Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microdosimetric and radiobiological effects of gold nanoparticles at therapeutic radiation energies

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to quantify the microscopic dose distribution surrounding gold nanoparticles (GNPs) irradiated at therapeutic energies and to measure the changes in cell survival in vitro caused by this dose enhancement. Methods The dose distributions from secondary electrons surrounding a single gold nanosphere and single gold nanocube of equal volume were both simulated using MCNP6. Dose enhancement factors (DEFs) in the 1 μm3 volume surrounding a GNP were calculated and compared between a nanosphere and nanocube and between 6 and 18 MV energies. This microscopic effect was explored further by experimentally measuring the cell survival of C-33a cervical cancer cells irradiated at 18 MV with varying doses of energy and concentrations of GNPs. Survival of cells receiving no irradiation, a 3 Gy dose, and a 6 Gy dose of 18 MV energy were determined for each concentration of GNPs. Results It was observed that the dose from electrons surrounding the gold nanocube surpasses that of a gold nanosphere up to a distance of 1.1 μm by 18.5% for the 18 MV energy spectrum and by 23.1% for the 6 MV spectrum. DEFs ranging from ∼2 to 8 were found, with the maximum DEF resulting from the case of the gold nanocube irradiated at 6 MV energy. Experimentally, for irradiation at 18 MV, incubating cells with 6 nM (0.10% gold by mass) GNPs produces an average 6.7% decrease in cell survival, and incubating cells with 9 nM (0.15% gold by mass) GNPs produces an average 14.6% decrease in cell survival, as compared to cells incubated and irradiated without GNPs. Conclusion We have successfully demonstrated the potential radiation dose enhancing effects in vitro and microdosimetrically from gold nanoparticles.
SATB1 ensures appropriate transcriptional programs within naïve CD8+ T cells

Special AT‐binding protein 1 (SATB1) is a chromatin‐binding protein that has been shown to be a key regulator of T‐cell development and CD4+ T‐cell fate decisions and function. The underlying function for SATB1 in peripheral CD8+ T‐cell differentiation processes is largely unknown. To address this, we examined SATB1‐binding patterns in naïve and effector CD8+ T cells demonstrating that SATB1 binds to noncoding regulatory elements linked to T‐cell lineage–specific gene programs, particularly in naïve CD8+ T cells. We then assessed SATB1 function using N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea‐mutant mice that exhibit a point mutation in the SATB1 DNA‐binding domain (termed Satb1m1Anu/m1Anu). Satb1m1Anu/m1Anu mice exhibit diminished SATB1‐binding, naïve, Satb1m1Anu/m1Anu CD8+ T cells exhibiting transcriptional and phenotypic characteristics reminiscent of effector T cells. Upon activation, the transcriptional signatures of Satb1m1Anu/m1Anu and wild‐type effector CD8+ T cells converged. While there were no overt differences, primary respiratory infection of Satb1m1Anu/m1Anu mice with influenza A virus (IAV) resulted in a decreased proportion and number of IAV‐specific CD8+ effector T cells recruited to the infected lung when compared with wild‐type mice. Together, these data suggest that SATB1 has a major role in an appropriate transcriptional state within naïve CD8+ T cells and ensures appropriate CD8+ T‐cell effector gene expression upon activation.
Cranial Morphology Associated With Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Potential Detection of Abnormality in Patient's Cranial Growth Using Angular Statistics

Introduction Apert, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer syndromes are common genetic syndromes related to syndromic craniosynostosis (SC), whereby it is a congenital defect that occurs when the cranial growth is distorted. Identifying cranial angles associated with these 3 syndromes may assist the surgical team to focus on a specific cranial part during the intervention planning, thus optimizing surgical outcomes and reducing potential morbidity. Objective The aim of this study is to identify the cranial angles, which are associated with Apert, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer syndromes. Methods The cranial computed tomography scan images of 17 patients with SC and 22 control groups aged 0 to 12 years who were treated in the University Malaya Medical Centre were obtained, while 12 angular measurements were attained using the Mimics software. The angular data were then divided into 2 groups (patients aged 0 to 24 months and >24 months). This work proposes a 95% confidence interval (CI) for angular mean to detect the abnormality in patient's cranial growth for the SC syndromes. Results The 95% CI of angular mean for the control group was calculated and used as an indicator to confirm the abnormality in patient's cranial growth that is associated with the 3 syndromes. The results showed that there are different cranial angles associated with these 3 syndromes. Conclusions All cranial angles of the patients with these syndromes lie outside the 95% CI of angular mean of control group, indicating the reliability of the proposed CI in the identification of abnormality in the patient's cranial growth.
High exposure of global tree diversity to human pressure

Significance Earth’s tree diversity is crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services. Using species range estimates for 46,752 tree species, we find that an average of 50.2% of a tree species’ range occurs in 110-km grid cells without any protected areas, with a total of 6,377 small-range tree species entirely unprotected, and that 83% of tree species experience nonnegligible human pressure across their range on average. Protecting additional areas selected to optimally cover multiple dimensions of tree diversity would strongly improve this situation. Our results highlight the need for strengthening efforts to protect tree diversity via increased coverage of protected areas through well-targeted conservation actions as well as integration of tree diversity into restoration efforts in human-dominated landscapes.
Autistic Adult Perspectives on Occupational Therapy for Autistic Children and Youth

The Autistic community values neurodiversity-positive approaches rather than behavioral interventions for Autistic children; however, little is known about what that would look like in occupational therapy. Frequently, researchers seek parent perspectives for understanding Autistic children’s preferences, while to date insufficient attention has been paid to Autistic adults as valuable informants on the Autistic experience of Autistic children. The objective of the study was to understand Autistic adult perspectives on pediatric occupational therapy for Autistic children. We sought and thematically analyzed data from a large Facebook group and an occupational therapy podcast on Autistic values, needs, and experiences in pediatric occupational therapy. Participants described wanting therapy that supported Autistic identities rather than trying to “fix” children, changing environments or tasks to promote participation, and setting goals that address self-advocacy and autonomy. Occupational therapy practitioners should critically reflect on their practice’s alignment with Autistic values and start to shift their practice as needed.
Resveratrol attenuates behavioural impairment associated with learning and memory in rats with diabetes induced by a high‐fat diet and streptozotocin

A high‐fat diet (HFD) is a common risk factor for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated cognitive impairments. In models of diabetes, resveratrol, a modulator of SIRT1, regulates the fasting glucose and antioxidant levels, as well as the lipid profile. Resveratrol may also alleviate the cognitive dysfunctions associated with diabetes.
Mapping the FACT-G to EQ-5D-3L utility index in cancer with the Chinese values set

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this research was to create a function for mapping the cancer-specific instrument (FACT-G) to a preference-based measure (EQ-5D-3 L) utility index for health-related quality of life, with utility scores generated using the Chinese value set. Method A cross-sectional study among 243 Chinese patients with cancer was conducted through EQ-5D-3 L and FACT-G questionnaires survey. The EQ-5D-3 L utility index values were predicted based on OLS, GLM, CLAD, and Tobit model regression approaches. The performance and predictive power of each model were also evaluated using r 2 and adj- r 2, MAE, RMSE, ICC, and MID. Linear equating was used to avoid regression of the OLS model to mean. The model was validated using a 10-fold cross-validation method. Results Among all regression models for the FACT-G, the OLS 5 model predicted mean EQ-5D-3 L values the best, in terms of model goodness of fit (r 2 = 0.6230, MAE = 0.0448, RMSE = 0.0624). The OLS model proved to be the most accurate for the mean, and the linear equating scores were much closer to the observed scores. Conclusion Our results suggest that the best algorithm for FACT-G mapping to EQ-5D-3 L utility index is OLS model, based on the survey of Chinese patients with cancer.
Investigation of airport sewage to detect importation of poliovirus, Poland, 2017 to 2020

Background Polioviruses are human pathogens which may easily be imported via travellers from endemic areas and countries where oral polio vaccine (OPV) is still routinely used to polio-free countries. Risk of reintroduction strictly depends on polio immunisation coverage. Sustaining a polio-free status requires strategies that allow rapid detection and control of potential poliovirus reintroductions. Aim The aim of this study was to apply environmental surveillance at an international airport in Poland to estimate the probability of poliovirus importation via air transport. Methods Between 2017 and 2020, we collected 142 sewage samples at Warsaw Airport. After sewage concentration, virus was isolated in susceptible cell cultures. Poliovirus isolates were characterised by intratypic differentiation and sequencing. Results Seven samples were positive for polioviruses. All isolates were characterised as Sabin-like polioviruses type 3 (SL-3). No wild or vaccine-derived polioviruses were found. The number of mutations accumulated in most isolates suggested a limited circulation in humans. Only one SL-3 isolate contained seven mutations, which is compatible with more than half a year of circulation. Conclusion Since OPV was withdrawn from the immunisation schedule in Poland in 2016, detection of SL-3 in airport sewage may indicate the events of importation from a region where OPV is still in use. Our study shows that environmental surveillance, including airport sewage investigation, has the capacity to detect emerging polioviruses and monitor potential exposure to poliovirus importation. Poliovirus detection in sewage samples indicates the need for sustaining a high level of polio immunisation coverage in the population.
A little less aggregation a little more replication: Viral manipulation of stress granules

Recent exciting studies have uncovered how membrane‐less organelles, also known as biocondensates, are providing cells with rapid response pathways, allowing them to re‐organize their cellular contents and adapt to stressful conditions. Their assembly is driven by the phase separation of their RNAs and intrinsically disordered protein components into condensed foci. Among these, stress granules (SGs) are dynamic cytoplasmic biocondensates that form in response to many stresses, including activation of the integrated stress response or viral infections. SGs sit at the crossroads between antiviral signaling and translation because they concentrate signaling proteins and components of the innate immune response, in addition to translation machinery and stalled mRNAs. Consequently, they have been proposed to contribute to antiviral activities, and therefore are targeted by viral countermeasures. Equally, SGs components can be commandeered by viruses for their own efficient replication. Phase separation processes are an important component of the viral life cycle, for example, driving the assembly of replication factories or inclusion bodies. Therefore, in this review, we will outline the recent understanding of this complex interplay and tug of war between viruses, SGs, and their components.
Mental/behavioural health and educational outcomes of grandchildren raised by custodial grandparents: A mixed methods systematic review

Abstract Grandparents caring for grandchildren has increased globally in the past two decades, but we have a limited understanding of its effects on custodial grandchildren's mental/behavioural health and educational outcomes. This mixed methods systematic review aims to synthesise mental/behavioural health and educational outcomes of custodial grandchildren within custodial grandparent‐headed families and with comparison to other types of household structure and further examine factors associated with these outcomes. A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines was conducted. We searched ERIC, Family Studies Abstracts, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Social Work Abstract and SocINDEX in March 2021 and screened 14,515 articles, which resulted in the inclusion of 42 studies, including 33 quantitative, seven qualitative and two mixed methods studies. The quality of included studies was assessed. This review covered 10 countries, yet most studies revealed that grandchildren raised by grandparents had adverse mental/behavioural health and educational outcomes compared to their peers raised by biological parents. This review further identified multi‐level factors contributing to custodial grandchildren's adverse outcomes. Methodological limitations and implications for future practice and research were discussed.
Narrative Review of Loudness Perception Measures in Children

Recent surveys of pediatric audiologists have highlighted the need for improved understanding of pediatric loudness perception and their role in the hearing device fitting process. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of methods used to measure loudness perception and summarize the existing literature exploring loudness perception in children. A narrative literature review was conducted and 29 articles were reviewed to (1) provide evidence for or against developmental differences, (2) describe variability across listeners of the same age, and (3) discuss evaluations of test-retest reliability on measures of loudness discomfort levels (LDLs), loudness growth, and loudness balancing. A wide variety of methods have been used to measure loudness perception in children. Results of existing studies point to potential developmental differences in LDLs but relatively consistent growth of loudness across age. Considerable across-child variability of loudness perception suggests that estimating LDLs from hearing thresholds could introduce error into the hearing device fitting/mapping process. Additional areas in need of research include work using loudness balancing measures, improved understanding of how variations in clinical loudness scaling measures could influence measured loudness perception, and examination of the benefit of individually-measured loudness perception during pediatric hearing device fitting.
Long non-coding RNA-EN_181 potentially contributes to the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice

Abstract N-acetylcysteine (NAC) possesses a strong capability to ameliorate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice, but the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Our study aimed to clarify the involvement of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in the beneficial effects of NAC on HFD-induced NAFLD. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal-fat diet (10 % fat), a HFD (45 % fat) or a HFD plus NAC (2 g/l). After 14-week of intervention, NAC rescued the deleterious alterations induced by HFD, including the changes in body and liver weights, hepatic TAG, plasma alanine aminotransferase, plasma aspartate transaminase and liver histomorphology (haematoxylin and eosin and Oil red O staining). Through whole-transcriptome sequencing, 52 167 (50 758 known and 1409 novel) hepatic lncRNA were detected. Our cross-comparison data revealed the expression of 175 lncRNA was changed by HFD but reversed by NAC. Five of those lncRNA, lncRNA-NONMMUT148902·1 (NO_902·1), lncRNA-XR_001781798·1 (XR_798·1), lncRNA-NONMMUT141720·1 (NO_720·1), lncRNA-XR_869907·1 (XR_907·1), and lncRNA-ENSMUST00000132181 (EN_181), were selected based on an absolute log2 fold change value of greater than 4, P-value < 0·01 and P-adjusted value < 0·01. Further qRT-PCR analysis showed the levels of lncRNA-NO_902·1, lncRNA-XR_798·1, and lncRNA-EN_181 were decreased by HFD but restored by NAC, consistent with the RNA sequencing. Finally, we constructed a ceRNA network containing lncRNA-EN_181, 3 miRNA, and 13 mRNA, which was associated with the NAC-ameliorated NAFLD. Overall, lncRNA-EN_181 might be a potential target in NAC-ameliorated NAFLD. This finding enhanced our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the beneficial role of NAC.
Study of the Hazard of Endogenous Fires in Coal Mines—A Chemometric Approach

The most commonly used practice to assess fire hazard development in underground coal mines is based on the measurement of the concentration of selected gases in the mine’s air. The main goal of this study was present a strategy to monitor the gaseous atmosphere in the mine in order to identify the onset of an endogenous fire in the coal seam. For that purpose, the principal component analysis (PCA) and the hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) were applied. The monitoring covers the measurements of concentration of CO, CO2, H2, O2, N2, and selected hydrocarbons, respectively throughout the whole of one year. The chemometric methods applied allow for effective exploration of the similarities between the studied samples collected both under fire hazard conditions and under safe conditions. Based on the constructed models, the groups of objects characterized with the highest content of ethylene, acetylene, propylene, and carbon monoxide were identified. These samples indicate the endogenic fire in coal mine.
Allosteric Modulators of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors as Novel Therapeutics for Neuropsychiatric Disease

Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors, a family of G-protein-coupled receptors, have been identified as novel therapeutic targets based on extensive research supporting their diverse contributions to cell signaling and physiology throughout the nervous system and important roles in regulating complex behaviors, such as cognition, reward, and movement. Thus, targeting mGlu receptors may be a promising strategy for the treatment of several brain disorders. Ongoing advances in the discovery of subtype-selective allosteric modulators for mGlu receptors has provided an unprecedented opportunity for highly specific modulation of signaling by individual mGlu receptor subtypes in the brain by targeting sites distinct from orthosteric or endogenous ligand binding sites on mGlu receptors. These pharmacological agents provide the unparalleled opportunity to selectively regulate neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and subsequent behavioral output pertinent to many brain disorders. Here, we review preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the utility of mGlu receptor allosteric modulators as novel therapeutic approaches to treat neuropsychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and stress-related disorders. Significance Statement Allosteric modulation of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors represents a promising therapeutic strategy to normalize dysregulated cellular physiology associated with neuropsychiatric disease. This review summarizes preclinical and clinical studies using mGlu receptor allosteric modulators as experimental tools and potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia, stress, and substance use disorders.
Superficial CD34-Positive Fibroblastic Tumor

Superficial CD34-positive fibroblastic tumor (SCD34FT) is a rare soft tissue neoplasm that shows overlapping features with PRDM10-rearranged soft tissue tumor (PRDM10-STT). This study characterizes the clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of SCD34FT in a series of 59 cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization to assess for PRDM10 rearrangement was performed in 12 tumors. Immunohistochemistry for CADM3 and WT1 was performed; CADM3 was also assessed in histologic mimics. Our cohort of 33 male and 26 female had a median age of 42 (range: 14 to 85) years. Tumors were most commonly located in the lower limb (73%), upper limb (8%), back (7%), and supraclavicular region (3%). The median tumor size was 3.0 cm (range: 1.0 to 9.0 cm). Clinical follow-up in 32 patients (median duration: 26 mo) revealed 2 local recurrences (6%). One patient developed regional lymph node metastases which were completely excised. Microscopically, SCD34FT comprised spindled and pleomorphic cells with glassy cytoplasm and occasional granular cell change. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed PRDM10 rearrangement in 3/8 cases (38%). SCD34FT frequently expressed CADM3 (95%) and WT1 (75%). CADM3 was less diffusely positive in pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor (40%), pleomorphic liposarcoma (20%), and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (10%). We corroborate that SCD34FT is indolent but may rarely metastasize to lymph nodes without adverse outcomes. CADM3 and WT1 may be useful in the distinction from histologic mimics. Since cases of SCD34FT with and without demonstrable PRDM10 rearrangement were clinicopathologically indistinguishable, our study further supports that SCD34FT and PRDM10-STT likely constitute a single entity.
3D-printed tissue-simulating phantoms for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of rheumatoid diseases

Abstract. Significance: Fluorescence imaging of rheumatoid diseases with indocyanine green (ICG) is an emerging technique with unique potential for diagnosis and therapy. Device characterization, monitoring of the performance, and further developments of the technique require tissue-equivalent fluorescent phantoms of high stability with appropriate anatomical shapes. Aim: Our investigations aim at the development of a three-dimensional (3D) printing technique to fabricate hand and finger models with appropriate optical properties in the near-infrared spectral range. These phantoms should have fluorescence properties similar to ICG, and excellent photostability and durability over years. Approach: We modified a 3D printing methacrylate photopolymer by adding the fluorescent dye Lumogen IR 765 to the raw material. Reduced scattering and absorption coefficients were adjusted to values representative of the human hand by incorporating titanium dioxide powder and black ink. The properties of printed phantoms of various compositions were characterized using UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, and time-resolved measurements. Photostability and bleaching were investigated with a hand imager. For comparison, several phantoms with ICG as fluorescent dye were printed and characterized as well. Results: The spectral properties of Lumogen IR 765 are very similar to those of ICG. By optimizing the concentrations of Lumogen, titanium dioxide, and ink, anatomically shaped hand and vessel models with properties equivalent to in vivo investigations with a fluorescence hand imager could be printed. Phantoms with Lumogen IR 765 had an excellent photostability over up to 4 years. In contrast, phantoms printed with ICG showed significant bleaching and degradation of fluorescence over time. Conclusions: 3D printing of phantoms with Lumogen IR 765 is a promising method for fabricating anatomically shaped fluorescent tissue models of excellent stability with spectral properties similar to ICG. The phantoms are well-suited to monitor the performance of hand imagers. Concepts can easily be transferred to other fluorescence imaging applications of ICG.