Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Atypical Presentation of Amyloidosis in a Female Patient with Muscle Weakness

Muscle involvement represents a well-recognized but rare manifestation of amyloidosis. Here, we report a 40-year-old female who presented with muscle weakness, musculoskeletal pain, and proteinuria, which was eventually diagnosed as myopathic amyloidosis based on muscle biopsy results. A multidisciplinary approach appears to be the cornerstone of the diagnostic work up for recognizing the unusual amyloid myopathy.
T Cell Based Immunotherapy for Cancer: Approaches and Strategies

T cells are critical in destroying cancer cells by recognizing antigens presented by MHC molecules on cancer cells or antigen-presenting cells. Identifying and targeting cancer-specific or overexpressed self-antigens is essential for redirecting T cells against tumors, leading to tumor regression. This is achieved through the identification of mutated or overexpressed self-proteins in cancer cells, which guide the recognition of cancer cells by T-cell receptors. There are two main approaches to T cell-based immunotherapy: HLA-restricted and HLA-non-restricted Immunotherapy. Significant progress has been made in T cell-based immunotherapy over the past decade, using naturally occurring or genetically engineered T cells to target cancer antigens in hematological malignancies and solid tumors. However, limited specificity, longevity, and toxicity have limited success rates. This review provides an overview of T cells as a therapeutic tool for cancer, highlighting the advantages and future strategies for developing effective T cell cancer immunotherapy. The challenges associated with identifying T cells and their corresponding antigens, such as their low frequency, are also discussed. The review further examines the current state of T cell-based immunotherapy and potential future strategies, such as the use of combination therapy and the optimization of T cell properties, to overcome current limitations and improve clinical outcomes.
A numerical study on the importance of non-uniform index modification during femtosecond grating inscription in microstructured optical fibers

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) inscription methods based on femtosecond laser sources are becoming increasingly popular owing to the (usually) non-linear nature of the index modification mechanism and to the resulting advantages. They allow, for example, fabricating fiber gratings that can survive temperatures exceeding 700°C, which can be an asset in the domain of fiber sensing. However applying femtosecond laser based grating fabrication to microstructured optical fibers (MOFs) can be challenging due to the presence of the air holes in the fiber cladding. The microstructured cladding not only impedes light delivery to the core in most cases, but also causes a non-uniform intensity distribution in the MOF core. To deal with these challenges we present a modeling approach that allows simulating how the reflectivity of the grating and the nature of the index modulation are affected by the inscription conditions. We rely on transverse coupling simulations, empirical data and coupled mode analysis to model the induced index change and the resulting grating reflectivity. For IR femtosecond grating inscription we show that due to the intensity redistribution in the core region, irreversible Type II index changes can be induced in a MOF at laser peak intensities below the Type II threshold for step-index fibers. The resulting non-uniform induced index change has repercussions on the reflection spectrum of the grating as well. Our coupled mode analysis reveals, for example, that although the average index change in the core region can be high, the partial overlap of the core mode with the index change region limits the reflectivity of the grating.
Intestinal Microbiota and miRNA in IBD: A Narrative Review about Discoveries and Perspectives for the Future

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and comprises a chronic gastrointestinal tract disorder characterized by hyperactive and dysregulated immune responses to environmental factors, including gut microbiota and dietary components. An imbalance of the intestinal microbiota may contribute to the development and/or worsening of the inflammatory process. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been associated with various physiological processes, such as cell development and proliferation, apoptosis, and cancer. In addition, they play an important role in inflammatory processes, acting in the regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways. Differences in the profiles of miRNAs may represent a useful tool in the diagnosis of UC and CD and as a prognostic marker in both diseases. The relationship between miRNAs and the intestinal microbiota is not completely elucidated, but recently this topic has gained prominence and has become the target of several studies that demonstrate the role of miRNAs in the modulation of the intestinal microbiota and induction of dysbiosis; the microbiota, in turn, can regulate the expression of miRNAs and, consequently, alter the intestinal homeostasis. Therefore, this review aims to describe the interaction between the intestinal microbiota and miRNAs in IBD, recent discoveries, and perspectives for the future.
Influence of inorganic additives on ash adhesion to a metal mesh during bamboo powder combustion

Abstract If the high melting point oxides added to the bamboo powder, the ash adhesion on the metal mesh during combustion was counterproductive in some cases, but effective in others. For SiO2 addition, although the shrinkage temperature (SHT) and part fusion temperature (PFT) were higher than that for only bamboo combustion due to the formed KAlSiO4 whose melting temperature was 1750 °C, the amount of ash on the metal mesh decreased in some cases or increased in others with the additive mass percentage of SiO2. Because there was the ratio distribution of K2O to SiO2 in the bamboo ash which decided the minimum melting point, the amount of adhered ash had a large variation. For CaO addition, although the SHT and PFT were higher than that for only bamboo combustion, whether ash deposition was enhanced or reduced could be determined by the distribution of char present in the combusted ash, resulting in the adhesion on the Inconel mesh. Because the ash for only bamboo combustion had 13.6% char, not only CaCO3 but also Ca(OH)2 with a lower melting point than that of CaO were formed during combustion. On the other hand, for MgO powder addition, as the ash formed that could be adhered by MgO particles was fluffy, the adhesion mass decreased with the additive mass percentage. Then all fusion temperatures of SHT, PFT, and the full fusion temperature (FFT) for MgO addition were higher than that for only bamboo combustion.
Evaluation of Factors that Contribute to Low Utilization of Methods for Family Planning Among Adolescents at Adjumani Hospital, Adjumani District

Globally, approximately 80 million unintended pregnancies worldwide are accounted for low utilization of family planning (FP) methods during adolescent and postpartum period. Young people’s sexual and reproductive health affects their lives and the health of the global community. The purpose of this study was to find out factors that contribute to low utilization of Family Planning Methods among adolescents attending family planning clinic at Adjumani Hospital, Adjumani District. A cross-sectional and descriptive study which employed quantitative method of data collection was used for a period of four weeks and the study was conducted at Family Planning clinic in Adjumani Hospital. A purposive sampling method was used. Only 45 adolescent aged 12 to 20 years old attending Family Planning clinic freely assented/consented to participate in the study. The results showed 25 (56%) of the adolescent were of age range 18-20 years and 5 (11%) who were 12-14 years. 31 (69%) respondents agreed that their culture allowed the use of FP method. Only 14 (31%) participants said that their culture does not allow the use of family planning method and revealed that FP affects their fertility. They also said that the culture considered it as a crime in the community. Nearly 38 (84%) have ever visited family planning clinic while very few 7 (16%) have not visited, most 27 (71%) were attended by Nurse while only few 3 (8%) were attended by Doctor. The results from this study shows that respondents’ family planning use conflict with their cultural/religious belief and majority claimed that family planning encourages cheating in relationship. Keywords: Adolescents, Family Planning, fertility, condoms
The Onco-Nephrology Field: The Role of Personalized Chemotherapy to Prevent Kidney Damage

Simple Summary The onco-nephrology field: the interaction between cancer and kidney disease emphasizes the nephrology–oncology connection. This narrative review focuses on several aspects of this association. First of all, the availability of more effective chemotherapeutic agents, including stem cell therapies and biological drugs, has enhanced the survival of cancer patients. These therapeutic advances ameliorate the outcomes of cancer patients; nevertheless, they could induce secondary effects on renal function. As a consequence, some cancer survivors develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). On the other hand, the coexistence of CKD with cancer reduces the likelihood that cancer patients receive either the optimal anticancer therapy or the supportive care. Nephrologists should be aware of it, starting from an early cancer diagnosis; thus, it is important to set up nephroprotective supportive strategies to avoid the onset of acute kidney injury or the CKD worsening. Abstract In recent years, the onco-nephrology field has acquired a relevant role in internal medicine due to the growing number of cases of renal dysfunction that have been observed in cancer patients. This clinical complication can be induced by the tumor itself (for example, due to obstructive phenomena affecting the excretory tract or by neoplastic dissemination) or by chemotherapy, as it is potentially nephrotoxic. Kidney damage can manifest as acute kidney injury or represent a worsening of pre-existing chronic kidney disease. In cancer patients, physicians should try to set preventive strategies to safeguard the renal function, avoiding the concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs, personalizing the dose of chemotherapy according to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and using an appropriate hydration therapy in combination with nephroprotective compounds. To prevent renal dysfunction, a new possible tool useful in the field of onco-nephrology would be the development of a personalized algorithm for the patient based on body composition parameters, gender, nutritional status, GFR and genetic polymorphisms.
La inseguridad en América Latina ¿Cómo estamos?

Este artículo, de carácter descriptivo, presenta la situación de la seguridad en los países de América Latina y su evolucióndurante los últimos años a la luz de cuatro indicadores: tasa de homicidios por 100.000 habitantes, victimización por hogares,percepción de temor y confianza policial. La información se presenta de manera agregada para toda la región, por subregiones,que incluyen México y Centroamérica, los países andinos y el Cono Sur. También se incluyen los países del Caribe y Canadáy Estados Unidos cuando existe información disponible. Se hace un esfuerzo inicial por establecer las relaciones causalesentre estos indicadores. No se pretende, sin embargo, explicar la evolución de los indicadores ni dar cuenta de sus factorescausales.
Saying Hallo to M94's Stellar Halo: Investigating the Accretion History of the Largest Pseudobulge Host in the Local Universe

It is not yet settled how the combination of secular processes and merging gives rise to the bulges and pseudobulges of galaxies. The nearby (D ∼ 4.2 Mpc) disk galaxy M94 (NGC 4736) has the largest pseudobulge in the local universe, and offers a unique opportunity for investigating the role of merging in the formation of its pseudobulge. We present a first ever look at M94's stellar halo, which we expect to contain a fossil record of M94's past mergers. Using Subaru's Hyper Suprime-Cam, we resolve and identify red giant branch (RGB) stars in M94's halo, finding two distinct populations. After correcting for completeness through artificial star tests, we can measure the radial profile of each RGB population. The metal-rich RGB stars show an unbroken exponential profile to a radius of 30 kpc that is a clear continuation of M94's outer disk. M94's metal-poor stellar halo is detectable over a wider area and clearly separates from its metal-rich disk. By integrating the halo density profile, we infer a total accreted stellar mass of ∼2.8 × 108 M ⊙, with a median metallicity of [M/H] = −1.4. This indicates that M94's most-massive past merger was with a galaxy similar to, or less massive than, the Small Magellanic Cloud. Few nearby galaxies have had such a low-mass dominant merger; therefore we suggest that M94's pseudobulge was not significantly impacted by merging.
Genetic population structure of the Xiongnu Empire at imperial and local scales

The Xiongnu established the first nomadic imperial power, controlling the Eastern Eurasian steppe from ca. 200 BCE to 100 CE. Recent archaeogenetic studies identified extreme levels of genetic diversity across the empire, corroborating historical records of the Xiongnu Empire being multiethnic. However, it has remained unknown how this diversity was structured at the local community level or by sociopolitical status. To address this, we investigated aristocratic and local elite cemeteries at the western frontier of the empire. Analyzing genome-wide data from 18 individuals, we show that genetic diversity within these communities was comparable to the empire as a whole, and that high diversity was also observed within extended families. Genetic heterogeneity was highest among the lowest-status individuals, implying diverse origins, while higher-status individuals harbored less genetic diversity, suggesting that elite status and power was concentrated within specific subsets of the broader Xiongnu population.
Water transport in reverse osmosis membranes is governed by pore flow, not a solution-diffusion mechanism

We performed nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations and solvent permeation experiments to unravel the mechanism of water transport in reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. The NEMD simulations reveal that water transport is driven by a pressure gradient within the membranes, not by a water concentration gradient, in marked contrast to the classic solution-diffusion model. We further show that water molecules travel as clusters through a network of pores that are transiently connected. Permeation experiments with water and organic solvents using polyamide and cellulose triacetate RO membranes showed that solvent permeance depends on the membrane pore size, kinetic diameter of solvent molecules, and solvent viscosity. This observation is not consistent with the solution-diffusion model, where permeance depends on the solvent solubility. Motivated by these observations, we demonstrate that the solution-friction model, in which transport is driven by a pressure gradient, can describe water and solvent transport in RO membranes.
Diagnostic value of an increase in central venous pressure during SBT for prediction of weaning failure in mechanically ventilated patients: A cross‐sectional study

Timely and successful extubation is an essential step forward in clinical practice to minimize complications of mechanical ventilation and unsuccessful weaning processes. Thus, research into predictive factors of weaning outcome to optimize spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) precision before extubation is critical in intensive care practices. In this study, we aimed to investigate the predictive factors of the weaning outcome before and during SBT in mechanically ventilated patients.
Leveraging related health phenotypes for polygenic prediction of impulsive choice, impulsive action, and impulsive personality traits in 1534 European ancestry community adults

Impulsivity refers to a number of conceptually related phenotypes reflecting self‐regulatory capacity that are considered promising endophenotypes for mental and physical health. Measures of impulsivity can be broadly grouped into three domains, namely, impulsive choice, impulsive action, and impulsive personality traits. In a community‐based sample of ancestral Europeans (n = 1534), we conducted genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) of impulsive choice (delay discounting), impulsive action (behavioral inhibition), and impulsive personality traits (UPPS‐P), and evaluated 11 polygenic risk scores (PRSs) of phenotypes previously linked to self‐regulation. Although there were no individual genome‐wide significant hits, the neuroticism PRS was positively associated with negative urgency (adjusted R2 = 1.61%, p = 3.6 × 10−7) and the educational attainment PRS was inversely associated with delay discounting (adjusted R2 = 1.68%, p = 2.2 × 10−7). There was also evidence implicating PRSs of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, externalizing, risk‐taking, smoking cessation, smoking initiation, and body mass index with one or more impulsivity phenotypes (adjusted R2s: 0.35%–1.07%; FDR adjusted ps = 0.05–0.0006). These significant associations between PRSs and impulsivity phenotypes are consistent with established genetic correlations. The combined PRS explained 0.91%–2.46% of the phenotypic variance for individual impulsivity measures, corresponding to 8.7%–32.5% of their reported single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based heritability, suggesting a non‐negligible portion of the SNP‐based heritability can be recovered by PRSs. These results support the predictive validity and utility of PRSs, even derived from related phenotypes, to inform the genetics of impulsivity phenotypes.
Prospective evaluation of the tolerability and efficacy of niraparib dosing based on baseline body weight and platelet count: Results from the PRIMA/ENGOT‐OV26/GOG‐3012 trial

The PRIMA/ENGOT‐OV26/GOG‐3012 (NCT02655016) trial was amended to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of an individualized starting dose (ISD) regimen of niraparib for first‐line maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer.
Cognitive decline in diabetic mice predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease is greater than in wild type

This work proposes that T2DM is particularly harmful to brain function in individuals with a genetic predisposition to neurodegenerative pathology via, among others, γ-secretase inhibition. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that the development of dementia in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) requires a genetic background of predisposition to neurodegenerative disease. As a proof of concept, we induced T2DM in middle-aged hAPP NL/F mice, a preclinical model of Alzheimer’s disease. We show that T2DM produces more severe behavioral, electrophysiological, and structural alterations in these mice compared with wild-type mice. Mechanistically, the deficits are not paralleled by higher levels of toxic forms of Aβ or by neuroinflammation but by a reduction in γ-secretase activity, lower levels of synaptic proteins, and by increased phosphorylation of tau. RNA-seq analysis of the cerebral cortex of hAPP NL/F and wild-type mice suggests that the former could be more susceptible to T2DM because of defects in trans-membrane transport. The results of this work, on the one hand, confirm the importance of the genetic background in the severity of the cognitive disorders in individuals with T2DM and, on the other hand, suggest, among the involved mechanisms, the inhibition of γ-secretase activity.
Ischemic stroke mortality and time for hospital arrival: analysis of the first 90 days.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the association between time of arrival at a reference hospital and mortality of people with ischemic stroke. METHOD Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Modifying and confounding variables between time of arrival and mortality were observed in the multivariate analysis. The Akaike Information Criterion was used to choose the model. Statistical significance of 5% and risk correction using the Poisson Model were adopted. RESULTS Most participants arrived within 4.5 hours of symptom onset or wake up stroke to the referral hospital and 19.4% died. The score of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale was a modifier. In the multivariate model stratified by scale score ≥14, arrival time >4.5h was associated with lower mortality; and age ≥60 years and having Atrial Fibrillation, to higher mortality. In the model stratified by score ≤13, previous Rankin ≥3, and presence of atrial fibrillation were predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION The relationship between time of arrival and mortality up to 90 days was modified by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Prior Rankin ≥3, atrial fibrillation, time to arrival ≤4.5h, and age ≥60 years contributed to higher mortality.
Suppressed Percolation in Nearly Closed Gold Films

Metal–dielectric composites exhibit remarkable properties at the percolation threshold. A small variation of the filling factor can lead to a huge variation in the dc conductivity from an insulator-like to a metal-like behavior while the real part of the permittivity diverges. This behavior can, in principle, be described by percolation theories at low frequencies and by effective medium approximations at higher frequencies. These theories assume a random distribution of the metallic inclusions inside the insulating matrix. But what happens in ordered structures when the percolation is deliberately suppressed? Even though a simple, nanometer-wide scratch can deteriorate the dc conductivity of a thin metal film, can it influence the mirror-like reflectivity? To address this question, we perform a systematic ellipsometric investigation on nearly closed Au films interrupted only by a two-dimensional periodic mesh of 20 nm wide lines. These nanostructured films have metal filling factors close to unity, but e.
Automatic identifying OSAHS patients and simple snorers based on Gaussian mixture models

Objective. Snoring is a typical symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS). In this study, an effective OSAHS patient detection system based on snoring sounds is presented.Approach. The Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is proposed to explore the acoustic characteristics of snoring sounds throughout the whole night to classify simple snores and OSAHS patients respectively. A series of acoustic features of snoring sounds of are selected based on the Fisher ratio and learned by GMM. Leave-one-subject-out cross validation experiment based on 30 subjects is conducted to validation the proposed model. There are 6 simple snorers (4 male and 2 female) and 24 OSAHS patients (15 male and 9 female) investigated in this work. Results indicates that snoring sounds of simple snorers and OSAHS patients have different distribution characteristics. Main results. The proposed model achieves average accuracy and precision with values of 90.0% and 95.7% using selected features with a dimension of 100 respectively. The average prediction time of the proposed model is 0.134 ± 0.005 s. Significance. The promising results demonstrate the effectiveness and low computational cost of diagnosing OSAHS patients using snoring sounds at home.