Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Persistent vasomotor symptoms and breast cancer in the Women's Health Initiative.

OBJECTIVE Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) including hot flashes and night sweats are common during the menopausal transition and may persist. Although VMS pathophysiology is complex, estrogen's efficiency as VMS therapy suggests hormonal environment change may influence this process. As studies of VMS and breast cancer are inconsistent, we examined associations between persistent VMS and breast cancer incidence and mortality. METHODS The analytic sample included 25,499 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) without current/former menopausal hormone therapy use with information on VMS status (never vs persistent). Breast cancers were verified by medical record review. Cause of death attribution was enhanced by serial National Death Index queries. Associations between VMS status and breast cancer incidence and mortality was determined using time dependent Cox regression analyses adjusted for breast cancer risk factors. RESULTS Through 17.9 years (median) follow-up, 1,399 incident breast cancers were seen. Women with persistent VMS (VMS median duration 10+ years) (n = 9,715), compared to women with never VMS (n = 15,784), had a higher breast cancer incidence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.13 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.27). While breast cancer-specific mortality was higher in women with persistent VMS (HR 1.33 95% CI 0.88-2.02), the difference was not statistically significant. Persistent VMS status had no influence on breast cancer overall survival (HR 1.02 95% CI 0.81-1.29). CONCLUSION Women with persistent VMS are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women who never experienced VMS, but not more likely to die from breast cancer.
Research on a 3D Encapsulation Technique for Capacitive MEMS Sensors Based on Through Silicon Via †

A novel three-dimensional (3D) hermetic packaging technique suitable for capacitive microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors is studied. The composite substrate with through silicon via (TSV) is used as the encapsulation cap fabricated by a glass-in-silicon (GIS) reflow process. In particular, the low-resistivity silicon pillars embedded in the glass cap are designed to serve as the electrical feedthrough and the fixed capacitance plate at the same time to simplify the fabrication process and improve the reliability. The fabrication process and the properties of the encapsulation cap were studied systematically. The resistance of the silicon vertical feedthrough was measured to be as low as 263.5 mΩ, indicating a good electrical interconnection property. Furthermore, the surface root-mean-square (RMS) roughnesses of glass and silicon were measured to be 1.12 nm and 0.814 nm, respectively, which were small enough for the final wafer bonding process. Anodic bonding between the encapsulation cap and the silicon wafer with sensing structures was conducted in a vacuum to complete the hermetic encapsulation. The proposed packaging scheme was successfully applied to a capacitive gyroscope. The quality factor of the packaged gyroscope achieved above 220,000, which was at least one order of magnitude larger than that of the unpackaged. The validity of the proposed packaging scheme could be verified. Furthermore, the packaging failure was less than 1%, which demonstrated the feasibility and reliability of the technique for high-performance MEMS vacuum packaging.
HIDRAdisk: validation of an innovative visual tool to assess the burden of hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful inflamed nodules, recurrent abscesses and fistulas located in apocrine gland–bearing body sites. The negative impact of HS on patient's quality of life (QoL) has been reported to be greater than other dermatologic conditions as psoriasis and atopic eczema, and its improvement is an important goal in disease management. Nowadays, there are no specific validated QoL instruments available for HS and generic dermatologic questionnaires are used.
The LNK Gene Family: At the Crossroad between Light Signaling and the Circadian Clock

Light signaling pathways interact with the circadian clock to help organisms synchronize physiological and developmental processes to periodic environmental cycles. The plant photoreceptors responsible for clock resetting have been characterized, but signaling components that link the photoreceptors to the clock remain to be identified. Members of the family of NIGHT LIGHT–INDUCIBLE AND CLOCK-REGULATED (LNK) genes play key roles linking light regulation of gene expression to the control of daily and seasonal rhythms in Arabidopsis thaliana. Particularly, LNK1 and LNK2 were shown to control circadian rhythms, photomorphogenic responses, and photoperiod-dependent flowering time. Here we analyze the role of the four members of the LNK family in Arabidopsis in these processes. We found that depletion of the closely related LNK3 and LNK4 in a lnk1;lnk2 mutant background affects circadian rhythms, but not other clock-regulated processes such as flowering time and seedling photomorphogenesis. Nevertheless, plants defective in all LNK genes (lnkQ quadruple mutants) display developmental alterations that lead to increased rosette size, biomass, and enhanced phototropic responses. Our work indicates that members of the LNK family have both distinctive and partially overlapping functions, and are an essential link to orchestrate light-regulated developmental processes.
Gender Differences in the Prevalence and Correlates of Elder Abuse in a Community-Dwelling Older Population in Korea

Background: We examined gender differences in the prevalence estimates and correlates of elder abuse in a community-dwelling older population in Korea. Methods: We analyzed responses from the Living Profiles of Older People Survey (LPOPS), which comprises a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized Korean older adults living in the community. A total of 10,184 older persons (4179 men and 6005 women) were included in the analysis. Results: The overall rate of elder abuse was 9.9%, and emotional elder abuse was the most frequent type. Of the men and women subjects, 8.8 and 10.6%, respectively, had experienced elder abuse. We observed significant gender differences in the correlates of elder abuse. Educational attainment was significantly associated with elder abuse in men but not in women. Poor self-rated health was significantly associated with elder abuse in women but not in men. Household income and relationship with children were significantly associated with elder abuse in both men and women. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the factors that make elderly persons vulnerable to elder abuse may differ by gender. A better understanding of the risk factors for elder abuse across genders will facilitate the development of elder abuse prevention strategies, practices, and policies.
Nutrient availability affects the prevalence of a microsporidian parasite

Defining the relationship between nutrients and parasitism is complicated by shifts in host physiology and population density, which can both mediate the effects of host diet on parasites and vice versa. We examined the relationship between nutrient availability and an abundant parasite capable of both horizontal and vertical transmission (Hamiltosporidium tvaerminnensis) of a planktonic crustacean, Daphnia magna, in rock pools on Baltic Sea Skerry islands. We found that the relative availability of nutrients directly affected infection prevalence; parasite prevalence was higher in pools with higher particulate N:P ratios. Infection prevalence was not related to Daphnia population densities. A complementary experiment that examined host responses to an N:P gradient in mesocosms indicated that high N:P ratios can increase spore load in the hosts. We surmise that high N:P food increases Daphnia feeding rate, which increases their contact with parasite spores and leads to higher prevalence and more intense infections. We found no direct evidence that parasite-induced changes in host nutrient use affected nutrient dynamics in pools. However, the relationship between diet N:P and the parasite's prevalence and load is consistent with previously documented patterns of this parasite's effect on host nutrient use. Taken together, this study suggests that high N:P ratios in food may benefit the parasite in multiple ways and could create environments that favour horizontal transmission over vertical transmission for parasites capable of both transmission routes. If so, nutrient limitation could have long-term consequences for host-parasite evolution.
Root and shoot variation in relation to potential intermittent drought adaptation of Mesoamerican wild common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract Background Wild crop relatives have been potentially subjected to stresses on an evolutionary time scale prior to domestication. Among these stresses, drought is one of the main factors limiting crop productivity and its impact is likely to increase under current scenarios of global climate change. We sought to determine to what extent wild common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) exhibited adaptation to drought stress, whether this potential adaptation is dependent on the climatic conditions of the location of origin of individual populations, and to what extent domesticated common bean reflects potential drought adaptation. Methods An extensive and diverse set of wild beans from across Mesoamerica, along with a set of reference Mesoamerican domesticated cultivars, were evaluated for root and shoot traits related to drought adaptation. A water deficit experiment was conducted by growing each genotype in a long transparent tube in greenhouse conditions so that root growth, in addition to shoot growth, could be monitored. Results Phenotypic and landscape genomic analyses, based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms, suggested that beans originating from central and north-west Mexico and Oaxaca, in the driest parts of their distribution, produced more biomass and were deeper-rooted. Nevertheless, deeper rooting was correlated with less root biomass production relative to total biomass. Compared with wild types, domesticated types showed a stronger reduction and delay in growth and development in response to drought stress. Specific genomic regions were associated with root depth, biomass productivity and drought response, some of which showed signals of selection and were previously related to productivity and drought tolerance. Conclusions The drought tolerance of wild beans consists in its stronger ability, compared with domesticated types, to continue growth in spite of water-limited conditions. This study is the first to relate bean response to drought to environment of origin for a diverse selection of wild beans. It provides information that needs to be corroborated in crosses between wild and domesticated beans to make it applicable to breeding programmes.
Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers for 90Y Distribution on Bremsstrahlung SPECT After Resin-Based Radioembolization

Our purpose was to identify baseline imaging features in patients with liver cancer that correlate with 90Y distribution on postprocedural SPECT and predict tumor response to transarterial radioembolization (TARE). Methods: This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board and included 38 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n = 23; 18/23 men; mean age, 62.39 ± 8.62 y; 34 dominant tumors) and non-HCC hepatic malignancies (n = 15; 9/15 men; mean age, 61.13 ± 11.51 y; 24 dominant tumors) who underwent 40 resin-based TARE treatments (August 2012 to January 2018). Multiphasic contrast-enhanced MRI or CT was obtained before and Bremsstrahlung SPECT within 2 h after TARE. Total tumor volume (cm3) and enhancing tumor volume (ETV [cm3] and % of total tumor volume), and total and enhancing tumor burden (%), were volumetrically assessed on baseline imaging. Up to 2 dominant tumors per treated lobe were analyzed. After multimodal image registration of baseline imaging and SPECT/CT, 90Y distribution was quantified on SPECT as tumor–to–normal-liver ratio (TNR). Response was assessed according to RECIST1.1 and quantitative European Association for the Study of the Liver criteria. Clinical parameters were also assessed. Statistical tests included Mann–Whitney U, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. Results: In HCC patients, high baseline ETV% significantly correlated with high TNR on SPECT, demonstrating greater 90Y uptake in the tumor relative to the liver parenchyma (P < 0.001). In non-HCC patients, a correlation between ETV% and TNR was observed as well (P = 0.039). Follow-up imaging for response assessments within 1–4 mo after TARE was available for 23 patients with 25 treatments. The change of ETV% significantly correlated with TNR in HCC (P = 0.039) but not in non-HCC patients (P = 0.886). Additionally, Child–Pugh class B patients demonstrated significantly more 90Y deposition in nontumorous liver than Child–Pugh A patients (P = 0.021). Conclusion: This study identified ETV% as a quantifiable imaging biomarker on preprocedural MRI and CT to predict 90Y distribution on postprocedural SPECT in HCC and non-HCC. However, the relationship between the preferential uptake of 90Y to the tumor and tumor response after radioembolization could be validated only for HCC.
Enzymatic Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel α-1→6-Glucosyl Rebaudioside C Derivative Sweetener

Zero-calorie high-intensity sweeteners from natural sources perform very well in the market place. This has encouraged food scientists to continue the effort to search for novel natural ingredients to satisfy consumer demand. Rebaudioside C (reb C) is the third most prevalent steviol glycoside in the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant, but has limited applications in food and beverage products due to its low sweetness and high lingering bitterness compared to other major steviol glycosides, such as rebaudioside A (reb A). Here we present a new enzyme modification strategy to improve the taste profile of reb C by using Cargill’s propriety enzyme and sucrose as a glucose donor. A novel α-1→6-glucosyl reb C derivative was produced and its structure was elucidated by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Sensory analysis demonstrated that this new reb C derivative has improved sweetness, reduced bitterness, and enhanced solubility in water.
Effectiveness of using an unskilled model in action observation combined with motor imagery training for early motor learning in elderly people: a preliminary study

Abstract Aim of the study: To investigate a more available model for the early phase of motor learning after action observation combined with motor imagery training in elderly people. To address the purpose, we focused on a slow, unskilled model demonstrating an occasional error. Materials and methods: A total of 36 elderly people participated in the current study and were assigned to either the unskilled or skilled model observation groups (n = 12, respectively), or the control group (n = 12). The participants in the observation groups observed the assigned a video clip of an unskilled or skilled model demonstrating a ball rotation task. During the observation, the participants were instructed to imagine themselves as the person in the video clip. The participants in the control group read a scientific paper during the equivalent period of action observation and motor imagery. We measured ball rotation performance (the time required for five rotations, the number of ball drops) in pre- and post-intervention (observation combined with motor imagery training for intervention groups or reading for control group). Results: Ball rotation performance (ball rotation speed) significantly improved in the unskilled model observation group compared to the other two groups. Conclusions: Intervention for action observation using unskilled model combined with motor imagery was effective for improving motor performance during the early phase of motor learning.
Impact of Microbial Iron Oxide Reduction on the Transport of Diffusible Tracers and Non-diffusible Nanoparticles in Soils

Abstract In situ bioremediation to achieve immobilization of toxic metals and radionuclides or detoxification of chlorinated solvents relies on electron donor additions. This practice promotes microbial Fe(III)-oxide mineral reduction that could change soil pore structure, release soil colloids, alter matrix surface properties, and cause the formation of secondary (i.e., reduced) Fe-mineral phases. These processes in turn may impact rates of bioremediation, groundwater quality, and ultimately contaminant fate. Continuous flow columns packed with water-stable soil aggregates high in Fe-oxides were infused with artificial groundwater containing acetate as electron donor and operated for 20 or 60 days inside an anoxic chamber. Soluble Fe(II) and soil colloids were detected in the effluent within one week after initiation of the acetate addition, demonstrating Fe(III)-bioreduction and colloid formation. Br-, 2,6-difluorobenzoate (DFBA), and silica-shelled silver nanoparticles (SSSNP) were selected as diffusible tracer, low-diffusible tracer, and non-diffusible nanoparticles, respectively, to perform transport experiments before and after the active 20-day bioreduction phase, with an aim of assessing the changes in soil structure and surface chemical properties resulting from Fe(III)-bioreduction. The transport of diffusible Br- was not influenced by the Fe(III)-bioreduction as evidenced by identical breakthrough curves before and after the introduction of acetate. Low-diffusible DFBA showed earlier breakthrough and less tailing after the bioreduction, suggesting alterations in flow paths and surface chemical properties of the soils. Similarly, non-diffusible SSSNP exhibited early breakthrough and enhanced transport after the bioreduction phase. Unexpectedly, the bioreduction caused complete retention of SSSNP in the soil columns when the acetate injection was extended from 20 days to 60 days, though no changes were observed for Br- and DFBA during the extended bioreduction period. The large change in the transport of SSSNP was attributed to the enhancement of soil aggregate breakdown and soil colloid release causing mechanical straining of SSSNP and the exposure of iron oxide surfaces previously unavailable within aggregate interiors favorable to the attachment of SSSNP. These results demonstrate that microbial activity can affect soil properties and transport behaviors of diffusivity-varying solutes and colloids in a time dependent fashion, a finding with implication for interpreting the data generated from soil column experiments under continuous flow. Highlights Fe(III)-bioreduction causes time-dependent aggregate breakdown and colloid release. Short-term bioreduction alters soil aggregate surface chemistry and tracer transport. Electron donor amendment enhances transport of nanoparticle tracer.
Redes de apoyo social y padres de niños con trastornos del desarrollo. Diferencias estructurales y funcionales basadas en la tipología

espanolEl presente estudio descriptivo examina y compara la situacion en la que se encuentran las redes de apoyo social de 75 padres y madres con hijos que presentan algun tipo de dificultad en su desarrollo (DD). Se evaluan las dimensiones estructural y funcional que envuelven al constructo de red de apoyo social, a traves del instrumento de evaluacion ERAS-DD (Alvarez y Garcia, 2008). Las diferentes DD que presentaban los hijos fueron organizadas sobre la base de cinco tipologias posibles: trastorno del espectro autista, dificultades de aprendizaje, retraso mental, deficiencias de tipo sensorial y deficiencias motoricas. Se hallaron diferencias significativas entre los cinco grupos en las dimensiones estructural y funcional. Los resultados sugieren que los padres de ninos que presentan el trastorno del espectro autista son el grupo que encuentra mas afectada su red de apoyo social y, a su vez, quien mas apoyo social precisa. Estos resultados coinciden con los encontrados en estudios previos, en los cuales se confirma que de acuerdo a la tipologia de DD de un hijo, las redes de apoyo social de los padres se encuentran mas o menos afectadas (Heiman y Berger, 2008). EnglishThe present descriptive study examines and compares the situation of the social support networks of 75 parents of children with developmental disorders (DD). An instrument was elaborated, the ERAS-DD (Alvarez y Garcia, 2008); it evaluates the structural and functional dimensions of the construct. five groups were closely matched for DD typology: autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, intellectual disability, sensory deficiency and motor deficiency. There were significant differences between these groups in the structural and functional dimensions. The results suggest that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder were the group whose social network had been most affected and who needed the most support. These results are agree with those found in other studies in which it is confirmed that according to DD’s typology, the parental social support networks are more or less affected (Heiman & Berger, 2008).
Deficits in emotion regulation strategies among problematic and pathological gamblers in a sample of vocational school students

Background and aims Deficits in emotion regulation (ER) are associated with mental disorders. To date, there are hardly any studies focusing on the role of ER strategies in the context of gambling behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between specific ER strategies and pathological as well as problematic gambling in a proactively recruited sample. Methods A large and unselected sample (n = 4,928) has been screened proactively and systematically in vocational schools. We assessed the Affective Style Questionnaire to measure ER strategies and the Stinchfield questionnaire for assessing problematic and pathological gambling. Associations were investigated with linear and multinomial logistic regression analyses. Results The analyses showed a significant negative correlation between the subscales “Adjusting” and “Tolerating” and the Stinchfield sum score. Lower scores on these subscales were associated with a higher number of endorsed Stinchfield items. A lower score on the ER strategies “Adjusting” [conditional odds ratio (COR) = 0.95, confidence interval (CI) = 0.91–0.99] and “Tolerating” [COR = 0.95, CI = 0.92–99] led to a higher chance of being classified as a pathological gambler. In problematic gambling, on a subthreshold level, only “Tolerating” turned out to be significant [COR = 0.96, CI = 0.93–0.99]. Discussion and conclusions For the first time, deficits in specific ER strategies were identified as independent risk factors for problematic and pathological gambling in a large and proactively recruited sample. ER skills, especially acceptance-focused strategies, should be considered in prevention and psychotherapy.