Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High Spatio-Temporal Resolution Condenser-Free Quantitative Phase Contrast Microscopy

Quantitative phase-contrast microscopy (QPCM) provides an effective approach for label-free detection of transparent samples. In this study, we propose a condenser-free quantitative phase-contrast microscopy (CF-QPCM), in which several light-emitting diodes (LEDs) distributed on a ring are used for direct ultra-oblique illumination. Such condenser-free design greatly simplifies the system’s structure and releases the space for installing samples. Quantitative phase maps are reconstructed by retarding the unscattered components of the object waves for a series of phases 0, π/2, π, and 3π/2 through a high-speed spatial light modulator (SLM). With this system, quantitative phase imaging of live cells has been achieved at a spatial resolution of 231 nm (lateral) and a frame rate of 250 Hz. We believe that the proposed CF-QPCM can contribute to biomedical, industrial, chemistry fields, etc.
Triticale Improvement: Mining of Genes Related to Yellow Rust Resistance in Triticale Based on Transcriptome Sequencing

Yellow (stripe) rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) is a major destructive fungal disease of small grain cereals, leading to large yield losses. The breeding of resistant varieties is an effective, sustainable way to control yellow rust. Elucidation of resistance mechanisms against yellow rust and identification of candidate genes associated with rust resistance are thus crucial. In this study, seedlings of two Triticosecale Wittmack cultivars, highly resistant Gannong No. 2 and susceptible Shida No. 1, were inoculated with Pst race CYR34. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) was then used to investigate their transcriptional responses against pathogen infection before and after the appearance of symptoms—10 and 20 days after inoculation, respectively. According to the RNA-seq data, the number of upregulated and downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the resistant cultivar was greater than in the susceptible cultivar. A total of 2,560 DEGs commonly expressed in the two cultivars on two sampling dates were subjected to pathway analysis, which revealed that most DEGs were closely associated with defense and metabolic activities. Transcription factor enrichment analysis indicated that the expressions of NAC, WRKY, and FAR1 families were also significantly changed. Further in-depth analysis of resistance genes revealed that almost all serine/threonine-protein kinases were upregulated in the resistant cultivar. Other genes related to disease resistance, such as those encoding disease-resistance- and pathogenesis-related proteins were differentially regulated in the two cultivars. Our findings can serve as a resource for gene discovery and facilitate elucidation of the complex defense mechanisms involved in triticale resistance to Pst.
Preoperative Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Predicts Recurrence in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Consecutive Study With 5,770 Cases

Background Thyroid autoimmunity is common in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and was believed to confer a better prognosis; however, controversy still remains. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) and preoperative thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) in PTC patients. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 5,770 PTC patients who underwent surgical treatment with pathologically confirmed PTC in our institution between 2012 to 2016. The patients were divided into groups with respect to the coexistence of CLT or preoperative TPOAb levels. The clinicopathological characteristics and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were compared between the groups. Results The coexistence of CLT was likely to have bilateral, multifocal tumors. Particularly, PTC patients with TPOAb++ (>1,000 IU/L) had a larger tumor size (p = 0.007) and higher rates of bilaterality and multifocality than those with TPOAb− (TPOAb< 100 IU/L), while for lymph node metastasis and extrathyroidal extension, there is no statistical difference. Tumor recurrence was found in 15 of 425 (3.5%), 9 of 436 (2.1%), and 56 of 3,519 (1.6%) patients with TPOAb++, TPOAb+, and TPOAb−, respectively (p = 0.017). On univariate analysis, TPOAb++ was correlated with tumor recurrence, with a hazard ratio of 2.20 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25–3.89], which remained as an independent risk factor at 1.98 (95% CI, 1.10–3.55) on multivariate analysis. PTC patients with TPOAb++ had the lowest DFS rates (96.5 vs. 97.9 vs. 98.4%, p = 0.020). Conclusion CLT is not a protective factor in PTC patients. We provide initial evidence that the preoperative TPOAb instead predicts recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Long-Term Promotive and Protective Effects of Early Childcare Quality on the Social–Emotional Development in Children

The present study aimed to examine the longitudinal promotive and protective role of process quality in regular early childhood education and care (ECEC) centers in the context of early cumulative family risks on children’s social–emotional development from early to middle childhood. The sample consisted of 293 (T1; Mage = 2.81), 239 (T2; Mage = 3.76), and 189 (T3; Mage = 9.69) children from 25 childcare centers in Switzerland. Fourteen familial risk factors were subsumed to a family risk score at T1. Parents and teachers reported on children’s conduct problems (CP), emotional problems (EP), and prosocial behavior (PB) at T2 and T3. Childcare process quality was assessed at T2 using external observations of teaching and interaction, provisions for learning, and key professional tasks. Results showed that early family risks were positively associated with CP and EP and negatively associated with PB in the long term. High-quality teaching and interaction as well as caregivers’ professional behavior in terms of systematic observation, documentation, and planning of children’s individual learning processes and needs protected children from the undesirable long-term effects of early family risks on conduct problems, emotional problems, and prosocial behavior from early to middle childhood. The results indicate that a high process quality in ECEC might serve as an essential contextual protective factor in the development of resilience in children at risk.
A novel beam steerable antenna based on dual-reconfiguration technique

Abstract In this paper, a novel beam-steerable antenna based on a dual-reconfiguration technique is presented. The proposed antenna with a double-layer structure operates at 3.65 GHz. On the lower layer, a coplanar parasitic structure whose operational principle is similar to a quasi-Yagi strip structure is used as the driven element to supply the first-level reconfiguration. The parasitic upper layer which adopts a pixel surface is implemented for the second-level reconfiguration. By switching four PIN diodes on the lower layer and changing the pixel surface of the upper layer, the proposed antenna is capable of realizing beam steering (θ = 0°, ±10°, ±20°, ±30°, ±40°, ±50°, and ±60°) with a gain fluctuation lower than 1 dB. A multi-objective genetic algorithm and a co-simulation strategy are used to optimize the operating state of the pixel surface. The antenna is optimized, fabricated and measured. The measured results agree well with the simulated ones, and they validate the powerful reconfigurable ability of the proposed antenna.
Partial Fibular Head Osteotomy is an Alternative Option in Treatment of Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of partial fibular head osteotomy for treating posterolateral tibial plateau fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 25 patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fractures who were treated using a partial fibular head osteotomy approach. Computed tomography was performed for fracture typing and evaluation. The mode of injury, time from injury to surgery, time for fracture union, range of motion of the knee, and complications were recorded. Knee joint function was evaluated using the Hospital for Special Surgery Mayo Score (HSS). Results The mean follow-up period was 21.5 (range, 12–36) months. Fracture united in all patients and the average clinical healing time for fractures was 11.2 ± 1.9 (range, 8–16) weeks. The mean time from injury to surgery was 3.1 ± 1.8 (range, 1–10) days. The mean range of flexion was 131.6° ± 12.5° (range, 110°–145°). The mean range of extension was 1.4°–4.2° (range, −5°–10°). The mean HSS at the final follow-up was 93.5 ± 5.4 (range, 79–100). None of the patients exhibited symptoms of common peroneal nerve injury, knee instability, or upper tibiofibular joint injury. One patient had a superficial infection and was treated with surgical dressing. Conclusion The partial fibular head osteotomy approach is a feasible alternative for treating posterolateral tibial plateau fractures.
Andrographolide Inhibits ER-Positive Breast Cancer Growth and Enhances Fulvestrant Efficacy via ROS-FOXM1-ER-α Axis

Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer is the main subtype of breast cancer (BRCA) with high incidence and mortality. Andrographolide (AD), a major active component derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Andrographis paniculate, has substantial anti-cancer effect in various tumors. However, the antitumor efficacy and the underlying molecular mechanisms of AD on ER-positive breast cancer are poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that andrographolide (AD) significantly inhibited the growth of ER-positive breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, AD suppressed estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1, encodes ER-α) transcription to inhibit tumor growth. Further studies revealed that AD induced ROS production to down-regulate FOXM1-ER-α axis. Conversely, inhibiting ROS production with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) elevated AD-decreased ER-α expression, which could be alleviated by FOXM1 knockdown. In addition, AD in combination with fulvestrant (FUL) synergistically down-regulated ER-α expression to inhibit ER-positive breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. These findings collectively indicate that AD suppresses ESR1 transcription through ROS-FOXM1 axis to inhibit ER-positive breast cancer growth and suggest that AD might be a potential therapeutic agent and fulvestrant sensitizer for ER-positive breast cancer treatment.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy and Cytoreductive Surgery in Ovarian Cancer: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses

Background The utility of heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has been assessed in several randomised clinical trials and meta-analyses, and it is still a subject of controversy. Therefore, we performed an umbrella review of existing meta-analyses to summarise the outcomes of HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery (CRS) association in ovarian cancer. Methods We examined the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Prospero, Web of Science and Science Direct from inception to May 30, 2020, for meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and observational studies. Analyses of overall survival, disease free survival and progression survival were performed separately for primary and recurrent ovarian cancers. Results We identified 6 meta-analyses investigating the association of HIPEC with CRS in the management of ovarian cancer. Three year overall survival was significantly improved by the association of CRS and HIPEC for primary (HR: 0.66, 95%CI:0.56-0.78) and recurrent ovarian cancers (HR:0.50, 95%CI:0.38-0.64). This benefit was also demonstrated on disease-free survival for primary (HR: 0.54, 95%CI:0.48-0.61) and recurrent ovarian cancer (HR: 0.60, 95%CI:0.46-0.78). The pooled hazard ratios confirmed the advantage of HIPEC and CRS association with respect to CRS alone on progression free survival for primary and recurrent ovarian cancer respectively with HR: 0.50, 95%CI: 0.43-0.58 and HR: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.41-0.85. Conclusion While waiting for the results of the current prospective studies, the present umbrella study suggests that HIPEC performed at the end of CRS may be a complementary effective asset for ovarian cancer patient management.
Impact of COVID-19 In-hospital Mortality in Chagas Disease Patients

The COVID-19 virus infection caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 was first identified in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil, in March 2020. Until the end of 2021, 504,399 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in RJ, and the total death toll reached 68,347. The Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases from Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (INI-Fiocruz) is a referral center for treatment and research of several infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and Chagas disease (CD). The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on in-hospital mortality of patients with CD during the COVID-19 pandemic period. This observational, retrospective, longitudinal study evaluated all patients with CD hospitalized at INI-Fiocruz from May 1, 2020, to November 30, 2021. One hundred ten hospitalizations from 81 patients with CD (58% women; 68 ± 11 years) were evaluated. Death was the study's main outcome, which occurred in 20 cases. The mixed-effects logistic regression was performed with the following variables to test whether patients admitted to the hospital with a COVID-19 diagnosis would be more likely to die than those admitted with other diagnoses: admission diagnosis, sex, age, COVID-19 vaccination status, CD clinical classification, and the number of comorbidities. Results from multiple logistic regression analysis showed a higher risk of in-hospital mortality in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (OR 6.37; 95% CI 1.78–22.86) compared to other causes of admissions. In conclusion, COVID-19 infection had a significant impact on the mortality risk of INI-Fiocruz CD patients, accounting for one-third of deaths overall. COVID-19 presented the highest percentage of death significantly higher than those admitted due to other causes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Engagement in Online Learning: Student Attitudes and Behavior During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in nearly all universities switching courses to online formats. We surveyed the online learning experience of undergraduate students (n = 187) at a large, public research institution in course structure, interpersonal interaction, and academic resources. Data was also collected from course evaluations. Students reported decreases in live lecture engagement and attendance, with 72 percent reporting that low engagement during lectures hurt their online learning experience. A majority of students reported that they struggled with staying connected to their peers and instructors and managing the pace of coursework. Students had positive impressions, however, of their instructional staff. Majorities of students felt more comfortable asking and answering questions in online classes, suggesting that there might be features of learning online to which students are receptive, and which may also benefit in-person classes.
Low Power CMOS Interface Circuitry for Sensors and Actuators

This thesis is concerned with the design of integrated CMOS circuits applicable for transducer interfacing. The project entry-point is the development of circuitry suitable for biomedical implantable sensors/actuators for neural prosthesis. Implantable sensor outputs are characterized by very weak signals at a relatively low bandwidth. Typically for the nerve-cuff electrode, these signals have a magnitude of only a few μV over a 4 kHz bandwidth, making pre-amplification an absolute necessity prior to any further processing. To this end, we have developed two prototype nerve signal instrumentation amplifiers characterized by high, well-controlled gain and low noise performance. The first version achieves low noise performance, comparable to bipolar designs, by careful dimensioning of the input stage. The second version addresses some drawbacks of the first design and employs more advanced design solutions for improved noise performance (chopper modulation of the amplifier input stage). Prior to further processing of the nerve signals, quantization is done. To accommodate quantization, a data converter of the sigma-delta type has been analyzed, optimized and implemented according to the specifications put forth by the recorded nerve signals. The main concern in the optimization task was the required low power consumption of the data converter. For nerve stimulation, current pulses are used. For this purpose, current-steering digital to analog converters are useful due to their ability to directly convert a digital input word to an output current for stimulation. The D/A circuit implemented in this work, was however not aimed at implanted actuator applications, but rather high-speed, high-accuracy demonstration purposes. Although not intended for implantable circuits, the current-steering D/A principle is easily scaled for other requirements and the developed design techniques remain valid.
Immunogenicity and Safety of a Novel 13-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccine in Healthy Chinese Infants and Toddlers

Background To determine the non-inferiority of the seven common serotypes (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F) in the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) with each serotype conjugated to a tetanus toxoid carrier protein and adsorbed on aluminum phosphate and the superiority of its six additional serotypes (1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F, and 19A) to the serotypes in the PCV7. Methods Participants were evenly randomized in a 1:1 ratio into either the PCV13 or PCV7 groups, to receive three doses of the vaccine at the age of 3, 4, and 5 months, respectively, and a booster dose between 12 and 15 months of age. Serotype-specific antibodies were measured using a standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) microcolony assay method. Results A total of 1,040 healthy infants were enrolled. All the seven common serotypes in the PCV13 were non-inferior to those in the PCV7 in terms of the serotype-specific IgG production induced; however, non-inferiority was not shown for serotype 6B after the infant series. The proportion of subjects who reached OPA antibody titers ≥ 1:8 in the PCV13 group was 89.25% or higher. Local reactions and systemic events were mild or moderate in severity and similar between the two groups. No new safety signals were observed. Conclusion The newly developed PCV13 was immunogenic for all serotypes and had a comparable safety profile to the marketed PCV7.
SPECT Imaging of Acute Disc Herniation by Targeting Integrin α5β1 in Rat Models

Objective Traditional morphological imaging of intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) is challenging in early disease diagnosis. Aiming at the early diagnosis of IVD by non-invasive molecular imaging targeting of integrin α5β1, we performed novel imaging in rats with acute IVDH for the first time. Methods Animal models were prepared by conducting an established needle puncture procedure through the normal intervertebral disc (IVD). The disc-injured rats underwent SPECT/CT imaging of the 99mTc-3PisoDGR2 peptide at 1 day to 2 months postinjury. The expression change of integrin α5β1 was determined by anti-integrin α5 and anti-integrin α5β1 immunohistochemistry (IHC). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for comparison during disease progression. The morphological changes of the disc were determined by safranin-O staining. Results Rats with acute IVDH showed gradually increased disc uptake of 99mTc-3PisoDGR2 from 1 to 7 days posttreatment, which was a significantly higher level than that of the normal disks in degenerative diseases. IHC results showed the expression of integrin α5β1 on the surface of annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, which agreed with the uptake data. MRI showed a progressively decreased T2 density and MRI index throughout the investigation. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and safranin-O staining revealed a disorganized structure of the IVD as well as loss of proteoglycans after puncture. Conclusions The present study demonstrated a good correlation between integrin α5β1 expression and acute disc herniation. The SPECT/CT imaging of 99mTc-3PisoDGR2 targeting integrin α5β1 may diagnose IVDH in an acute phase for early disease management.
Rehabilitation Including Structured Active Play for Preschoolers With Cancer (RePlay)—Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Children diagnosed with cancer experience muscle weakness and impaired physical function caused by treatment and related immobility. The situation forces them into a negative cycle of diminished participation in physical and leisure activities and isolation from peers; inhibiting the natural development of social and gross motor skills. This manuscript presents a protocol for a study that explores the effects of using structured active play to maintain preschoolers' age specific gross motor function and social and personal skills while undertaking intensive cancer treatment. Methods The study is a two-arm, superiority randomized controlled trial with an intervention and a control group designed to evaluate the effects of a structured active play intervention on gross motor function. Gross motor subtests of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition (PDMS-2) are used for measurement; with the primary end-point at 6 months post-treatment initiation. Eighty-four preschool children (aged 1–5 years), newly diagnosed with cancer at the Copenhagen University Hospital are randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group, using a 1:1 allocation. The intervention group receives a combined in-hospital and home-based program that includes structured active play activities, while the control group receives standard care, including physiotherapy. During hospital admission, the intervention group undertakes 45-min structured active play group sessions three times weekly, conducted by exercise professionals. Parents receive training and supervision to facilitate daily individual sessions outside of group sessions. Secondary study outcomes target the children's overall function level in everyday life, general physical performance, and health-related quality of life. As well, children's and parents' experiences within the intervention are explored and the children's social and personal development is observed. Discussion Limited evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions, particularly those including active play, for preschoolers diagnosed with cancer. This manuscript reporting on a study protocol will enhance clarity and transparency in reporting and offer insights for others with interest in this same topic. Once completed, findings from this study could extend knowledge about the conduct and measurement of effectiveness in rehabilitation initiatives. If study findings suggest that the intervention is effective, structured active play may become a standard part of rehabilitation. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04672681. Registered December 17, 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04672681.