Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum HER2 levels predict treatment efficacy and prognosis in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant treatment.

Background Controversy remains regarding the predictive and prognostic value of serum human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in breast cancer. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the clinical utility and efficacy of serum HER2 (sHER2) in predicting treatment response and prognosis in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab treatment. Methods A total of 309 HER2-positive breast cancer patients diagnosed at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from July 2015 to January 2019 were analyzed. Baseline sHER2 levels were obtained for all patients and sHER2 levels were collected after 2 cycles of treatment in 208 patients. A sHER2 level ≥15 ng/mL was regarded as "high expression" and sHER2 <15 ng/mL was regarded as "low expression". Outcome measures of treatment efficacy and prognosis were pathological complete response (pCR) and invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), respectively. Results In patients with high baseline sHER2, more were ER-negative (P=0.029), had larger tumor size (P=0.006), more advanced clinical stage (P=0.002), higher Miller-Payne grade (P=0.024) and higher likelihood of iDFS events (P=0.015). Patients with high sHER2 levels after 2 cycles of treatment had lower pCR rates (P=0.038), higher Miller-Payne grade (P=0.013) and higher likelihood of iDFS events (P=0.003). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant differences in iDFS between patients with high and low sHER2 levels at baseline (P=0.019) and after 2 cycles of treatment (P=0.000). Further analyses according to cancer subtypes found baseline sHER2 to be significantly correlated with the iDFS of Luminal B patients (p=0.002), while sHER2 levels after 2 cycles of treatment was significantly correlated with the iDFS of HER2-enriched patients (P=0.000). Univariate analysis showed significant association between iDFS and tumor size (P=0.026), lymph node status (P=0.008), clinical stage (P=0.031), baseline sHER2 (P=0.024), overall tumor response (P=0.011), pCR (P=0.043) and Miller-Payne grade (P=0.001). Multivariate analysis found Miller-Payne grade (P=0.037) to be significantly associated with iDFS. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the clinical value of sHER2 in a population of Chinese breast cancer patients, suggesting that sHER2 levels after 2 cycles of neoadjuvant therapy may be more predictive of treatment outcomes and that the prognostic value of sHER2 may be time point and subtype dependent.
High-k oxides by atomic layer deposition—Applications in biology and medicine

Wide band gap oxides grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are intensively studied for applications as insulators (gate oxides in field effect transistors) and as resistance switching materials in electronic memories. For these applications, compositions of dielectric films (laminar structures of HfO2, TiO2, ZrO2, and Al2O3) can also be used. Our research shows that the same layers show antibacterial activity comparable to ZnO. For mentioned application, it is important that the ALD allows uniform coating of various materials, including temperature sensitive ones (e.g., perishable fabrics) and equipment and instruments (including implants) used in hospitals and in a food industry. Here, the authors present the antibacterial activity of ALD-deposited metal oxides, promising a range of potential applications in medicine, veterinary, broader health care, and food industry.
Blood pressure in dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and subjective cognitive decline related to time of death

It is unknown whether systolic blood pressure (SBP) drop is part of the normal aging process or due to the onset of dementia for some people. SBP drop is referring to the decrease in blood pressure often seen before death. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine whether SBP at time of diagnosis of dementia, mild cognitive impairment, or subjective cognitive decline was associated with years prior to death, and whether these associations were modified by diagnoses, age, and sex.
Enhanced production of nonanedioic acid from nonanoic acid by engineered Escherichia coli

In this study, whole‐cell biotransformation was conducted to produce nonanedioic acid from nonanoic acid by expressing the alkane hydroxylating system (AlkBGT) from Pseudomonas putida GPo1 in Escherichia coli. Following adaptive laboratory evolution, an efficient E. coli mutant strain, designated as MRE, was successfully obtained, demonstrating the fastest growth (27‐fold higher) on nonanoic acid as the sole carbon source compared to the wild‐type strain. Additionally, the MRE strain was engineered to block nonanoic acid degradation by deleting fadE. The resulting strain exhibited a 12.8‐fold increase in nonanedioic acid production compared to the wild‐type strain. Six mutations in acrR, Pcrp, dppA, PfadD, e14, and yeaR were identified in the mutant MRE strain, which was characterized using genomic modifications and RNA‐sequencing. The acquired mutations were found to be beneficial for rapid growth and nonanedioic acid production.
Multimodality and the 5R Instructional Model: Biology Teachers Learning to Engage Emergent Multilingual Learners

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to understand how biology teachers experienced and learned from professional development (PD) in which the 5R Instructional Model was used as a framework for planning inclusive lesson for emerging multilingual learners (EML). The PD integrated biology content with the scientific practices of using mathematical thinking and multimodal communication strategies to help EMLs. A case study was used to answer (1) How do biology teachers describe their personal PD experience of learning about science communication as multimodal language? And (2) how do biology teachers articulate their use of multimodal language during instructions using the 5R Instructional Model? Thirty-four biology teachers participated for two years. Data from three sources were analyzed using two phases of a priori and one phase of en vivo coding. Three themes emerged (removing the blindfold, vocabulary, and experiencing the Rs) as descriptors of the learning experience (Q1). Three themes also emerged (mathematics as â€˜aâ€™ language of science, scaffolding for EMLs means intentional language, and integrating the 5Rs) for how the teachers articulated their use of the 5R Instructional Model (Q2). Â Results indicate that science teachers experienced a change in their understanding of effective PD and of their role with EMLs. Â They valued learning to include practices from Next Generation Science Standards with EMLs and beginning to see the language of science as multimodal rather than just terms. In addition, they began to systematically include the Rs in teaching.
Detection of chemical residues in food oil via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Highly ordered hexagonally patterned Ag-nanorod (Ag-NR) arrays for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of unhealthy chemical residues in food oil was reported, which was obtained by sputtering Ag on the alumina nanotip arrays stuck out of conical-pore anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. SERS measurements demonstrate that the as-fabricated large-scale Ag-nanostructures can serve as highly sensitive and reproducible SERS substrates for detection of trace amount of chemicals in oil with the lower detection limits of 2×10-6 M for thiram and 10-7 M for rhodamine B, showing the potential of application of SERS in rapid trace detection of pesticide residues and illegal additives in food oils.
Determining the types of descending waves from transcranial magnetic stimulation measured with conditioned H‐reflexes in humans

Non‐invasive techniques are scarce with which human (motor) cortical mechanisms can be investigated. In a series of previous experiments, we have applied an advanced form of conditioning technique with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and peripheral nerve stimulation by which excitability changes at the laminar level in the primary motor cortex can be estimated. This method builds on the assumption that the first of subsequent corticospinal waves from TMS which is assessed with H‐reflexes (called early facilitation) results from indirect excitation of corticospinal neurons in motor cortex (I‐wave) and not direct excitation of corticospinal axons (D‐wave). So far, we have not provided strong experimental evidence that this is actually the case. In the present study, we therefore compared temporal differences of the early facilitation between transcranial magnetic and electrical stimulation (TES). TES is known to excite the axons of corticospinal neurons. TES in our study caused a temporal shift of the early facilitation of H‐reflexes in all subjects compared to TMS, which indicates that the early facilitation with TMS is indeed produced by an I‐wave. Additionally, we investigated temporal shifts of the early facilitation with different TMS intensities and two TMS coils. It has long been known that TMS with higher intensities can induce a D‐wave. Accordingly, we found that TMS with an intensity of 150% of resting motor threshold compared to 130%/110% results in a temporal shift of the early facilitation, indicating the presence of a D‐wave. This effect was dependent on the coil type.
Human meniscus allograft augmentation by allogeneic mesenchymal stromal/stem cell injections

Meniscus allograft transplantations (MATs) represent established surgical procedures with proven outcomes. Yet, storage as frozen specimens and limited cellular repopulation may impair graft viability. This proof‐of‐concept study tests the feasibility of injecting allogeneic mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) in meniscus allograft tissue. We investigated the injectable cell quantity, survival rate, migration, and proliferation ability of MSCs up to 28 days of incubation. In this controlled laboratory study, seven fresh‐frozen human allografts were injected with human allogeneic MSCs. Cells were labeled and histological characteristics were microscopically imaged up to 28 days. Mock‐injected menisci were included as negative controls in each experiment. Toluidine blue staining demonstrated that a 100‐µl volume can be injected while retracting and rotating the inserted needle. Immediately after injection, labeled MSCs were distributed throughout the injection channel and eventually migrated into the surrounding tissues. Histological assessment revealed that MSCs cluster in disc‐like shapes, parallel to the intrinsic lamination of the meniscus and around the vascular network. Quantification showed that more than 60% of cells were present in horizontally injected grafts and more than 30% were observed in vertically injected samples. On Day 14, cells adopted a spindle‐shaped morphology and exhibited proliferative and migratory behaviors. On Day 28, live/dead ratio assessment revealed an approximately 80% cell survival. The study demonstrated the feasibility of injecting doses of MSCs (>0.1 million) in meniscus allograft tissue with active cell proliferation, migration, and robust cell survival.
Occurrence of multidrug‐resistant Enterococcus faecium isolated from environmental samples

Enterococcus species are present in the microbiota of humans and animals and have also been described in the environment. Among the species, Enterococcus faecium is one of the main pathogens associated with nosocomial infections worldwide. Enterococcus faecium isolates resistant to different classes of antimicrobials have been increasingly reported, including multidrug‐resistant (MDR) isolates in environmental sources, which is worrying. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize E. faecium isolates obtained from soil and water samples regarding antimicrobial resistance and virulence determinants. A total 40 E. faecium isolates were recovered from 171 environmental samples. All isolates were classified as MDR, highlighting the resistance to the fluoroquinolones class, linezolid and vancomycin. Furthermore, high‐level aminoglycoside resistance and high‐level ciprofloxacin resistance were detected in some isolates. Several clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes were found, including vanC1, ermB, ermC, mefAE, tetM, tetL, ant(6′)‐Ia, ant(4′)‐Ia, aph(3′)‐IIIa and aac(6′)‐Ie‐aph(2″)‐Ia. Three virulence genes were detected among the MDR E. faecium isolates, such as esp, gelE and ace. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of MDR E. faecium isolates carrying antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in environmental sources and report for the first time in the world the presence of vanC1‐producing E. faecium isolated from soil.
Antimicrobial resistance in bacterial isolates from companion animals in Buenos Aires, Argentina: 2011–2017 retrospective study

The widespread use of antimicrobial therapy in companion animals could lead to increased levels of resistance. Monitoring these levels is critical to understand not only the zoonotic threat of resistant bacteria but also the interspecies transmission of resistance mechanisms. However, data on resistance levels in companion animals of urban areas in Latin America are lacking. In this retrospective study, we analysed 23,922 isolates recovered from clinical samples of dogs and cats between 2011 and 2017. Growing trends of resistance to fluoroquinolones were observed in most bacterial species of veterinary importance with zoonotic potential (Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus). Furthermore, an increase of resistance levels to third‐generation cephalosporins was also detected in Enterobacterales. Currently, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. did not seem to represent a clinical challenge. A high proportion of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Enterobacterales isolated from urine was reported. It is interesting to outline that resistance to amikacin was exceptional. This study might be considered as a baseline for prospective antimicrobial resistance surveillance in companion animals in our region.
Assessing climate policies: Catastrophe avoidance and the right to sustainable development

With the significant disconnect between the collective aim of limiting warming to well below 2°C and the current means proposed to achieve such an aim, the goal of this paper is to offer a moral assessment of prominent alternatives to current international climate policy. To do so, we’ll outline five different policy routes that could potentially bring the means and goal in line. Those five policy routes are: (1) exceed 2°C; (2) limit warming to less than 2°C by economic de-growth; (3) limit warming to less than 2°C by traditional mitigation only; (4) limit warming to less than 2°C by traditional mitigation and widespread deployment of Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs); and (5) limit warming to less than 2°C by traditional mitigation, NETs, and Solar Radiation Management as a fallback. In assessing these five policy routes, we rely primarily upon two moral considerations: the avoidance of catastrophic climate change and the right to sustainable development. We’ll conclude that we should continue to aim at the two-degree target, and that to get there we should use aggressive mitigation, pursue the deployment of NETs, and continue to research SRM.
A novel lncRNA LOLA1 may predict malignant progression and promote migration, invasion, and EMT of oral leukoplakia via the AKT/GSK‐3β pathway

Although dysregulation and dysfunction of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in malignant behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), whether aberrant lncRNAs play a role in the carcinogenesis of oral leukoplakia (OL) as the best‐known precursor of OSCC remains undetermined. Differentially expressed lncRNAs in the occurrence and progression of OL were studied by microarray and quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). We found a novel key lncRNA n386251 that we named LOLA1 (lncRNA oral leukoplakia progressed associated 1) in the OL progression. The results of qRT‐PCR revealed that LOLA1 aberrant expression was validated in tissue samples and cell lines from the normal oral mucosa, OL to OSCC. Fluorescent in situ hybridization showed that LOLA1 expression localized predominately at the cytoplasm of Leuk1 cells. Cell function assays showed that LOLA1 significantly influenced cell migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) protein expression. Potential mechanism experiments revealed that AKT/GSK‐3β signaling was involved in the regulatory mechanism of LOLA1 in OL progression. Remarkably, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that LOLA1 overexpression could predict malignant events of OL progression to OSCC. In conclusion, the current study for the first time profiled and validated the key lncRNAs related to OL progression. Importantly, we demonstrated that a novel lncRNA LOLA1 upregulation was associated with OL malignant progression, suggesting LOLA1 may be a predictive biomarker. Moreover, LOLA1 may promote migration, invasion, and EMT process in OL malignant progression via AKT/GSK‐3β pathway.
A novel electroactive λ-MnO2/PPy/PSS core–shell nanorod coated electrode for selective recovery of lithium ions at low concentration

A novel electroactive Li+ ion-imprinted hybrid film consisting of λ-MnO2/PPy/PSS core–shell nanorods is successfully fabricated on an electrode by using the unipolar pulse electrodeposition (UPED) technique. When the electrode is applied for selective electrochemical extraction of low concentrations of Li+ ions from aqueous solutions via an electrochemically switched ion exchange (ESIX) process, the Li+ ion adsorption capacity reaches 35.2 mg g−1 with an adsorption equilibrium time of less than 2 h. The excellent ion separation performance of this hybrid film should be attributed to its low ion transfer resistance due to its porous structure and the high electric driving force during the ESIX process. In particular, owing to the unique Li+ ion imprinted vacant sites in the crystal structure of spinel λ-MnO2 nanorods, the selectivity factor for Li+/Na+ reaches 46.0 with a molar ratio of 1 : 1. It is expected that this λ-MnO2/PPy/PSS hybrid film can be applied as a promising electroactive material for effective separation of Li+ ions from seawater.
Elimination of Impurity in Sepiolite and It's Surface Area

Sepiolite of Spanish origin contained both calcite and dolomite which were detected by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and thermal gravimetry-diffrential thermal analysis. These impurities were eliminated by treating with the dilute hydrochloric acid aqueous solution (0.59mol/1) without the decomposition of sepiolite itself. The specific surface area increased by the elimination of the impurity with dilute hydrochloric acid.
Language Modelling with NMT Query Translation for Amharic-Arabic Cross-Language Information Retrieval

This paper describes our first experiment on Neural Machine Translation (NMT) based query translation for Amharic-Arabic Cross-Language Information Retrieval (CLIR) task to retrieve relevant documents from Amharic and Arabic text collections in response to a query expressed in the Amharic language. We used a pre-trained NMT model to map a query in the source language into an equivalent query in the target language. The relevant documents are then retrieved using a Language Modeling (LM) based retrieval algorithm. Experiments are conducted on four conventional IR models, namely Uni-gram and Bi-gram LM, Probabilistic model, and Vector Space Model (VSM). The results obtained illustrate that the proposed Uni-gram LM outperforms all other models for both Amharic and Arabic language document collections.
Samajh-Boojh: A Reading Comprehension system in Hindi

This paper presents a novel approach designed to answer questions on a reading comprehension passage. It is an end-to-end system which first focuses on comprehending the given passage wherein it converts unstructured passage into a structured data and later proceeds to answer the questions related to the passage using solely the aforementioned structured data. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed design is first of its kind which accounts for entire process of comprehending the passage and then answering the questions associated with the passage. The comprehension stage converts the passage into a Discourse Collection that comprises of the relation shared amongst logical sentences in given passage along with the key characteristics of each sentence. This design has its applications in academic domain , query comprehension in speech systems among others.
An LSTM-Based Deep Learning Approach for Detecting Self-Deprecating Sarcasm in Textual Data

Self-deprecating sarcasm is a special category of sarcasm, which is nowadays popular and useful for many real-life applications, such as brand endorsement, product campaign, digital marketing, and advertisement. The self-deprecating style of campaign and marketing strategy is mainly adopted to excel brand endorsement and product sales value. In this paper, we propose an LSTM-based deep learning approach for detecting self-deprecating sarcasm in textual data. To the best of our knowledge, there is no prior work related to self-deprecating sarcasm detection using deep learning techniques. Starting with a filtering step to identify self-referential tweets, the proposed approach adopts a deep learning model using LSTM for detecting self-deprecating sarcasm. The proposed approach is evaluated over three Twitter datasets and performs significantly better in terms of precision, recall, and f-score.
Enacting Spiritual Activism to Develop a Sense of Belonging: Latina Community College Students Choosing and Persisting in STEM

Guided by the theoretical frameworks of sense of belonging and spiritual activism, this study examines the experiences of first-generation Latina community college students who navigated the choice to major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and their experiences as they prepared to transfer to a 4-year college from two Hispanic-serving community colleges. Informed by semi-structured interviews with eight Latina students, the study found that participants chose to major in a specific STEM field only after they had explored other options. After choosing a STEM major, the participants experienced academic and interpersonal invalidations, which made them question whether they belonged in STEM. However, they had access to multiple institutional resources, including scholarship funds, a supportive peer group, and validating faculty, which supported healing from previous invalidations and contributed to their sense of belonging. As individuals who encountered both inequities and microaggressions, spiritual activism reinforced a sense of belonging in STEM for Latina students.