Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tumor imaging using radiolabelled matrix metalloproteinase-activated anthrax proteins

Purpose: Increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is associated with worse prognosis in different cancer types. The protective antigen (PA-WT) of the binary anthrax lethal toxin was modified to form a pore in cell membranes only when cleaved by MMPs (PA-L1). Anthrax lethal factor (LF) is then able to translocate through these pores. Here, we used an 111 In-radiolabelled form of LF with the PA/LF system for non-invasive in vivo imaging of MMP activity in tumor tissue by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Methods: MMP-mediated activation of PA-L1 was correlated to anthrax receptor expression and MMP activity in a panel of cancer cells (HT1080, MDA-MB-231, B8484 and MCF7). Uptake of 111 In-radiolabelled PA-L1, 111 In-PA-WT K563C or 111 In-LF E687A (a catalytically inactive LF mutant) in tumor and normal tissues was measured using SPECT/CT imaging in vivo . Results: Activation of PA-L1 in vitro correlated with anthrax receptor expression and MMP activity (HT1080>MDA-MB-231>B8484>MCF7). PA-L1-mediated delivery of 111 In-LF E687A was demonstrated, and corroborated using confocal microscopy with fluorescently labelled LF E687A . Uptake was blocked by the broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor GM6001. In vivo imaging showed selective accumulation of 111 In-PA-L1 in MDA-MB-231 tumor xenografts (5.7±0.9%ID/g) at 3 h post intravenous administration. 111 In-LF E687A was selectively delivered to MMP-positive MDA-MB-231 tumor tissue by MMP-activatable PA-L1 (5.98±0.62%ID/g), but not by furin cleavable PA-WT (1.05±0.21%ID/g), Here, we expand the use of this MMP-activatable system to allow molecular imaging of MMP activity in mouse models of cancer, by SPECT imaging, using a radiolabelled catalytically inactive version of LF, LF E687A , in combination with MMP-activatable PA-L1. In this report, we show that this novel pretargeted imaging system is selective for MMP-expressing cancer cell lines in vitro and show selective, non-invasive, in vivo imaging in MMP-expressing tumor xenografts grown in mice. a t-test with Welch’s correction for non-equal variances to compare two groups. One-way ANOVA tests followed by Dunnet’s post-tests were used to compare multiple groups. Two-way ANOVA tests were used to analyse grouped data. All results are reported as mean ± standard deviation of at least three independent replicates, unless otherwise indicated.
FREEZE-THAW DURABILITY OF LIME-STABILIZED CLAY SOILS

EFFECTS WERE STUDIED OF OPEN-AND CLOSED-SYSTEM FREEZE-THAW DURABILITY OF LIME-STABILIZED SOILS. THE EFFECTS OF LIME STABILIZATION AND FREEZING AND THAWING ON THE SOIL PORE STRUCTURE AND PERMEABILITY WERE ALSO STUDIED IN AN EFFORT TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF FREEZE-THAW MECHANISMS. THE SOILS STUDIED WERE: (1) A MONTMORILLONITIC CLAY, A KAOLINITIC FINE SANDY LOAM, AND (3) A RESIDUAL LIMESTONE SOIL OF MIXED MINEROLOGY BUT MORE ILLITE THAN ANYTHING. A HIGH-CALCIUM HYDRATED LIME, WHICH WAS KEPT TIGHTLY SEALED IN PLASTIC BAGS TO MINIMIZE CARBONATION, WAS USED TO STABILIZE THESE SOILS. FREEZING AND THAWING INITIALLY SHARPLY DECREASED THE STRENGTH OF ALL SPECIMENS, BUT THE RESIDUAL LIMESTONE SOILS AND KAOLINITIC LOAM SOILS RECOVERED MUCH OF THE STRENGTH LOSS IN LATER CYCLES. IT IS SPECULATED THAT UNUSED LIME IN THESE SOILS PERMITTED FAIRLY RAPID SELFHEALING. THE MONTMORILLONITE WHICH DID NOT SHOW STRENGTH RECOVERY, STILL HAD GREATER STRENGTH THAN ITS UNSTABILIZED COMPANION SPECIMENS. PORE CHARACTERISTIC AND PERMEABILITY DATA SHOWED CERTAIN TRENDS THAT INDICATED THAT FREEZING AND THAWING OPENED UP THE PORES, REDUCING THE DAMAGING EFFECTS OF LATER FREEZE-THAW CYCLES. ADDITIONS OF LIME INCREASED PORE SIZE AND PERMEABILITY.
Describing Racial Disparity in Hypertension Control in a Large Minnesota Outpatient Practice

Introduction This analysis is a part of ongoing quality improvement efforts aiming at improving hypertension control among various racial minority groups seen in a large outpatient practice with a special focus on two war refugee populations, the Hmong and the Somali populations. Method Deidentified medical records were reviewed for adult hypertensive patients who had an outpatient encounter with a hypertension diagnosis during the years 2015 through 2019. The study outcome was the rate of uncontrolled hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, and stratified by race, age, and gender. Results There were 752,504 patient records representing 259,824 unique patients (mean age 61 ± 13 years) with 49.1% women, 82.1% white 8.3% African American, 4% Asian, 1.6% Hispanic, Somali 0.6%, and 0.2% Hmong. Hmong men had the highest rate of uncontrolled HTN (33.6%) followed by African American (31.3%) then Somali (29.2%). Among women, African Americans had the highest rate (28.6%) followed by Hmong (28.5%) then Somali (25.7%). In all races except Somali, the rate of uncontrolled hypertension was highest in the 18–29 age group, decreased progressively over the next several decades, then increased again in the ≥70 age group. Conclusion Hmong, African American, and Somali groups have the highest rates of uncontrolled hypertension. Efforts to address hypertension management need to be tailored to the specific characteristics of each racial group and to target young adults.
Outcomes of Cataract Surgery Complicated by Retained Lens Fragments Requiring Pars Plana Vitrectomy

Objective: To analyze outcomes and complications related to cataract surgery complicated by retained lens fragment (RLF) requiring pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in a county hospital where procedures are performed by trainees. Methods: Retrospective study of consecutive patients who met inclusion criteria and underwent PPV for RLF in the vitreous cavity at an urban teaching hospital between January 2010 and January 2016 (N=20). Main Outcomes/Measures: Visual acuity was recorded pre- and post-operatively over a follow-up period of 3 to 12 months. Complications and patient factors contributing to outcomes were assessed using paired and unpaired t-tests and multiple linear regression. Results: The average rate of cataract surgery with RLF requiring PPV was 0.75%. Twenty patients met inclusion criteria. Mean pre-operative visual acuity (VA) was logMAR 1.7 (Snellen 20/1000). Nearly half (8/20) had nuclear cataracts grade 3+ or higher. The majority (14/20) had factors predisposing them to cataract surgery complications. Most patients underwent PPV within 1 week (median 6.5 days). At 12-month follow-up, signi ﬁ cant (p=0.001) visual acuity (VA) improvement from initial VA was observed, with ﬁ nal mean logMAR 0.6 (± 0.75; Snellen 20/80) and median logMAR 0.35 (Snellen 20/45). Nearly half of the patients had a ﬁ nal Snellen VA ≥ 20/40. Factors associated with less VA improvement were older age and greater proportion of lens dropped (p<0.01). Complications following PPV included hypotony (5 patients), corneal edema (4), elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) (3), and cystoid macular edema (3). Conclusions/Relevance: Despite patients with advanced pathology and trainee surgeons, rates of cataract surgery-associated RLF requiring PPV at a large tertiary care teaching hospital are similar to reported rates in the literature. Optometry; Visual science; Pharmacology and drug therapy in eye dis- eases; Basic Sciences; Primary and Secondary eye care; Patient Safety and Quality of Care Improvements. This journal indexed on PubMed Central and CAS, and is the of ﬁ cial journal of The Society of Clinical Ophthalmology (SCO). The manuscript management completely online and includes a very quick and fair peer-review system, which all easy to use. Visit http://www.dovepress. com/ testimonials.php to read real quotes from published authors.
Pain management in the emergency department and its relationship to patient satisfaction

Background: Pain is the most common reason due to which patients come to the emergency department (ED). Aim: The purpose of this study was to measure the correlation, if any, between pain reduction and the level of satisfaction in patients who presented to the ED with pain as their chief complaint. Materials and Methods: This study used a randomly selected group of patients who presented to the ED with pain of 4 or more on the Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS) as their chief complaint to a level one adult and pediatric trauma center. Instruments that were used in this study were the VAS, Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and the Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale (MISS). They were administered to patients by research fellows in the treatment rooms. Statistical analysis included frequencies, descriptive, and linear regression. This study was approved by the Internal Review Board. Results: A total of 159 patients were enrolled in the study. All patients were given some type of treatment for their pain upon arrival to the ED. A logistic regression showed a significant relationship to reduction in pain by 40% or more and customer service questions. Conclusions: A reduction in perceived pain levels does directly relate to several indicators of customer service. Patients who experienced pain relief during their stay in the ED had significant increases in distress relief, rapport with their doctor, and intent to comply with given instructions.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Multi-parametric MRI and TRUS Biopsy in Prostate Cancer ( PROMIS ) : A Paired Validating Confirmatory Study

Experts’ summary: This much-anticipated study reports the diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)– and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)–guided biopsy of the prostate compared to a reference standard of transperineal mapping (TPM) biopsy of the prostate in men with a suspicion of prostate cancer. In a prospective multicenter study, the authors enrolled 740 men, 576 of whom underwent 1.5-T mpMRI followed by both TRUS biopsy and TPM biopsy. On TPM biopsy, 408/576 men (71%) had cancer, with 230/576 patients (40%) deemed to have ‘‘clinically significant’’ disease (Gleason grade group 3 or above, or maximum core length >5 mm). For clinically significant cancer, mpMRI was more sensitive (93%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 88–96%) than TRUS biopsy (48%, 95% CI 42–55%; p < 0.0001) and less specific (41%, 95% CI 36–46% for MP-MRI vs 96%, 95% CI 94–98% for TRUS biopsy; p < 0.0001). The authors conclude that 27% of patients might avoid a biopsy if mpMRI was embraced in the diagnostic protocol for detection of clinically significant prostate cancer.
Title: Implementing physically active learning: future directions for research, policy and practice.

Objective . Identify co-produced multi-stakeholder perspectives important for successful widespread physically active learning (PAL) adoption and implementation. Method. Thirty-five stakeholders (policy-makers, n =9; commercial education sector, n =8; teachers, n =3; researchers, n =15) attended a design-thinking PAL workshop. Participants formed five multi-disciplinary groups with at least one representative from the different stakeholder groups. Each group, facilitated by a researcher, undertook two tasks (i) using post-it notes: within the school day, what are the opportunities for learning combined with movement? (ii) washing line task: how can we establish PAL as the norm? All discussions were audio recorded and transcribed. Inductive analyses were conducted by four authors. Once complete, main and sub themes were assigned to four predetermined categories; (i) PAL implementation, and priorities for (ii) practice, (iii) policy and (iv) research. Results. PAL implementation main themes: opportunities for PAL within the school day, delivery environments, learning approaches, intensity of PAL. Priorities for practice main themes: teachers confidence and competence, resources to support delivery, community of practice. Policy priorities main themes: self-governance, The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skill (Ofsted), policy investment in initial teacher training and curriculum reform. Research priorities main themes: establishing a strong evidence base, school-based PAL implementation, whole-systems-approach. Conclusion. The study is the first to identify PAL implementation factors using a combined multi-stakeholder perspective. To achieve wider PAL adoption and implementation, future interventions should be evidence-based, addressing
Systems Underlying Human and Old World Monkey Communication: One, Two, or Infinite

Using artificially synthesized stimuli, previous research has shown that cotton-top tamarin monkeys easily learn simple AB grammar sequences, but not the more complex A n B n sequences that require hierarchical structure. Humans have no trouble learning A n B n combinations. A more recent study, using similar artificially created stimuli, showed that there is a neuroanatomical difference in the brain between these two kinds of arrays. While the simpler AB sequences recruit the frontal operculum, the A n B n array recruits the phylogenetically newer Broca’s area. We propose that on close inspection, reported vocal repertoires of Old World Monkeys show that these nonhuman primates are capable of calls that have two items in them, but never more than two. These are simple AB sequences, as predicted by previous research. In addition, we suggest the two-item call cannot be the result of a combinatorial operation that we see in human language, where the recursive operation of Merge allows for a potentially infinite array of structures. In our view, the two-item calls of nonhuman primates result from a dual-compartment frame into which each of the calls can fit without having to be combined by an operation such as Merge.
The electronic properties of Au and Pt metal contacts on quasi-one-dimensional layered TiS3(001)

The interfaces of layered trichalcogenide TiS3(001), with metals Au and Pt, were examined using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. In spite of the fact that both Au and Pt are large work function metals, no evidence of Schottky barrier formation was found with this n-type semiconductor. Two- and four-terminal field-effect transistor measurements performed on exfoliated few-nm-thick TiS3 crystals using pure Au contacts indicate that Au forms an Ohmic contact on TiS3(001), with negligible contact resistance. The absence of appreciable Schottky barrier formation is attributed to strong interactions with sulfur at the metal-semiconductor interface.The interfaces of layered trichalcogenide TiS3(001), with metals Au and Pt, were examined using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. In spite of the fact that both Au and Pt are large work function metals, no evidence of Schottky barrier formation was found with this n-type semiconductor. Two- and four-terminal field-effect transistor measurements performed on exfoliated few-nm-thick TiS3 crystals using pure Au contacts indicate that Au forms an Ohmic contact on TiS3(001), with negligible contact resistance. The absence of appreciable Schottky barrier formation is attributed to strong interactions with sulfur at the metal-semiconductor interface.
Validation of Loop Mediated Isothermal Ampli�cation for the detection of Loa loa infection in Chrysops spp in experimental and natural �eld conditions

Background: The Mass Drug Administration of ivermectin for onchocerciasis control has contributed to a signi�cant drop in Loa loa micro�laria loads in humans that led to reduction of the levels of infection in Chrysops vectors. Accurate parasite detection is essential for assessing loiasis transmission; as such a potential alternative or an indirect strategy to address the problem co-endemic loiasis presents to the LF and onchocerciasis elimination programme and also, further re�ecting the true magnitude of the loiasis problem as excess human mortality has been reported to be associated with the disease. Although microscopy is the gold standard for detecting the infection, its sensitivity is compromised when the intensity of infection is low. The Loop-mediated isothermal ampli�cation (LAMP) of parasite DNA is an alternative method for detecting infection which offers operational simplicity, rapidity and versatility of visual readout options. This study aimed at validating the Loa loa LAMP assay for the detection of infected Chrysops spp. under experimental and natural �eld conditions. Methods: Two sets of 18 �ies were fed on volunteers with either a low (<10mf/ml) or high (>30,000mf/ml) micro�larial load. The fed �ies were maintained under laboratory conditions for 14 days and then analysed with LAMP for the detection of L. loa infection. In addition, a total of 9,270 �ies were collected from the North West, East, and South West regions of Cameroon using sweep nets and subjected to microscopy (7,841 �ies) and LAMP (1,291 �ies plus 138 nulliparous �ies) analyses. Results: LAMP assay successfully detected parasites in Chrysops fed on both low and high micro�lariaemic volunteers. Field validation and surveillance studies phase revealed LAMP-based infection rates ranging from 0.5 % to 31.6 %, with the lowest levels in the South West 2 and highest infection rates in South West 1. LAMP assay detected signi�cantly higher infection rates than microscopy in 4 of 5 study sites. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential of LAMP as a simple surveillance tool, and is more sensitive than microscopy for the detection of experimental and natural L. loa infections in Chrysops vectors.
Non-trophic interactions strengthen the diversity#_#x2014;functioning relationship in an ecological bioenergetic network model

Ecological communities are undeniably diverse, both in terms of the species that compose them as well as the type of interactions that link species to each other. Despite this long recognition of the coexistence of multiple interaction types in nature, little is known about the consequences of this diversity for community functioning. In the ongoing context of global change and increasing species extinction rates, it seems crucial to improve our understanding of the drivers of the relationship between species diversity and ecosystem functioning. Here, using a multispecies dynamical model of ecological communities including various interaction types (e.g. competition for space, predator interference, recruitment facilitation in addition to feeding), we studied the role of the presence and the intensity of these interactions for species diversity, community functioning (biomass and production) and the relationship between diversity and functioning.Taken jointly, the diverse interactions have significant effects on species diversity, whose amplitude and sign depend on the type of interactions involved and their relative abundance. They however consistently increase the slope of the relationship between diversity and functioning, suggesting that species losses might have stronger effects on community functioning than expected when ignoring the diversity of interaction types and focusing on feeding interactions only.
The Impact Of Psychological Empowerment On Work Engagement Among University Faculty Members In China

Background The primary aim of this research was to examine the role of psychological empowerment on the work engagement of university faculty members in China and the implications for both faculty members and university administrators. The questions of the study focus on the level of psychological empowerment and work engagement of university faculty members and the correlation between psychological empowerment and work engagement. Materials and methods Data were collected from a sample of 162 faculty members working at a China university. They were asked to complete two self-reported scales with good reliability and validity: the psychological empowerment scale (PES) and the Utrecht work engagement scale (UWES). The responses from the sample were analyzed using SPSS software. The descriptive statistics showed the participants’ statistical characteristics, while independent sample t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed group differences among university faculty members. Correlation analysis and multidimensional regression analysis demonstrated how psychological empowerment affected work engagement. Results The total scores for the PES and UWES were both moderately high. Gender, age, degree attained, and professional ranking were associated with differences in levels of psychological empowerment and work engagement. The results confirmed that psychological empowerment was positively correlated with all the dimensions of work engagement. The regression analysis results showed that the positive role of psychological empowerment in work engagement was mainly realized through two dimensions: meaning and competence. Conclusion The study results revealed significant group differences in the PES and UWES scores among university faculty members. Universities should give more support to younger and junior faculty. There is highly positive correlation between psychological empowerment and work engagement. University should recognize the role of psychological empowerment and create a supportive environment to promote faculty members’ professional development, which, in turn, can increase universities’ productivity.
Albanian Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery AJTES Official Publication of the Albanian Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery -ASTES Chairman of the editorial board:

Background: the 2020 year was different. wHO announced a global pandemic and till now we have had over 2 million fatality rates? the sARs cov-2 virus causes acute respiratory viral infection and is associated with a wide range of complications. Aim: in this article, we are representing six patients with deep venous and arterial thrombosis after covid-19 and their treatment. Materials and Methods: the patients were treated successfully by the Department of vascular surgery and the Department of Burns, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery of the “st. George” University Hospital, Medical University Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Results: some of them were treated conservatively and others surgically. the localizations were upper and lower extremities and the hard palate. Amputation of the affected limb, soft tissue defects, and conservative treatment was required. the arterial thrombosis was more than venous ones. All the patients were stable at discharge. Conclusion: After cOviD-19 complications include thrombotic events – Acute limb ischemia (Ali), venous thromboembolism (vte), Pulmonary embolism (Pe), Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (Dic) syndrome. thromboprophylaxis is very important. it depends on the severity of the infection, the underlying causes, and the course of treatment.