthonous mouse tumor model using in utero electroporation (IUE) of the embryonic mouse brain. Integrative epigenomic and transcriptomic mapping was performed on IUE driven ZRfus tumors by CUT&RUN, ChIP, ATAC, and RNA sequencing and compared to human ZRfus driven ependymoma. In addition to direct canonical NF-kB pathway activation, ZRfus dictates a neoplastic transcriptional program and binds to thousands of unique sites across the genome that are enriched with Plagl family transcription factor (TF) motifs. ZRfus activates gene expression programs through recruitment of transcriptional co-activators (Brd4, Ep300, Cbp, Pol2) that are amenable to pharmacologic inhibition. Downstream ZRfus target genes converge on developmental programs marked by Plagl transcription factor proteins, and activate neoplastic programs enriched in Mapk, focal adhesion, and gene imprinting networks.
The effect of soft‐segment structure on the properties of novel thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers based on an unconventional chain extender

Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs) are now widely used because of their excellent properties that include high tensile and tear strength, and good abrasion, impact and chemical resistance. TPUs are multiblock copolymers with alternating sequences of hard segments composed of diisocyanates and simple diols (chain extenders) and soft segments formed by polymer diols. Commonly used hard segments for TPUs are derived from 4,4 � -diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and aliphatic diols. The aim of our research was to examine the possibility of obtaining TPUs with good tensile properties and thermal stability by using an unconventional aliphatic-aromatic chain extender, containing sulfide linkages. Three series of novel TPUs were synthesized by melt polymerization from poly(oxytetramethylene) diol, poly(e-caprolactone) diol or poly(hexane-1,6-diyl carbonate) diol of number-average molecular weight of 2000 g mol −1 as soft segments, MDI and 3,3 � [methylenebis(1,4-phenylenemethylenethio)]dipropan-1-ol as a chain extender. The structure and basic properties of the polymers were examined using Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Shore hardness and tensile tests. It is possible to synthesize TPUs from the aliphatic-aromatic chain extender with good tensile properties (strength up to 42.6 MPa and elongation at break up to 750%) and thermal stability. Because the structure of the newly obtained TPUs incorporates sulfur atoms, the TPUs can exhibit improved antibacterial activity and adhesive properties. c � 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Deficient auditory emotion processing but intact emotional multisensory integration in alexithymia

Abstract Alexithymia has been associated with emotion recognition deficits in both auditory and visual domains. Although emotions are inherently multimodal in daily life, little is known regarding abnormalities of emotional multisensory integration (eMSI) in relation to alexithymia. Here, we employed an emotional Stroop‐like audiovisual task while recording event‐related potentials (ERPs) in individuals with high alexithymia levels (HA) and low alexithymia levels (LA). During the task, participants had to indicate whether a voice was spoken in a sad or angry prosody while ignoring the simultaneously presented static face which could be either emotionally congruent or incongruent to the human voice. We found that HA performed worse and showed higher P2 amplitudes than LA independent of emotion congruency. Furthermore, difficulties in identifying and describing feelings were positively correlated with the P2 component, and P2 correlated negatively with behavioral performance. Bayesian statistics showed no group differences in eMSI and classical integration‐related ERP components (N1 and N2). Although individuals with alexithymia indeed showed deficits in auditory emotion recognition as indexed by decreased performance and higher P2 amplitudes, the present findings suggest an intact capacity to integrate emotional information from multiple channels in alexithymia. Our work provides valuable insights into the relationship between alexithymia and neuropsychological mechanisms of emotional multisensory integration.
Nitrogen addition stimulates soil aggregation and enhances carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems of China: A meta‐analysis

China is experiencing a high level of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, which greatly affects the soil carbon (C) dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil aggregation contributes to the stability of soil structure and to soil C sequestration. Although many studies have reported the effects of N enrichment on bulk soil C dynamics, the underlying mechanisms explaining how soil aggregates respond to N enrichment remain unclear. Here, we used a meta‐analysis of data from 76N manipulation experiments in terrestrial ecosystems in China to assess the effects of N enrichment on soil aggregation and its sequestration of C. On average, N enrichment significantly increased the mean weight diameter of soil aggregates by 10%. The proportion of macroaggregates and silt‐clay fraction were significantly increased (6%) and decreased (9%) by N enrichment, respectively. A greater response of macroaggregate C (+15%) than of bulk soil C (+5%) to N enrichment was detected across all ecosystems. However, N enrichment had minor effects on microaggregate C and silt‐clay C. The magnitude of N enrichment effect on soil aggregation varied with ecosystem type and fertilization regime. Additionally, soil pH declined consistently and was correlated with soil aggregate C. Overall, our meta‐analysis suggests that N enrichment promotes particulate organic C accumulation via increasing macroaggregate C and acidifying soils. In contrast, increases in soil aggregation could inhibit microbially mediated breakdown of soil organic matter, causing minimal change in mineral‐associated organic C. Our findings highlight that atmospheric N deposition may enhance the formation of soil aggregates and their sequestration of C in terrestrial ecosystems in China.
Proof of concept: predicting the onset of meat spoilage by an integrated oxygen sensor spot in MAP packages

During storage of modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) meat, the initial microbiota grows to high cell numbers, resulting in perceptible spoilage after exceeding a specific threshold level. This study analyses, whether elevated oxygen consumption in the headspace of MA‐packages would enable a prediction method for meat spoilage. We monitored the growth of single spoiling species inoculated on high‐oxygen MAP beef and poultry, performed sensorial analysis and determined oxygen concentrations of the headspace via a non‐invasive sensor spot technology. We detected microbial headspace oxygen consumption occurring prior to perceptible meat spoilage for certain species inoculated on beef steaks. However, headspace oxygen consumption and cell counts at the onset of spoilage were highly species‐dependent, which resulted in a strong (Brochothrix thermosphacta) and moderate (Leuconostoc gelidum subspecies) decrease of the headspace oxygen content. No linear decrease of the headspace oxygen could be observed for Carnobacterium divergens and Carnobacterium maltaromaticum inoculated on poultry meat. We demonstrate the applicability of an incorporated oxygen sensor spot technology in MAP meat packages for detection of spoilage in individual packages prior to its perceptible onset. This enables individual package evaluation and sorting within retail, and consequently reduces meat disposal as waste.
Use of a dispersed molybdenum catalyst and mechanistic studies for upgrading extra-heavy crude oil using methane as source of hydrogen

A dispersed molybdenum catalyst, derived from MoO2(acac)2 (where acac = acetylacetonate), was used for upgrading extra-heavy crude oil in the presence of methane as source of hydrogen. The experiments were carried out in a batch reactor at a final CH4 pressure of 11 MPa, 410 °C, for 1 h. An increase of 7° in the API gravity, 16% of reduction in sulfur content, and 55% conversion of the >500 °C fraction with respect to the original crude was found. The catalyst was analyzed by XPS and EDAX from the coke isolated from the upgrading reaction and it was confirmed that molybdenum is present as MoS2. By XPS and SIMS, mechanistic studies were carried out using MoS2 synthesized on a pure molybdenum sheet. A mechanism for addition of the methane to crude oil is proposed which involves activation of CH4 by the MoS2 catalyst generating CHx and H4-x species on the catalyst surface (where x = 1, 2, or 3). The CHx moiety can be added to the hydrocarbon molecules, forming methylated products. By carbon isotope ratio mas.
Global model of low-temperature atmospheric-pressure He + H2O plasmas

A detailed global model of atmospheric-pressure He + H2O plasmas is presented in this paper. The model incorporates 46 species and 577 reactions. Based on simulation results obtained with this comprehensive model, the main species and reactions are identified, and simplified models capable of capturing the main physicochemical processes in He + H2O discharges are suggested. The accuracy of the simplified models is quantified and assessed for changes in water concentration, input power and electrode configuration. Simplified models can reduce the number of reactions by a factor of ∼10 while providing results that are within a factor of two of the detailed model. The simulation results indicate that Penning processes are the main ionization mechanism in this kind of discharge (1–3000 ppm of water), and water clusters of growing size are found to be the dominant charged species when the water concentration is above ∼100 ppm. Simulation results also predict a growing electronegative character of the discharge with increasing water concentration. The use of He + H2O discharges for the generation of reactive oxygen species of interest in biomedical applications and the green production of hydrogen peroxide are also discussed. Although it would be unrealistic to draw conclusions regarding the efficacy of these processes from a zero-dimensional global model, the results indicate the potential suitability of He + H2O plasmas for these two applications.
Morphometric measurements in thoracal vertebral fractures

In this study, we aimed to compare the pedicle morphometric measurements of patients with thoracic vertebral fractures, who were admitted to the emergency department after trauma, and normal population, with the help of tomography. 252 patients with thoracic vertebral fracture between January 2017 and December 2019 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two as operated (Group 1, n: 169) and non-operated (Group 2, n: 83) groups. Transverse and sagittal pedicle diameters of all patients' thoracic vertebrae were measured by computed tomography. These values were compared with the normal population. 252 patients (148 male) were included in the study. Most of the fractures were seen in the T12 vertebrae. The least affected vertebrae were T1 and T2. In males, the thinnest transverse pedicle diameter was measured at the T4 while the thickest transverse pedicle was measured at the T12 level. In females, the thinnest transverse pedicle was measured at the T6 level while the thickest transverse pedicle was measured at the T12 level. In men, the thinnest sagittal pedicle was measured at the T3 level while the thickest sagittal pedicle was measured at the T12 level. The thinnest sagittal pedicle diameter was measured at the T7 vertebra level while the thickest sagittal pedicle was measured at the T12 level. Transverse and sagittal pedicle measurements were found to be higher in males than in females at almost all thoracic vertebra levels. Transverse and sagittal pedicle diameters of patients with thoracic vertebral fracture were significantly lesser than normal population. Pedicle diameter reveals significant individual and segmental differences in the thoracic region. Patients with similar traumas, who also have a pedicle diameter below the mean value, are more likely to develop fractures.
What makes university students perfectionists? The role of childhood trauma, emotional dysregulation, academic anxiety, and social support.

While most studies concentrate on the negative psychological consequences of perfectionism, we know less about its antecedents. This study examined the relationship between adverse childhood experiences, difficulties in emotion regulation, academic anxiety and social support and maladaptive perfectionism among university students. A large sample of 1,750 students (81% female; M = 21.6 years, SD = 4.8) completed an online self-report survey assessing these constructs. Relative to males, female participants recorded higher scores for difficulties in emotion regulation, perceived social support and debilitating anxiety but not for perfectionism. In line with previous studies, perfectionism was positively related to difficulties in emotion regulation and childhood trauma, with the former being the stronger predictive variable. Debilitating academic anxiety was also a positive but much weaker contributor. In contrast, perceived social support was a significant negative predictor of perfectionism, suggesting that perfectionists can benefit from social connections. Age and gender did not play a role in perfectionism scores. These findings draw attention to the predictive role of emotion regulation and childhood adverse experiences in maladaptive perfectionism and stimulate further research into exploring its association with social support and test anxiety.
Aqueous sol-gel derived nanocomposite coating materials

Sol-gel reactions, in general, have to take place in organic solvents in order to control the hydrolysis and condensation reaction. This leads to drawbacks in applications, since the organic solvent vapor concnetration has to be controlled for example in ocoating applications for environmental, health or security reasons. For this reason, a reaction route has been developed to produce coating precursors stable against water as solvent. To achieve this, conventional electrostatically stabilized sols obtained either by hydrolysis and condensation or commercially availabe sols (e.g. SiO2 sols) have been surface modified to reduce the particle-to-particle interaction and electrosterically stabilized precursors compatible to water have been obtained. By use of alkoxy silanes as surface modifiers, water-dispersable nanoparticulate liquid coating systems have been prepared, for example, with boehmite, SiO2 or TiO2 as nanoparticles to be crosslinked after coating thermally by inorganic condensation and organic condensation or polymerization reactions. Thus, aqueous sol-gel coating systems have been prepared with EtOH contents below 5%. In the paper, the basic reaction as well as material properties will be discussed.
Breastfeeding During a Pandemic: The Influence of COVID-19 on Lactation Services in the Northeastern United States

Background Pandemic-related restrictions have limited traditional models of lactation support. Research Aims The primary aim of this study was to determine changes to breastfeeding support services during the coronavirus-2019 pandemic according to trained lactation providers. The secondary aim was to assess strengths and limitations of telehealth services. Methods A prospective survey was conducted entirely online using the Qualtrics platform during June 2020. Gatekeepers at Connecticut agencies and breastfeeding networks were forwarded an anonymous survey link to distribute to eligible lactation staff. Results A variety of participants (N = 39) completed the survey and the majority (69.2%; n = 27) were providing only telehealth services. More than half (58.1%; n = 18) of the participants who conducting telehealth in any form, found that virtual lactation support was moderately effective compared to in-person support. Weakness of virtual support included technical and logistical difficulties, challenges assisting with latching or reading body language over the phone or online, and accurately assessing infant growth. Strengths related to virtual support included the flexibility and convenience of home-based support, expanded communication strategies, and safety from virus exposure. Further, visits with a lactation professional decreased significantly during the pandemic. Limited in-hospital and pediatrician support were also noted, particularly among groups without access to telehealth resources. Conclusions As a result of the pandemic and associated shifts in lactation services, breastfeeding disparities may be further exacerbated among those without equitable access to lactation support. Challenges and innovations in virtual support may influence adaptive options in the field moving forward.