Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Red cell exchange transfusions increase cerebral capillary transit times and may alter oxygen extraction in sickle cell disease

Persons with sickle cell disease (SCD) suffer from chronic hemolytic anemia, reduced blood oxygen content, and lifelong risk of silent and overt stroke. Major conventional stroke risk factors are absent in most individuals with SCD, yet nearly 50% have evidence of brain infarcts by the age of 30 years, indicating alternative etiologies for ischemia. We investigated whether radiological evidence of accelerated blood water transit through capillaries, visible on arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging, reduces following transfusion‐induced increases in hemoglobin and relates to oxygen extraction fraction (OEF). Neurological evaluation along with anatomical and hemodynamic imaging with cerebral blood flow (CBF)‐weighted pseudocontinuous ASL and OEF imaging with T2‐relaxation‐under‐spin‐tagging were applied in sequence before and after blood transfusion therapy (n = 32) and in a comparator cohort of nontransfused SCD participants on hydroxyurea therapy scanned at two time points to assess stability without interim intervention (n = 13). OEF was calculated separately using models derived from human hemoglobin‐F, hemoglobin‐A, and hemoglobin‐S. Gray matter CBF and dural sinus signal, indicative of rapid blood transit, were evaluated at each time point and compared with OEF using paired statistical tests (significance: two‐sided p < 0.05). No significant change in sinus signal was observed in nontransfused participants (p = 0.650), but a reduction was observed in transfused participants (p = 0.034), consistent with slower red cell transit following transfusion. The dural sinus signal intensity was inversely associated with OEF pretransfusion (p = 0.011), but not posttransfusion. Study findings suggest that transfusion‐induced increases in total hemoglobin may lengthen blood transit times through cerebral capillaries and alter cerebral OEF in SCD.
Are antihistamines still used during omalizumab treatment for chronic spontaneous urticaria?

The guidelines for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) recommend adding omalizumab to the treatment of patients with uncontrolled disease despite four-fold doses of second-generation antihistamines (AH). On the contrary, some studies revealed that omalizumab was effective without concomitant AH and several authors suggest tapering off AH when CSU is controlled with omalizumab. The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of AH during treatment with omalizumab in patients with CSU in real clinical practice. This was a multicentre cross-sectional and observational study conducted by the Catalan and Balearic Chronic Urticaria Network (XUrCB) based on a cohort of 298 CSU patients treated with omalizumab. In total, 23.5% of our patients decided themselves to stop taking AH during omalizumab treatment. The ratio of patients with CSU without concomitant inducible urticaria and the percentage of patients with a good response to omalizumab (UAS7≤6 and/or UCT ≥ 12) were higher in those who stopped taking AH. More studies are required to identify the phenotypic characteristics of patients responding to omalizumab as monotherapy in order to avoid overtreating with AH. Our study suggests that patients with CSU without concomitant inducible urticaria and those who achieve a good response to omalizumab tend to be controlled by omalizumab without AH. In order to establish guidelines on how to stop AH, further evidenced-based studies are required.
Sea-Breeze Circulations over Cape York Peninsula and the Generation of Gulf of Carpentaria Cloud Line Disturbances

Abstract A numerical study of sea-breeze circulations over Cape York Peninsula in northern Australia is presented. Simulations using a two-dimensional version of the University of Virginia mesoscale model provide insight into the thermally induced circulations over the peninsula during the “dry” season under typical conditions of a prevailing easterly geostrophic flow. Calculations are performed for a wide southern cross section of the peninsula (400 km of land) and a narrow northern section (200 km of land), with terrain appropriate to these cross sections included. A southern section simulation without topography is discussed for comparison. Particular interest is focused on the collision of the east and west coast sea breezes. The possibility is explored that the double sea-breeze convergence may act as a trigger, not only for morning glory cloud line disturbances in the southern Gulf, but also for the so-called North Australian Cloud Line (NACL). The latter is a line of convective cloud which forms fr.
Comparative Efficacy of Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide and 5-Fluorouracil for Keloid Scars

Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC; a synthetic corticosteroid) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU; a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug) are the medications most commonly used to treat keloid scars. We investigated the clinical efficacy of TAC compared with 5-FU. We included 40 patients in the study and divided them into two equal groups (n = 20 Group A; n = 20 Group B). Group A patients received 4 mg/cm2 or 0.1 ml/cm2 of intralesional TAC (40 mg/ml) at 3-week intervals. Group B patients received 10 mg/cm2 or 0.2 ml/cm2 of intralesional 5-FU (50 mg/ml) at 3-week intervals. We assessed the scar using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), visual analog scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction score (PSS). We found that Group A patients had a lower VAS than Group B patients (2.09 vs. 3.18). We saw a reduction in the VSS in both treatment arms; however, we found that Group B patients had a more marked reduction in the VSS compared with Group A patients (2.57 vs. 2.68). The PSS was higher in Group A than in Group B (1.97 vs. 1.78). We concluded that intralesional 5-FU elicits a better response than intralesional TAC. Although 5-FU is less well tolerated and has more side effects than TAC, we found that 5-FU was more effective in resolving keloid scars. Notably, the PSS was higher in the TAC group, but the VSS and VAS were better in Group B.
Recent progress of visible light nulling interferometry and first 1 million null result

In order to detect directly faint planets around other stars it is important to develop techniques to cancel the central starlight. We report progress in terms of null depth on the visible nulling experiments at JPL, essential for NASAs future space missions as well as for an upcoming sounding rocket based experiment. A level of 1 Million to 1 nulling ratio (1e-6 rejection ratio) has been obtained for the first time for visible laser light, and a level of 100000 to 1 nulling ratio has been obtained for a relatively large (5%) bandpass at 650nm. Using a combination of a fiber array and deformable mirror a null of 1e-6 would correspond to a contrast of 1e-9 at a distance of 2-3$\lambda$ in the airy disk plane, only 10x away from TPFs goal. The configuration used was a fiber fed Mach Zender type interferometer, using 2 or 3 mirrors in each two arm, placed in an enclosed air container. For broadband light we used tilted dispersion glass plates in the nuller arms and an avalanche photon diode module to cover the large dynamic range. We describe a variety of conditions that have to be met and optimized to reach very deep nulls and sub-nanometer optical path difference stability, such as optical alignment, symmetry in the two arms, mechanical stability and vibration isolation.
The CHK2 kinase is recurrently mutated and functionally impaired in the germline of pediatric cancer patients

Predisposing CHEK2 germline variants are associated with various adult‐type malignancies, whereas their impact on cancer susceptibility in childhood cancer is unclear. To understand the frequency of germline variants in the CHEK2 gene and their impact on pediatric malignancies, we used whole‐exome sequencing to search for CHEK2 variants in the germlines of 418 children diagnosed with cancer in our clinics. Moreover, we performed functional analysis of the pathogenic CHEK2 variants to analyze the effect of the alterations on CHK2 protein function. We detected a CHEK2 germline variant in 32/418 (7.7%) pediatric cancer patients and 46.8% of them had leukemia. Functional analysis of the pathogenic variants revealed that 5 pathogenic variants impaired CHK2 protein function. 6/32 patients carried one of these clearly damaging CHEK2 variants and two of them harbored a matching family history of cancer. In conclusion, we detected germline CHEK2 variants in 7.7% of all pediatric cancer patients, of which a minority but still relevant fraction of approximately 20% had a profound impact on protein expression or its phosphorylation after irradiation‐induced DNA damage. Accordingly, we conclude that CHEK2 variants increase the risk for not only adult‐onset but also pediatric cancer.
TFG::MET‐rearranged soft tissue tumor: A rare infantile neoplasm with a distinct low‐grade triphasic morphology

This article presents 2 cases of TFG::MET‐rearranged mesenchymal tumor, an extremely rare molecular subset among an emerging group of mesenchymal neoplasms with kinase gene (NTRK, BRAF, RET and others) alterations. Both tumors were congenital, occurred in female patients and presented as huge masses on the trunk and thigh, measuring 18 and 20 cm in the largest dimension. Both cases showed identical areas with a distinctive triphasic morphology resembling fibrous hamartoma of infancy (FHI), consisting of haphazardly arranged ovoid to spindled cells traversed by variably cellular and hyalinized fascicles admixed with (most likely non‐neoplastic) adipose tissue. In other areas, a high‐grade infantile fibrosarcoma/malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor‐like (IFS/MPNST‐like) morphology was present in both cases. While the first case co‐expressed CD34 and S100 protein, the other case did not. When combined with the three previously reported MET‐rearranged cases (of which two harbored TFG::MET fusion), 3/5 and 3/4 of MET‐rearranged and TFG::MET fusion‐associated tumors, respectively exhibited similar triphasic FHI‐like low‐grade morphology. This points toward the existence of a relatively distinct morphological subset among kinase‐fusion‐associated tumors which seems to be strongly associated with MET fusions. It seems some of these low‐grade cases may transform into a high‐grade variant with IFS/MPNST‐like morphology as has been observed in other tumors with kinase gene fusions. While most cases seem to follow an indolent clinical course, the recognition of these tumors is clinically relevant as MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors might represent an effective treatment option for clinically aggressive or unresectable cases.
Determining whether older adults use similar strategies to young adults in theory of mind tasks.

OBJECTIVE Theory of mind - the ability to infer others' mental states - declines over the lifespan, potentially due to cognitive decline. However, it is unclear whether deficits emerge because older adults use the same strategies as young adults, albeit less effectively, or use different or no strategies. The current study compared the similarity of older adults' theory of mind errors to young adults' and a random model. METHODS 120 older adults (MAge = 74.68 years; 64 female) and 111 young adults (MAge = 19.1; 61 female) completed a novel theory of mind task (clips from an episode of the sitcom The Office®), and a standard measure of cognitive function (Logical Memory II). Monte Carlo resampling estimated the likelihood that older adults' error patterns were more similar to young adults' or a random distribution. RESULTS Age deficits emerged on the theory of mind task. Poorer performance was associated with less similarity to young adults' response patterns. Overall, older adults' response patterns were ~2.7 million times more likely to match young adults' than a random model. Critically, one-fourth of older adults' errors were more similar to the random distribution. Poorer memory ability contributed to this relationship. DISCUSSION Age deficits in theory of mind performance may be driven by a subset of older adults and be related to disparities in strategy use. A certain amount of cognitive ability may be necessary for older adults to engage similar strategies to young adults' during theory of mind.
Are we bad winners? Public understandings of the United Nations’ World Happiness Report among Finnish digital media and their readers

In this research, we investigate the public understanding of the World Happiness Report within the context of its highest-ranking country: Finland. We analyse how two actors, Finnish online media and their readers, understood the publication as well as the concept being measured: happiness. Digital media adopted an ambivalent stance towards both the World Happiness Report (‘sports victory’ vs ‘societal problems’) and the concept of happiness (‘reticence to define happiness’ vs ‘secrets of Finnish happiness’). Readers agreeing with the World Happiness Report define Finland as an ‘almost utopia’ while readers disagreeing with the World Happiness Report, in addition to presenting a reversed image of Finland (‘almost dystopia’), further justify their distrust towards the World Happiness Report by attacking the publication, its authors and the participants (Finns). Both actors carefully construct their understanding of happiness to fit their arguments aimed at the glorification/scandalization of the World Happiness Report.
Prognosis of older patients with newly diagnosed AML undergoing antileukemic therapy: A systematic review

Background and objective The prognostic value of age and other non-hematological factors in predicting outcomes in older patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing antileukemic therapy is not well understood. We performed a systematic review to determine the association between these factors and mortality and health-related quality of life or fatigue among these patients. Methods We searched Medline and Embase through October 2021 for studies in which researchers quantified the relationship between age, comorbidities, frailty, performance status, or functional status; and mortality and health-related quality of life or fatigue in older patients with AML receiving antileukemic therapy. We assessed the risk of bias of the included studies using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool, conducted random-effects meta-analyses, and assessed the quality of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Results We included 90 studies. Meta-analysis showed that age (per 5-year increase, HR 1.16 95% CI 1.11–1.21, high-quality evidence), comorbidities (Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-specific Comorbidity Index: 3+ VS less than 3, HR 1.60 95% CI 1.31–1.95, high-quality evidence), and performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group/ World Health Organization (ECOG/WHO): 2+ VS less than 2, HR 1.63 95% CI 1.43–1.86, high-quality evidence; ECOG/WHO: 3+ VS less than 3, HR 2.00 95% CI 1.52–2.63, moderate-quality evidence) were associated with long-term mortality. These studies provided inconsistent and non-informative results on short-term mortality (within 90 days) and quality of life. Conclusion High-quality or moderate-quality evidence support that age, comorbidities, performance status predicts the long-term prognosis of older patients with AML undergoing antileukemic treatment.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in multiple myeloma

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare and often fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by reactivation of the JC virus in the context of immune suppression such as HIV, malignancy, and certain immunomodulatory medications. PML has been reported only rarely in multiple myeloma patients, and its presenting features and natural history in this population are not well known. We describe six cases of PML among multiple myeloma patients treated at our institution between 2013 and 2022, including two that developed on or shortly after treatment with recently developed BCMA‐directed immunotherapies.
The Development of a Novel mHealth Tool for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Tracking Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Adherence as a Percentage of Time in Bed

Background Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the mainstay obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment; however, poor adherence to CPAP is common. Current guidelines specify 4 hours of CPAP use per night as a target to define adequate treatment adherence. However, effective OSA treatment requires CPAP use during the entire time spent in bed to optimally treat respiratory events and prevent adverse health effects associated with the time spent sleeping without wearing a CPAP device. Nightly sleep patterns vary considerably, making it necessary to measure CPAP adherence relative to the time spent in bed. Weight loss is an important goal for patients with OSA. Tools are required to address these clinical challenges in patients with OSA. Objective This study aimed to develop a mobile health tool that combined weight loss features with novel CPAP adherence tracking (ie, percentage of CPAP wear time relative to objectively assessed time spent in bed) for patients with OSA. Methods We used an iterative, user-centered process to design a new CPAP adherence tracking module that integrated with an existing weight loss app. A total of 37 patients with OSA aged 20 to 65 years were recruited. In phase 1, patients with OSA who were receiving CPAP treatment (n=7) tested the weight loss app to track nutrition, activity, and weight for 10 days. Participants completed a usability and acceptability survey. In phase 2, patients with OSA who were receiving CPAP treatment (n=21) completed a web-based survey about their interpretations and preferences for wireframes of the CPAP tracking module. In phase 3, patients with recently diagnosed OSA who were CPAP naive (n=9) were prescribed a CPAP device (ResMed AirSense10 AutoSet) and tested the integrated app for 3 to 4 weeks. Participants completed a usability survey and provided feedback. Results During phase 1, participants found the app to be mostly easy to use, except for some difficulty searching for specific foods. All participants found the connected devices (Fitbit activity tracker and Fitbit Aria scale) easy to use and helpful. During phase 2, participants correctly interpreted CPAP adherence success, expressed as percentage of wear time relative to time spent in bed, and preferred seeing a clearly stated percentage goal (“Goal: 100%”). In phase 3, participants found the integrated app easy to use and requested push notification reminders to wear CPAP before bedtime and to sync Fitbit in the morning. Conclusions We developed a mobile health tool that integrated a new CPAP adherence tracking module into an existing weight loss app. Novel features included addressing OSA-obesity comorbidity, CPAP adherence tracking via percentage of CPAP wear time relative to objectively assessed time spent in bed, and push notifications to foster adherence. Future research on the effectiveness of this tool in improving OSA treatment adherence is warranted.
ELECTRON EXCITATION COLLISION STRENGTHS FOR SINGLY IONIZED NITROGEN

Collision strengths for the astrophysically important lines in N ii have been calculated in the close-coupling approximation using the B-spline Breit–Pauli R-matrix method. The multiconfiguration Hartree–Fock method with term-dependent non-orthogonal orbitals is employed for an accurate representation of the target wave functions. The close-coupling expansion includes 58 bound levels of N ii. The 58 target levels belong to the terms of the ground 2s22p2 and singly excited 2s2p3, 2s22p3s, 2s22p3p, 2s22p3d, 2s22p4s, 2s22p4p, and 2s2p23s configurations. The effective collision strengths are obtained by averaging the electron collision strengths over a Maxwellian distribution of velocities and these are tabulated for all 1653 fine-structure transitions among the 58 levels at electron temperatures in the range from 500 to 100,000 K. The line strengths, oscillator strengths, and transition probabilities for all E1 transitions are tabulated. The present results are compared with a variety of other close-coupling calculations. There is an overall good agreement with the 23-state calculation by Hudson & Bell in most part, but some significant differences are also noted for some transitions.
Multiple papules on the hands and limbs in an 18‐year‐old male

in reducing lesion thickness as shown in our case. Success-ful treatment with acitretin has been anecdotally reported, with near to complete lesion clearance achieved after 3 months of treatment. 9,10 However, recurrence was noted within 2 months of dis-continuation of acitretin. 9 The side effects of acitretin must be balanced against its clinical benefits, with close monitoring by expe-rienced clinicians. AKV is a chronic disease with no spontaneous resolution, and long-term monitoring is important as rare cases of malignant transformation with interval development of squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthoma have been reported. 10,11
Effect of auto‐exhaust pollution on leaf anatomy and micromorphology of Pistacia vera L.

One of the important causes of air pollution is automobile emissions Automobile exhausts can be toxic and harmful to plants. In light of this, this study aimed to examine the anatomical and micromorphological effects of auto exhaust pollution on Pistacia vera L. (Pistachio), an important agricultural plant. Pistachio leaflet samples taken from heavy traffic areas and rural areas were compared anatomically and micromorphologically. Also, the data were statistically evaluated. As a result of the study, it was seen that there are anatomical and micromorphological differences between the plant in the rural area and the plant in the heavy traffic area in the city center where air pollution and the number of cars are high. In particular, significant differences were detected in the epidermis surface and cuticle structure, trichome cover, stomatal characteristics, as well as mesophyll width, and epidermis anticlinal outer wall width. As a result, the study revealed that the agriculturally important P. vera is affected by pollution anatomically and micromorphologically.
What’s Keeping Residents “Out of the Mainstream”: Challenges to Participation in the News Media for Older People Living in Residential Care

The voices of older people living in residential care are often excluded from news articles about residential care, and this exclusion was especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to identify and understand the barriers which may be obstructing the news media participation of older residents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 journalists, 7 administrators, and 12 residents. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis, which resulted in the following themes: (1) residents are physically separated from their communities; (2) journalists do not consider residents to be official sources for news stories; (3) administrators feel they must manage their care home’s reputation and control access to residents; and (4) journalists and administrators are not equipped to handle issues of consent and privacy. The role of ableism and ageism in the news reporting process is discussed.