Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conversion Surgery with HIPEC for Peritoneal Oli-gometastatic Gastric Cancer

Peritoneal metastases (PM) of gastric cancer (GC) are characterized by a particularly poor prognosis, with median survival time of 6 months, and virtually no 5-year survival reported. Conversion therapy for GC is defined as a surgical treatment aiming at an R0 resection after systemic chemotherapy for tumours that were originally unresectable (or marginally resectable) for technical and/or oncological reasons. The aim of the present study was to evaluate early and late outcomes in GC patients with PM who underwent the cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after neoadjuvant (conversion) chemotherapy. Thirty patients with stage IV GC underwent CRS plus HIPEC. Severe grade III/IV (Clavien-Dindo classification) complications occurred in 13 (43%) patients. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) ranged from 8.7 to 100 (median, 42.4). In the multivariate survival analysis, ypT2 and P3 (according to the Japanese classification of the PM severity) were favourable and adverse prognostic factors p = 0.031 and o = 0.035, respectively. Estimated 1- and 3-year survival was 73.9% and 36.6%, respectively. The median survival was 19.3 months. Conclusion: Conversion surgery, including extended gastrectomy and multi-organ resections followed by HIPEC performed after systemic chemotherapy therapy for GC with PM is justified in downstaged patients with ypT2 and limited (less than P3) PM.
Instruments, rules and household debt: The effects of fiscal policy

In this paper we look at the interplay between the level of household leverage in the economy and fiscal policy. When the fiscal rule is defined on lump-sum transfers, government spending or consumption taxes, the impact multipliers of transitory fiscal shocks become substantially amplified in an environment of easy access to credit by impatient consumers. However, when the government reacts to debt deviations by raising distortionary taxes on income, labour or capital, the effects of household debt on the size of the impact output multipliers vanish or even reverse. We also find that differences in fiscal multipliers between high and low indebtedness regimes belong basically to the short run, whereas the long-run multipliers are barely affected by the level of household debt in the economy. Finally, we find that fiscal shocks exert an unequal welfare effect on impatient and patient households that can even be of opposite signs.
Patch choice of avian herbivores along a migration trajectory – From Temperate to Arctic

Migratory waterfowl species seem to track temporal and spatial pulses of optimal forage availability on their way from temperate wintering to arctic breeding sites. In order to unravel the relative contribution of forage quality and forage biomass to foraging choices in avian herbivores, we experimentally manipulated biomass and quality of main forage plants through fertilisation and grazing exclusion at three sites along the flyway of barnacle geese, Branta leucopsis. Fertilisation increased the nitrogen content of the forage and grazing exclusion increased biomass levels. Manipulated plots were offered to wild geese in a random block experimental design and goose visitation was measured through dropping counts. At all sites there was a trend towards a higher preference of plots with increased quality and average biomass above plots with an average quality and increased biomass. Generally, geese preferred plots with highest standing crop of nitrogen. The numerical response of the geese to forage changes was supported by behavioural observations at the Baltic site. We conclude that for migrating barnacle geese the bottlenecks in the standing crop of nitrogen appear to lie in the limited biomass availability at the Baltic stopover site and the limited nutrient content of food in the Arctic breeding site, restricting the potential nutrient intake on these sites. & 2006 Gesellschaft für Ökologie. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
Sensor-Based Technology for Social Information Processing in Autism: A Review

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased strongly over the past decades, and so has the demand for adequate behavioral assessment and support for persons affected by ASD. Here we provide a review on original research that used sensor technology for an objective assessment of social behavior, either with the aim to assist the assessment of autism or with the aim to use this technology for intervention and support of people with autism. Considering rapid technological progress, we focus (1) on studies published within the last 10 years (2009–2019), (2) on contact- and irritation-free sensor technology that does not constrain natural movement and interaction, and (3) on sensory input from the face, the voice, or body movements. We conclude that sensor technology has already demonstrated its great potential for improving both behavioral assessment and interventions in autism spectrum disorders. We also discuss selected examples for recent theoretical questions related to the understanding of psychological changes and potentials in autism. In addition to its applied potential, we argue that sensor technology—when implemented by appropriate interdisciplinary teams—may even contribute to such theoretical issues in understanding autism.
Efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for diagnosis of cesarean scar pregnancy type

Abstract Objectives: We compared the clinical efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) for diagnosing cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). Methods: A total of 485 cases of suspected CSP were recruited from January 2017 to March 2018. All received TVS and CEUS by two sonologists blinded to diagnosis by the other. Diagnostic features of CSP that significantly differed between modalities by univariate analysis (P < .05) were included in a logistic regression model. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (+LR), negative likelihood ratio (−LR), and accuracy (ACC) of CSP diagnosis by TVS and CEUS were compared according to operational and pathological outcomes as the reference standard. Results: There were 220 CSP cases (including 85 cases of type I, 93 of type II, and 42 of type III). The sensitivities of CEUS for detection of types I − III CSP were 94.1%, 92.5%, and 97.6%, respectively, and corresponding sensitivities of TVS were 82.4%, 80.6%, and 95.2%. Compared to TVS, CEUS yielded significantly better overall sensitivity (97.27% vs 88.18%), specificity (96.60% vs 75.47%), +LR (28.60 vs 3.59), −LR (0.03 vs 0.16), and diagnostic ACC (96.9% vs 81.23%) (all P < .001). Conclusions: CEUS is superior to TVS for detecting cesarean scar pregnancy and distinguishing among CSP types.
Two Novel Amyloid Proteins, RopA and RopB, from the Root Nodule Bacterium Rhizobium leguminosarum

Amyloids represent protein fibrils with a highly ordered spatial structure, which not only cause dozens of incurable human and animal diseases but also play vital biological roles in Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. Despite the fact that association of bacterial amyloids with microbial pathogenesis and infectious diseases is well known, there is a lack of information concerning the amyloids of symbiotic bacteria. In this study, using the previously developed proteomic method for screening and identification of amyloids (PSIA), we identified amyloidogenic proteins in the proteome of the root nodule bacterium Rhizobium leguminosarum. Among 54 proteins identified, we selected two proteins, RopA and RopB, which are predicted to have β-barrel structure and are likely to be involved in the control of plant-microbial symbiosis. We demonstrated that the full-length RopA and RopB form bona fide amyloid fibrils in vitro. In particular, these fibrils are β-sheet-rich, bind Thioflavin T (ThT), exhibit green birefringence upon staining with Congo Red (CR), and resist treatment with ionic detergents and proteases. The heterologously expressed RopA and RopB intracellularly aggregate in yeast and assemble into amyloid fibrils at the surface of Escherichia coli. The capsules of the R. leguminosarum cells bind CR, exhibit green birefringence, and contain fibrils of RopA and RopB in vivo.
Penicillum oxalicum spg1: A novel entomopathogenic fungus isolated from mummified Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) of cotton

Whitefly has assumed the status of a serious pest of cotton in north India in recent past due to its severe attack on cotton crop. The productivity of cotton crop has fallen substantially from 574 kg ha-1 of lint in the year 2014 -15 to 197 kg ha-1 in the year 2015-16 in Punjab. During extensive epidemiological surveillance of whitefly on cotton crop in the month of September 2016, mummified whiteflies with fungus were noticed on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces of leaves of the infested cotton plant at village, Mandi Khurd, Mansa District of Punjab, India and at Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bathinda, India. The fungus was isolated and purified from the mummified white fly and characterized at molecular level by sequencing 633 bp D2 region of Large Subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and identified as Penicillium oxalicum spg1. The gene sequence has been submitted to NCBI, USA with accession no. KY214238. The microscopic studies (stereo- and scanning electron) of the cotton leaves with mummified whitefly further strengthen the entomopathogenic potential of P. oxalicum spg1. There are few reports of entomopathogenic potential of P. oxalicum spg1 against other insects and pests. To our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation and identification of P. oxalicum spg1 from mummified white fly. Itâ€™s potential as a biocontrol agent against white fly can be exploited in a promising way with nominal interference with biological equilibrium.
Mechanical Characteristics of SPG-178 Hydrogels: Optimizing Viscoelastic Properties through Microrheology and Response Surface Methodology

Background: SApeptides have growing applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The application of SApeptide-based hydrogels depends strongly on their viscoelastic properties. Optimizing the properties is of importance in tuning the characteristics of the hydrogels for a variety of applications. Methods: In this study, we employed statistical modeling, conducted with the RSM and particle tracking microrheology, to investigate the effects of self-assembling SPG-178 peptide and added NaCl salt concentrations and milieu type (DI water or blood serum) on the viscoelastic properties of SPG-178 hydrogels. A central composite RSM model was employed for finding the optimum value of the parameters to achieve the highest storage modulus and the lowest tan δ. Results: Viscoelastic properties of each sample, including storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan δ, were determined. Storage modulus and tan δ were modeled, accounting for the impact of the SPG-178 peptide and NaCl concentrations and milieu type on the viscoelastic properties. It was found that the SPG-178 hydrogel storage modulus was positively influenced by the SPG-178 peptide concentration and the serum. Conclusion: A combination of microrheology and RSM is a useful test method for statistical modeling and analysis of rheological behavior of solid-like gels, which could be applied in various biomedical applications such as hemostasis.
Wellbeing and mental health amongst medical students from Hong Kong

Abstract Medical students are a known high-risk group for mental health issues. This study aimed to survey the psychological well-being of medical students from Hong Kong, a known stressful city. This study is part of a wider effort to compare the psychological well-being of medical students world-wide. We invited medical students from Hong Kong to complete a self-report questionnaire online. The questionnaire included questions on demographics, known mental health issues, sources of psychological stress, and substance use. It also included the cut-annoyed-guilty-eye (CAGE) questionnaire, Short-Form General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). There were 123 responses. Our results suggest high levels of psychological morbidity and distress among medical students in Hong Kong. 87% screened positive for minor psychiatric disorders on the GHQ-12 and 95% met OLBI thresholds for burnout. Female respondents demonstrated significantly higher mean GHQ-12 scores than male. Despite the apparent high prevalence of mental ill-health in this population, only 15% of respondents reported receiving professional help.
Institutional Repository Optimisation of phase ratio in the triple jump using computer simulation

The triple jump is an athletic event comprising three phases in which the optimal proportion of each phase to the total distance jumped, termed the phase ratio, is unknown. This study used a whole-body torque-driven computer simulation model of all three phases of the triple jump to investigate optimal technique. The technique of the simulation model was optimised by varying torque generator activation parameters using a genetic algorithm in order to maximise total jump distance, resulting in a hop-dominated technique (35.7%:30.8%:33.6%) and a distance of 14.05 m. Optimisations were then run with penalties forcing the model to adopt hop and jump phases of 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, and 37% of the optimised distance, resulting in total distances of: 13.79 m, 13.87 m, 13.95 m, 14.05 m, and 14.02 m; and 14.01 m, 14.02 m, 13.97 m, 13.84 m, and 13.67 m respectively. These results indicate that in this subject-specific case there is a plateau in optimum technique encompassing balanced and hop-dominated techniques, but that a jump-dominated technique is associated with a decrease in performance. Hopdominated techniques are associated with higher forces than jump-dominated techniques; therefore optimal phase ratio may be related to a combination of strength and approach velocity.
USP22 Interacts with PALB2 and Promotes Chemotherapy Resistance via Homologous Recombination of DNA Double-Strand Breaks

Homologous recombination (HR) is a highly conserved pathway that can facilitate the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). Several Deubiquitinases (DUB) have been implicated as key players in DNA damage repair (DDR) through HR. Here, we report USP22, a DUB that is highly overexpressed in multiple cancer types, is necessary for HR through a direct interaction with PALB2 through its C-terminal WD40 domain. This interaction stimulates USP22 catalytic activity in vitro. Furthermore, we show USP22 is necessary for BRCA2, PALB2, and Rad51 recruitment to DSBs and this is, in part, through USP22 stabilizing BRCA2 and PALB2 levels. Taken together, our results describe a role for USP22 in DNA repair. Implications: This research provides new and exciting mechanistic insights into how USP22 overexpression promotes chemoresistance in lung cancer. We believe this study, and others, will help aid in developing targeted drugs toward USP22 and known binding partners for lung cancer treatment.
The ralationship between successional vascular plant assemblages abd associated microbial communities on coal mine spoil heaps

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between the vascular plant species and the associated soil microbial properties at various stages of vegetation development on unclaimed hard coal mine spoil heaps in Upper Silesia (south Poland). The spontaneous vegetation, soil chemistry as well as the activity and structure of microbial communities were recorded on this specific habitat. The colliery heaps were divided into four age classes and the plant species composition and cover abundance were recorded on established plots (2 m × 2 m). The soil microbial activity under the vegetation patches was assessed using fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic activity (FDHA) and the soil microbial biomass and community composition were determined by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) biomarkers. Total microbial biomass in soils from the older vegetation plots was significantly higher than those in soils from the younger plots. In all studied samples, microbial communities consisted primarily of bacteria with the dominance of Gram negative bacteria over Gram positive and aerobic microorganisms were more dominant than anaerobic ones. Statistical analysis revealed a correlation between the type of vegetation and microbial community structure.
Internet of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles—A Multilayer Low-Altitude Airspace Model for Distributed UAV Traffic Management

The rapid adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) has encouraged the integration of new connected devices such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to the ubiquitous network. UAVs promise a pragmatic solution to the limitations of existing terrestrial IoT infrastructure as well as bring new means of delivering IoT services through a wide range of applications. Owning to their potential, UAVs are expected to soon dominate the low-altitude airspace over populated cities. This introduces new research challenges such as the safe management of UAVs operation under high traffic demands. This paper proposes a novel way of structuring the uncontrolled, low-altitude airspace, with the aim of addressing the complex problem of UAV traffic management at an abstract level. The work, hence, introduces a model of the airspace as a weighted multilayer network of nodes and airways and presents a set of experimental simulation results using three UAV traffic management heuristics.
The telltale potency of a simple milligram of charcoal found in a hearth left by Mesolithic reindeer hunters in the Norwegian mountains

Abstract The discovery and excavation of superimposed, information-rich Pre-Boreal hunting sites around the mountain lakes of Myrvatn and Fløyrlivatn in Southwest Norway have been the subject of archaeological debate. A brief review of research is presented here. In contrast to the well-preserved sites, settlement remains of a diametrically different order occur in the strongly water-eroded zone of the lakeshores: small, surface hearths in almost every stage of preservation, from evident hearths to diffuse and irregular scatters of fire-cracked stones. The latter category seems generally underestimated as a source of evidence. However, recent finds at Myrvatn demonstrate how even blurred, heavily eroded and almost intangible hearth remains, by the support of wood anatomical analysis, radiocarbon dating and intra-site comparison, may reveal concise, invaluable information both about the history of local use and regional landscape development.
Evaluation of Early Submaximal Exercise Tolerance in Adolescents with Symptomatic Sport-related Concussion.

PURPOSE To compare the cardiorespiratory response to a graded aerobic exercise challenge between adolescents with symptomatic sport-related concussion (SSRC) and healthy control subjects. METHODS A quasi-experimental non-randomized study at a multi-disciplinary pediatric concussion program was conducted. Thirty-four adolescents with SSRC (19 males and 15 females) and 40 healthy control subjects (13 males and 27 females) completed Buffalo Concussion Treadmill testing (BCTT) until either symptom exacerbation or volitional fatigue. Main outcome measures included heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (V˙O2), carbon dioxide production (V˙CO2), and minute ventilation (V˙E) at rest and at test termination, and change from rest in variables (ΔHR, ΔV˙O2, ΔV˙CO2, and ΔV˙E) during the first 5 stages of the BCTT. Main outcomes were analyzed using three-way mixed model ANOVAs, with group status (control vs. SSRC) and sex (male vs. female) as between-subjects factors, and time (BCTT stage) as the within-subjects factor. RESULTS No group differences in resting HR, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), ΔV˙O2, V˙CO2, and V˙E were observed. During the first 5 stages of the BCTT, no group differences in ΔV˙O2, V˙CO2, and V˙E were observed, however SSRC patients demonstrated higher ratings of perceived exertion (p < .0005) compared to control subjects. No sex-based differences were observed among SSRC patients on measures collected at rest and during early stages of BCTT. CONCLUSIONS Although SSRC patients exhibited higher ratings of perceived exertion during a graded aerobic exercise challenge, no differences in cardiorespiratory response were observed compared to control subjects exercising at equivalent workloads. Further work is needed to elucidate the physiological mechanisms underlying exercise intolerance following SSRC.
Adrenal Insufficiency in Children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis Treated with Topical Corticosteroids.

OBJECTIVES Identify practices of gastroenterologists screening for adrenal insufficiency (AI) and report prevalence of AI in children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) treated with topical corticosteroids (TCS); compare serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels to morning serum cortisol (MSC) levels as screening tool for AI. METHODS A multi-part study was conducted. In Part 1, a survey about screening practices for AI in children with EoE on TCS was sent to gastroenterologists belonging to a PedsGI listserv and to EoE consortia. In Part 2, children with EoE on TCS for ≥ 6 months were prospectively screened for AI with MSC levels. For subjects with a MSC level of < 10 mcg/dL, a repeat MSC level and/or confirmatory ACTH stimulation testing was offered. AI was defined by peak serum cortisol level < 18 mcg/dL. In Part 3, DHEA-S levels were drawn with MSC levels. RESULTS 7% (16/238) of gastroenterologists screen for AI. Providers in EoE consortia group were more likely to screen than non-consortia providers [9/21(43%) vs 7/217(3%); p = 0.0001]. 37 children were prospectively screened for AI, and 51% (19/37) had a low MSC level. 10 patients had LDST after one or more low MSC levels. 5% (2/37) of patients were diagnosed with AI. DHEA-S and MSC levels had a moderate correlation (rs = 0.44, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Gastroenterologists belonging to EoE consortia were more likely to screen for AI. Prevalence of AI in our prospective cohort was 5%. DHEA-S has a moderate correlation with MSC levels, but more data is required to assess utility as a screening tool for AI.
Evidence for the taxonic latent structure for DSM-5 intermittent explosive disorder in adults

Abstract Background Identification of individuals with clinically significant aggressive behavior is critical for the prevention and management of human aggressive behavior. A previous population-based taxometric study reported that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th Edition (DSM-IV) intermittent explosive disorder (IED) belongs to its own discrete class (taxon) rather than existing along a continuum. Methods This study sought to extend previous population-based findings in a clinical research sample of adults with DSM-5 IED (n = 346), adults with non-aggressive DSM-5 disorders (n = 293), and adults without any DSM-5 disorder (n = 174), using standardized assessments of DSM-5 diagnoses, aggression, and other related measures not available in past studies. Results Analyses revealed a taxonic latent structure that overlapped with the DSM-5 diagnosis of IED. Within the sample, taxon group members had higher scores on a variety of measures of psychopathology than did the complement members of the sample. Comorbidity of other diagnoses with IED did not affect these results. Conclusion These findings support the proposition that DSM-5 IED represents a distinct behavioral disorder rather than the severe end of an aggressive behavior continuum.
Magnetocaloric effect in the spin-1/2 Ising-Heisenberg diamond chain with the four-spin interaction

The magnetocaloric effect in the symmetric spin-1/2 Ising-Heisenberg diamond chain with the Ising four-spin interaction is investigated using the generalized decoration-iteration mapping transformation and the transfer-matrix technique. The entropy and the Gruneisen parameter, which closely relate to the magnetocaloric effect, are exactly calculated to compare the capability of the system to cool in the vicinity of different field-induced ground-state phase transitions during the adiabatic demagnetization.