Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preparation of High-Purity Ammonium Tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate for the Activation of Olefin Polymerization Catalysts

Homogeneous olefin polymerization catalysts are activated in situ with a co-catalyst ([PhN(Me)2-H]+[B(C6F5)4]− or [Ph3C]+[B(C6F5)4]−) in bulk polymerization media. These co-catalysts are insoluble in hydrocarbon solvents, requiring excess co-catalyst (>3 eq.). Feeding the activated species as a solution in an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent may be advantageous over the in situ activation method. In this study, highly pure and soluble ammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borates ([Me(C18H37)2N-H]+[B(C6F5)4]− and [(C18H37)2NH2]+[B(C6F5)4]−) containing neither water nor Cl− salt impurities were prepared easily via the acid–base reaction of [PhN(Me)2-H]+[B(C6F5)4]− and the corresponding amine. Using the prepared ammonium salts, the activation reactions of commercial-process-relevant metallocene (rac-[ethylenebis(tetrahydroindenyl)]Zr(Me)2 (1-ZrMe2), [Ph2C(Cp)(3,6-tBu2Flu)]Hf(Me)2 (3-HfMe2), [Ph2C(Cp)(2,7-tBu2Flu)]Hf(Me)2 (4-HfMe2)) and half-metallocene complexes ([(η5-Me4C5)Si(Me)2(κ-NtBu)]Ti(Me)2 (5-TiMe2), [(η5-Me4C5)(C9H9(κ-N))]Ti(Me)2 (6-TiMe2), and [(η5-Me3C7H1S)(C10H11(κ-N))]Ti(Me)2 (7-TiMe2)) were monitored in C6D12 with 1H NMR spectroscopy. Stable [L-M(Me)(NMe(C18H37)2)]+[B(C6F5)4]− species were cleanly generated from 1-ZrMe2, 3-HfMe2, and 4-HfMe2, while the species types generated from 5-TiMe2, 6-TiMe2, and 7-TiMe2 were unstable for subsequent transformation to other species (presumably, [L-Ti(CH2N(C18H37)2)]+[B(C6F5)4]−-type species). [L-TiCl(N(H)(C18H37)2)]+[B(C6F5)4]−-type species were also prepared from 5-TiCl(Me) and 6-TiCl(Me), which were newly prepared in this study. The prepared [L-M(Me)(NMe(C18H37)2)]+[B(C6F5)4]−-, [L-Ti(CH2N(C18H37)2)]+[B(C6F5)4]−-, and [L-TiCl(N(H)(C18H37)2)]+[B(C6F5)4]−-type species, which are soluble and stable in aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, were highly active in ethylene/1-octene copolymerization performed in aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents.
Sagittal Integral Morphotype of Female Classical Ballet Dancers and Predictors of Sciatica and Low Back Pain

The aims of this study were to describe the sagittal integral morphotype (SIM) of classical ballet (CB) dancers, and to establish predictor factors and their cut off values for high risk of experiencing sciatica or low back pain (LBP). This retrospective cohort study was performed in 33 female professional CB dancers. Data related to anthropometric parameters, CB dance experience, sciatica or LBP history, and sagittal spine curvatures were collected. A binary logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic analysis were performed. The main spine misalignments observed in the SIM of CB dancers were thoracic functional hyperkyphosis, hypomobile kyphosis, and hypokyphosis, and those for the lumbar curvature were hyperlordotic attitude and functional hyperkyphosis. The lumbar curvature in slump sitting and trunk forward bending positions, together with the stature, were significant predictor factors of sciatica history, while the years of dance experience was a significant predictor factor of LBP history. The cut off values analysis revealed that dancers with a stature of 161 cm or less, and those with 14 years of experience or more, have a greater probability of experiencing sciatica or LBP history, respectively.
The Reciprocal Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Health and the Influence of Sex: A European SHARE-Analysis Based on Structural Equation Modeling

It is well recognized that socioeconomic status (SES) is an important determinant of health, but many studies fail to address the possibility of reverse causation. We aim to investigate the reciprocal relationship between trajectories of SES and health, and how these associations differ by sex. We performed a longitudinal study including 29,824 men and 37,263 women aged 50+ participating in at least two consecutive waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Using structural equation modeling, we found that baseline household income and wealth led to improvements in cognitive function, grip strength, quality of life and depressive symptoms, and a better initial health led to higher income and wealth for both sexes. However, the results indicated that the relative effect of cognitive function and grip strength on SES trajectories was overall greater than the corresponding effect of SES on health changes, particularly regarding income among women, but for quality of life and depressive symptoms, the reverse was indicated, though most pronounced for the associations with wealth. The reciprocal associations between SES and physical function were stronger for men than for women, whereas most associations with cognitive function and mental health were similar between sexes. This study demonstrates that both social causation and health selection contribute to social inequalities in health, but the influence of each direction and the importance of sex differences may vary according to the health outcomes investigated.
Effects of Sports Massage on the Physiological and Mental Health of College Students Participating in a 7-Week Intermittent Exercises Program

The purpose of the research is to analyze the improvement in the physical and mental health of college students after intermittent exercises are performed by massage. The present study employed a mixed research method. An experimental study was conducted to analyze the current status of the volunteers’ sports performance and body composition, and then a questionnaire was designed for the subjects’ physical and mental health. The data were then analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software for statistical analysis such as t-test and ANOVA. The subjects were then interviewed to collect their opinions on the study results, and finally, the results were explored by multivariate analysis. The study found that intermittent exercise can help university students develop physical fitness and performance, improve body composition, and regulate physical and mental health. The combination of intermittent exercise with sports massages further enhanced the performance of sit-ups and standing long jump, improve blood pressure, BMI, and self-confidence, as well as reducing suicidal tendencies (experimental group > control group). However, intermittent exercise participants still experienced fatigue, headache, emotional loss, and fear of depression, and the addition of sports massage did not significantly improve flexibility and cardiorespiratory endurance (control group > experimental group).
CT Guided Needle Biopsy of Peripheral Lesions–Lesion Characteristics That May Increase the Diagnostic Yield and Reduce the Complication Rate

Computed tomography-guided needle biopsy (CT-GNB) has a high diagnostic yield for lung cancer but higher complication rates compared to those of other biopsy modalities. We sought to clarify in which thoracic lesions we could achieve a quick pathological diagnosis using CT-GNB, considering the risks and benefits. We retrospectively enrolled 110 patients who underwent CT-GNB and 547 patients who underwent transbronchial biopsy (TBB) for parenchymal lung lesions in clinical practice. The diagnostic rates of CT-GNB and TBB were 87.3% and 75.3%. After failed diagnosis with other biopsy modalities, 92.3% of patients were finally diagnosed using CT-GNB and 65.8% using TBB. In cases with a negative bronchial sign, there was a statistically higher diagnostic rate with CT-GNB than with TBB (p < 0.001: 89.4% vs. 0%). Complication rates were higher with CT-GNB (50.9%) than with TBB (16.3%). However, there were lower rates of complications in cases with inhomogeneous tumors, subpleural lesions, and when more than 15 mm of the punctured needle length was within the target. We conclude that CT-GNB is an effective biopsy modality with a high diagnostic rate that is especially recommended when the bronchus sign is negative. It can be safely performed if risk factors for complications are taken into account.
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression for Chinese Residents in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has profoundly affected the psychological well-being of foreign residents. This study examines stress, anxiety, and depression levels in Chinese residents in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. It identifies risk factors and the roles of disaster preparedness and social support. An online survey among Chinese residents in Japan was conducted from 22 June to 14 July 2020. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, Disaster Preparedness for Resilience Checklist, and Social Support Rate Scale were used to measure psychological symptoms. Multivariable linear regressions identified the risk factors and positive effects of disaster preparedness and social support. Of the total 497 participants, 45.3%, 66.6%, and 54.3% reported severe stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, respectively. People with a lower level of education, a higher level of economic influence, the presence of COVID-19 symptoms, and confirmed or suspected family or friends in China were associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first survey to reveal the protective role of disaster preparedness in reducing psychological symptoms during the pandemic. It offers unique data for further research on how to promote the mental health of vulnerable populations including foreign residents.
Adjuvant Hormonotherapy and Cardiovascular Risk in Post-Menopausal Women with Breast Cancer: A Large Population-Based Cohort Study

Simple Summary For post-menopausal women with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, treatment with aromatase inhibitors reduces disease recurrence and mortality, as compared to tamoxifen. Nevertheless, women treated with aromatase inhibitors more often develop hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension, which are recognized cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Concerns about CV safety of aromatase inhibitors had been raised by several studies. Our results showed that adjuvant therapy with aromatase inhibitors of breast cancer women is associated with increased risk of heart failure and combined CV events, and such therapy probably amplifies the “intrinsic” CV risk of the patient. They underline the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists in evaluating the risk/benefit ratio of the choice of hormone therapy. Abstract Background: Whether aromatase inhibitors (AIs) increase the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events, compared to tamoxifen, in women with breast cancer is still debated. We evaluated the association between AI and CV outcomes in a large population-based cohort of breast cancer women. Methods: By using healthcare utilization databases of Lombardy (Italy), we identified women ≥50 years, with new diagnosis of breast cancer between 2009 and 2015, who started adjuvant therapy with either AI or tamoxifen. We estimated the association between exposure to AI and CV outcomes (including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, heart failure or any CV event) by a Cox proportional hazard model with inverse probability of treatment and censoring weighting. Results: The study cohort included 26,009 women starting treatment with AI and 7937 with tamoxifen. Over a median follow-up of 5.8 years, a positive association was found between AI and heart failure (Hazard Ratio = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.42) and any CV event (1.14, 1.00 to 1.29). The CV risk increased in women with previous CV risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Conclusions: Adjuvant therapy with AI in breast cancer women aged more than 50 years is associated with increased risk of heart failure and combined CV events.
IL-10 in Mast Cell-Mediated Immune Responses: Anti-Inflammatory and Proinflammatory Roles

Mast cells (MCs) play critical roles in Th2 immune responses, including the defense against parasitic infections and the initiation of type I allergic reactions. In addition, MCs are involved in several immune-related responses, including those in bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, cancers, allograft rejections, and lifestyle diseases. Whereas antigen-specific IgE is a well-known activator of MCs, which express FcεRI on the cell surface, other receptors for cytokines, growth factors, pathogen-associated molecular patterns, and damage-associated molecular patterns also function as triggers of MC stimulation, resulting in the release of chemical mediators, eicosanoids, and various cytokines. In this review, we focus on the role of interleukin (IL)-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, in MC-mediated immune responses, in which MCs play roles not only as initiators of the immune response but also as suppressors of excessive inflammation. IL-10 exhibits diverse effects on the proliferation, differentiation, survival, and activation of MCs in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, IL-10 derived from MCs exerts beneficial and detrimental effects on the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and in several immune-related diseases including contact hypersensitivity, auto-immune diseases, and infections. This review introduces the effects of IL-10 on various events in MCs, and the roles of MCs in IL-10-related immune responses and as a source of IL-10.
Neuroendocrine Factors in Melanoma Pathogenesis

Simple Summary Melanoma is a very aggressive and fatal malignant tumor. While curable if diagnosed in its early stages, advanced melanoma, despite the complex therapeutic approaches, is associated with one of the highest mortality rates. Hence, more and more studies have focused on mechanisms that may contribute to melanoma development and progression. Various studies suggest a role played by neuroendocrine factors which can act directly on tumor cells, modulating their proliferation and metastasis capability, or indirectly through immune or inflammatory processes that impact disease progression. However, there are still multiple areas to explore and numerous unknown features to uncover. A detailed exploration of the mechanisms by which neuroendocrine factors can influence the clinical course of the disease could open up new areas of biomedical research and may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches in melanoma. Abstract Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin cancers with a sharp rise in incidence in the last decades, especially in young people. Recognized as a significant public health issue, melanoma is studied with increasing interest as new discoveries in molecular signaling and receptor modulation unlock innovative treatment options. Stress exposure is recognized as an important component in the immune-inflammatory interplay that can alter the progression of melanoma by regulating the release of neuroendocrine factors. Various neurotransmitters, such as catecholamines, glutamate, serotonin, or cannabinoids have also been assessed in experimental studies for their involvement in the biology of melanoma. Alpha-MSH and other neurohormones, as well as neuropeptides including substance P, CGRP, enkephalin, beta-endorphin, and even cellular and molecular agents (mast cells and nitric oxide, respectively), have all been implicated as potential factors in the development, growth, invasion, and dissemination of melanoma in a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies. In this review, we provide an overview of current evidence regarding the intricate effects of neuroendocrine factors in melanoma, including data reported in recent clinical trials, exploring the mechanisms involved, signaling pathways, and the recorded range of effects.
Claudin-Low Breast Cancer Inflammatory Signatures Support Polarization of M1-Like Macrophages with Protumoral Activity

Simple Summary Triple-negative breast cancer (BRCA) cells overexpress the cytokines GM-CSF, G-CSF, MCP-1, and RANTES. We have previously reported that monocytes in 3-D co-culture with BRCA cells generate M1-like macrophages with the ability to induce aggressive features in luminal BRCA cells. Here, we stimulated peripheral blood monocytes with the four cytokines, confirming their capacity to generate protumoral M1-like macrophages. We used the BRCA database to generate an M1-like macrophage gene expression signature related to these cytokines. We observed that the M1-like macrophage, Th1, and immunosuppressive signatures all coincide in claudin-low BRCA but also in mesenchymal carcinomas of colon (COAD) and bladder (BLCA), where they are associated with decreased overall survival in patients. Claudin-low is a tumor subtype with an adverse clinical outcome that remains poorly understood. This study indicates that M1 macrophages may be potential protumoral drivers in already established cancers, and may contribute to the aggressiveness and poor prognosis of claudin-low tumors. These results add to the knowledge of the claudin-low tumor microenvironment and could open a window to immunotherapy strategies to improve patient prognosis. Abstract We previously reported that triple-negative breast cancer (BRCA) cells overexpress the cytokines GM-CSF, G-CSF, MCP-1, and RANTES, and when monocytes were 3-D co-cultured with them, M1-like macrophages were generated with the ability to induce aggressive features in luminal BRCA cell lines. These include upregulation of mesenchymal and stemness markers and invasion. In this study, we stimulated peripheral blood monocytes with the four cytokines and confirmed their capacity to generate protumoral M1-like macrophages. Using the METABRIC BRCA database, we observed that GM-CSF, MCP-1, and RANTES are associated with triple-negative BRCA and reduced overall survival, particularly in patients under 55 years of age. We propose an extended M1-like macrophage proinflammatory signature connected with these three cytokines. We found that the extended M1-like macrophage signature coexists with monocyte/macrophage, Th1 immune response, and immunosuppressive signatures, and all are enriched in claudin-low BRCA samples, and correlate with reduced patient overall survival. Furthermore, we observed that all these signatures are also present in mesenchymal carcinomas of the colon (COAD) and bladder (BLCA). The claudin-low tumor subtype has an adverse clinical outcome and remains poorly understood. This study places M1 macrophages as potential protumoral drivers in already established cancers, and as potential contributors to claudin-low aggressiveness and poor prognosis.
Mechanical Behavior of Ultrahigh-Performance Concrete Tunnel Lining Segments

Ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) is a novel material demonstrating superior mechanical, durability and sustainability performance. However, its implementation in massive structures is hampered by its high initial cost and the lack of stakeholders’ confidence, especially in developing countries. Therefore, the present study explores, for the first time, a novel application of UHPC, incorporating hybrid steel fibers in precast tunnel lining segments. Reduced scale curved tunnel lining segments were cast using UHPC incorporating hybrid 8 mm and 16 mm steel fibers at dosages of 1%, 2% and 3% by mixture volume. Flexural and thrust load tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical behavior of UHPC tunnel lining segments thus produced. It was observed that the flow of UHPC mixtures decreased due to steel fibers addition, yet steel fibers increased the mechanical and durability properties. Flexural tests on lining segments showed that both the strain hardening (multiple cracking) and strain softening (post-peak behavior) phases were enhanced due to hybrid addition of steel fibers in comparison with the control segments without fibers. Specimens incorporating 3% of hybrid steel fibers achieved 57% increase in ultimate load carrying capacity and exhibited multiple cracking patterns compared to that of identical UHPC segments with 1% fibers. Moreover, segments without fibers incurred excessive cracking and spalling of concrete at the base under the thrust load test. However, more stable behavior was observed for segments incorporating steel fibers under the thrust load, indicating its capability to resist typical thrust loads during tunnel lining field installation. This study highlights the potential use of UHPC with hybrid steel fibers for improved structural behavior. Moreover, the use of UHPC allows producing structural members with reduced cross-sectional dimensions, leading to reduced overall structural weight and increased clear space.
Nematicidal Volatiles from Bacillus atrophaeus GBSC56 Promote Growth and Stimulate Induced Systemic Resistance in Tomato against Meloidogyne incognita

Bacillus volatiles to control plant nematodes is a topic of great interest among researchers due to its safe and environmentally friendly nature. Bacillus strain GBSC56 isolated from the Tibet region of China showed high nematicidal activity against M. incognita, with 90% mortality as compared with control in a partition plate experiment. Pure volatiles produced by GBSC56 were identified through gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Among 10 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 3 volatiles, i.e., dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), methyl isovalerate (MIV), and 2-undecanone (2-UD) showed strong nematicidal activity with a mortality rate of 87%, 83%, and 80%, respectively, against M. incognita. The VOCs induced severe oxidative stress in nematodes, which caused rapid death. Moreover, in the presence of volatiles, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, i.e., SOD, CAT, POD, and APX, was observed to be enhanced in M. incognita-infested roots, which might reduce the adverse effect of oxidative stress-induced after infection. Moreover, genes responsible for plant growth promotion SlCKX1, SlIAA1, and Exp18 showed an upsurge in expression, while AC01 was downregulated in infested plants. Furthermore, the defense-related genes (PR1, PR5, and SlLOX1) in infested tomato plants were upregulated after treatment with MIV and 2-UD. These findings suggest that GBSC56 possesses excellent biocontrol potential against M. incognita. Furthermore, the study provides new insight into the mechanism by which GBSC56 nematicidal volatiles regulate antioxidant enzymes, the key genes involved in plant growth promotion, and the defense mechanism M. incognita-infested tomato plants use to efficiently manage root-knot disease.
Amelioration of Cognitive and Behavioral Deficits after Traumatic Brain Injury in Coagulation Factor XII Deficient Mice

Based on recent findings that show that depletion of factor XII (FXII) leads to better posttraumatic neurological recovery, we studied the effect of FXII-deficiency on post-traumatic cognitive and behavioral outcomes in female and male mice. In agreement with our previous findings, neurological deficits on day 7 after weight-drop traumatic brain injury (TBI) were significantly reduced in FXII−/− mice compared to wild type (WT) mice. Also, glycoprotein Ib (GPIb)-positive platelet aggregates were more frequent in brain microvasculature of WT than FXII−/− mice 3 months after TBI. Six weeks after TBI, memory for novel object was significantly reduced in both female and male WT but not in FXII−/− mice compared to sham-operated mice. In the setting of automated home-cage monitoring of socially housed mice in IntelliCages, female WT mice but not FXII−/− mice showed decreased exploration and reacted negatively to reward extinction one month after TBI. Since neuroendocrine stress after TBI might contribute to trauma-induced cognitive dysfunction and negative emotional contrast reactions, we measured peripheral corticosterone levels and the ration of heart, lung, and spleen weight to bodyweight. Three months after TBI, plasma corticosterone levels were significantly suppressed in both female and male WT but not in FXII−/− mice, while the relative heart weight increased in males but not in females of both phenotypes when compared to sham-operated mice. Our results indicate that FXII deficiency is associated with efficient post-traumatic behavioral and neuroendocrine recovery.