Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Multimaterial Decomposition Fat Fraction with DECT and Proton Density Fat Fraction with IDEAL IQ MRI for Quantification of Liver Steatosis in a Population Exposed to Chemotherapy

Introduction: Oncologic patients who develop chemotherapy-associated liver injury (CALI) secondary to chemotherapy treatment tend to have worse outcomes. Biopsy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis. The purpose of this article is to compare 2 alternatives: Proton-Density-Fat-Fraction (PDFF) MRI and MultiMaterial-Decomposition (MMD) DECT. Materials and Methods: 49 consecutive oncologic patients treated with Chemotherapy underwent abdominal DECT and abdominal MRI within 2 weeks of each other. Two radiologists tracked Regions of Interest independently both in the PDFF fat maps and in the MMD DECT fat maps. Non-parametric exact Wilcoxon signed rank test and Cohen’s K were used to compare the 2 sequences and to evaluate the agreement. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the fat fraction measured as a continuous value between PDFF and DECT between 2 readers. Within the same imaging method (PDFF) the degree of agreement based on the k coefficient between reader 1 and reader 2 is 0.88 (p-value < 0.05). Similarly, for single-source DECT(ssDECT) the degree of agreement based on the k coefficient between reader 1 and reader 2 is 0.97 (p-value < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that the hepatic fat fraction of ssDECT with MMD are not significantly different from PDFF. This could be an advantage in an oncological population that undergoes serial CT scans for follow up of chemotherapy response.
Simplifying Tumor Volume Estimation from Linear Dimensions for Intra-Cranial Lesions Treated with Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Aims: This study aims to derive simple yet robust formula(s) for the calculation of cranial tumor volume using linear tumor dimensions in anterioposterior (AP), mediolateral (ML) and craniocaudal (CC) directions and also propose a reproducible methodology for tumor dimension measurements. Materials and Methods: Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of 337 patients planned for Gammaknife Stereotactic Radiosurgery for different types of brain tumors were analyzed using Leksell Gamma Plan (LGP) software. Tumor volume in three dimensional was outlined and maximum tumor diameters were measured in three orthogonal directions AP, ML, and CC on the MRI. Formulas were derived to calculate tumor volume from AP, ML, and CC diameters using linear regression technique. An agreement between the calculated volume and standard volume observed from LGP software was determined using Bland Altman (B-A) plot. A comparison was made between the volume calculated using traditionally used formula of ellipsoid, standard volume obtained from LGP software and volume calculated from formulas derived in the present study. Results: The tumors were divided into two categories based on their size for better volume prediction. The tumors having product of their diameters in the range 0–2.5cc were called “small tumors” and the formula proposed for their volume estimation (V = 1.513) × (AP × ML × CC) + 0.047 ) was found to predict the tumor volume with an average bias of 0.0005cc. For “large tumors,” having product of diameters in the range 2.5–36cc, the proposed formula (V = 0.444 × (AP × ML × CC) + 0.339 ) predicted the tumor volume with an average bias of 0.007cc. Conclusions: The two formulas proposed in the study are more accurate as compared to the commonly used formula that considers the tumors as ellipsoids. The methodology proposed in the study for measurement of linear tumor dimensions is simple and reproducible.
Selecting and Characterizing Tyrosinase Inhibitors from Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma Based on Spectrum-Activity Relationship and Molecular Docking

Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma (AMR) is a famous classical Chinese traditional medicine (CTM), which has been used as a tonic for many diseases for thousands of years. In ancient China, it was used as a supplementary food for beauty in the palace. In preliminary studies, the function of whitening skin and the significant inhibiting effect on tyrosinase (TYR) which is the reactive enzyme in the composition of melanin of AMR were discovered, and the relevant research was rarely reported. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) along with partial least squares regression analysis (PLS) was applied to survey the coherence between the chemical constituents and the inhibiting activity of 11 batches of AMR on TYR activity. The results of PLS showed that the chromatographic peaks 11 (atractylenolide III) and 15 could be important effective ingredients of the inhibition TYR activity as ascertained by spectrum-activity relationships. Furthermore, TYR inhibitory activity of atractylenolide III was validated by in vitro test by β-arbutin served as a positive control drug. The results of the in vitro test and the molecular docking showed that atractylenolide III has high TYR inhibitory activity and could link to the residues in TYR catalytic pocket. Therefore, bioassay, molecular docking, and spectrum-activity relationships are appropriate for linking the quality of samples with pharmaceutical-related active ingredients. And our studying would lay a theoretical foundation for applying the water extracts of AMR in whitening cosmetics.
The role of eHealth, telehealth, and telemedicine for chronic disease patients during COVID-19 pandemic: A rapid systematic review

Objective To summarize the current status of, and the current expert opinions, recommendation and evidence associated with the use and implementation of electronic health (eHealth), telemedicine, and/or telehealth to provide healthcare services for chronic disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods We searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science Core Collection) to identify relevant articles published between 2019 and 2020. Searches were restricted to English language articles only. Two independent reviewers screened the titles, abstracts, and keywords for relevance. The potential eligible articles, papers with no abstract, and those that fall into the uncertain category were read in full text independently. The reviewers met and discussed which articles to include in the final review and reached a consensus. Results We identified 51 articles of which 25 articles met the inclusion criteria. All included articles indicated the promising potential of eHealth, telehealth, and/or telemedicine solutions in delivering healthcare services to patients living with chronic diseases/conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. We synthesized the main findings into ten usages and eight recommendations concerning the different activities for delivering healthcare services remotely for those living with chronic diseases/conditions in the era of COVID-19. Discussion and conclusions There is limited evidence available about the effectiveness of such solutions. Further research is required during this pandemic to improve the credibility of evidence on telemedicine, telehealth, and/or eHealth-related outcomes for those living with chronic diseases.
Evaluation potential of PGPR to protect tomato against Fusarium wilt and promote plant growth

Soilborne fungal diseases are most common among vegetable crops and have major implications for crop yield and productivity. Eco-friendly sustainable agriculture practices that can overcome biotic and abiotic stresses are of prime importance. In this study, we evaluated the ability of plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) Bacillus aryabhattai strain SRB02 to control the effects of tomato wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (strain KACC40032) and promote plant growth. In vitro bioassays showed significant inhibition of fungal growth by SRB02. Inoculation of susceptible and tolerant tomato cultivars in the presence of SRB02 showed significant protection of the cultivar that was susceptible to infection and promotion of plant growth and biomass production in both of the cultivars. Further analysis of SRB02-treated plants revealed a significantly higher production of amino acids following infection by F. oxysporum. Analysis of plant defense hormones after inoculation by the pathogen revealed a significantly higher accumulation of salicylic acid (SA), with a concomitant reduction in jasmonic acid (JA). These results indicate that B. aryabhattai strain SRB02 reduces the effects of Fusarium wilt disease in tomato by modulating endogenous phytohormones and amino acid levels.
Three-Dimensional, Chemically Bonded Polypyrrole/Bacterial Cellulose/Graphene Composites for High-Performance Supercapacitors

Flexible energy storage systems have recently attracted great interest for portable electronic devices. The functionalization of graphene provides vast platform in tailoring its nanostructure and properties for energy storage via facile processing. Here, we first demonstrate the development of chemically bonded graphene oxide and bacterial cellulose hybrid composite coated with polypyrrole for robust and high-efficiency supercapacitor electrodes. The as-prepared composites exhibited a highest electrical conductivity (1320 S m–1) and the largest volumetric capacitance (278 F cm–3) ever shown by carbon-based electrodes, along with 95.2% retention of 556 F g–1 gravimetric capacitance over 5000 recycling tests in asymmetric supercapacitors. Impressively, the hybrid electrode contributed a 492 F g–1 gravimetric capacitance and 93.5% retention over 2000 recycling in symmetric supercapacitors. The nanostructure and composition of the composites were found to play a crucial role for the performance of these three.
Enantioselective Inhibition of Human Papillomavirus L1 Pentamer Formation by Chiral‐Proline Modified Calix[4]arenes: Targeting the Protein Interface

Although current human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines can protect well against infection, they are effective only for a limited number of subtypes. Coupled with the dilemma that no efficient prescription is currently clinically available for therapy, there is an urgent need to develop new anti-HPV agents. In the present study l- and d-Proline modified calix[4]arenes (Pro-C4 A) were investigated to determine any differences in their effect on the assembly of HPV 16 L1 pentamer (L1-p). The mechanism of action using model peptides was investigated by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and revealed that the binding was targeting the basic residues at L1 interface. This was also well supported by the trypsin digestion experiments and molecular simulations performed on the full-length L1. The large energy and morphology differences revealed by molecular simulations explain the binding disparity of l- and d-Pro-C4 A to L1, and consequently the selective inhibition of them on L1-p formation. The present study opens a way to develop enantioselective and cost-effective inhibitors for L1-p formation, which might be used as a new kind of anti-HPV agent and could be extended to other viruses based on similar mechanisms.
Spiritual Healing in a Hospice Veteran Led to a Successful Opioid Taper: A Case Report

Abstract Addressing “total pain” is a concept commonly practiced in palliative care. Spiritual healing in a Navy Veteran led to a significant improvement in pain allowing a voluntary taper of opioid medication. The Veteran was able to reconcile his faith in God and participated in several spiritual practices daily. The palliative care pharmacist assisted the team in developing an opioid taper process per Veteran’s request as he had a strong conviction that he was spiritually healed. A reduction in opioid morphine equivalent daily doses (MEDD) were 87.5% without any symptoms from the clinical opioid withdrawal scale (COWS). The Veteran died peacefully during an opioid taper in hospice care.
Heterogeneous multimeric structure of isocitrate lyase in complex with succinate and itaconate provides novel insights into its inhibitory mechanism

During the glyoxylate cycle, isocitrate lyases (ICLs) catalyze the lysis of isocitrate to glyoxylate and succinate. Itaconate has been reported to inhibit an ICL from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tbICL). To elucidate the molecular mechanism of ICL inhibition, we determined the crystal structure of tbICL in complex with itaconate. Unexpectedly, succinate and itaconate were found to bind to the respective active sites in the dimeric form of tbICL. Our structure revealed the active site architecture as an open form, although the substrate and inhibitor were bound to the active sites. Our findings provide novel insights into the conformation of tbICL upon its binding to a substrate or inhibitor, along with molecular details of the inhibitory mechanism of itaconate.
Astrocyte Biomarkers in Alzheimer Disease

Objective To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether fluid and imaging astrocyte biomarkers are altered in Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for articles reporting fluid or imaging astrocyte biomarkers in AD. Pooled effect sizes were determined with standardized mean differences (SMDs) using the Hedge G method with random effects to determine biomarker performance. Adapted questions from the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies were applied for quality assessment. A protocol for this study has been previously registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020192304). Results The initial search identified 1,425 articles. After exclusion criteria were applied, 33 articles (a total of 3,204 individuals) measuring levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100B, chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), and aquaporin 4 in the blood and CSF, as well as monoamine oxidase-B indexed by PET 11C-deuterium-l-deprenyl, were included. GFAP (SMD 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–1.18) and YKL-40 (SMD 0.76, 95% CI 0.63–0.89) levels in the CSF and S100B levels in the blood (SMD 2.91, 95% CI 1.01–4.8) were found to be significantly increased in patients with AD. Conclusions Despite significant progress, applications of astrocyte biomarkers in AD remain in their early days. This meta-analysis demonstrated that astrocyte biomarkers are consistently altered in AD and supports further investigation for their inclusion in the AD clinical research framework for observational and interventional studies.
A prolonged hiatus in postmenopausal HRT, does not nullify the therapy’s positive impact on ageing related sarcopenia

Background Previous work suggest a positive skeletal muscle effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on skeletal muscle characteristics This study aimed to quantify any continued positive effect of HRT even after a sustained hiatus in treatment, controlling for two key muscle modulation hormones: Estradiol (E2) and Tri-iodo-thyronine (T3). Method and findings In 61 untrained women (18-78yrs) stratified as pre-menopausal, post-menopausal without (No_HRT) and post-menopausal with (Used_HRT) HRT history, body composition, physical activity, serum E2 and T3 were assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, Baecke questionnaire and ELISA. Gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and tibialis anterior (TA) electromyographic profiles (mean power frequency (mPowerF)), isometric plantar-flexion (PF) and dorsi-flexion (DF) maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), rate of torque development (RTD), isokinetic MVC and muscle volume, were assessed using surface electromyography, dynamometry and ultrasonography. Muscle quality was quantified as MVC per unit muscle size. E2 and E2:T3 ratio were significantly lower in postmenopausal participants, and were positively correlated with RTD even after controlling for adiposity and/or age. Pre-menopausal females had greater MVC in 8/8 PF and 2/5 DF (23.7–98.1%; P<0.001–0.049) strength measures compared to No_HRT, but only 6/8 PF (17.4–42.3%; P<0.001–0.046) strength measures compared to Used_HRT. Notably, Used_HRT had significant higher MVC in 7 PF MVC (30.0%-37.7%; P = 0.006–0.031) measures than No_HRT, while premenopausal and Used_HRT had similar uncorrected muscle size or quality. In addition, this cross-sectional data suggest an annual reduction in GM muscle volume corrected for intra-muscular fat by 1.3% in No_HRT and only 0.5% in Used_HRT. Conclusion Even years after cessation of the therapy, a history of HRT is positively associated with negating the expected post-menopausal drop in muscle quantity and quality. Whilst mPowerF did not differ between groups, our work highlights positive associations between RTD against E2 and E2:T3. Notwithstanding our study limitation of single time point for blood sampling, our work is the first to illustrate an HRT attenuation of ageing-related decline in RTD. We infer from these data that high E2, even in the absence of high T3, may help maintain muscle contractile speed and quality. Thus our work is the first to points to markedly larger physiological reserves in women with a past history of HRT.
Monte Carlo study of TG‐43 dosimetry parameters of GammaMed Plus high dose rate 192Ir brachytherapy source using TOPAS

Abstract Purpose To develop a simulation model for GammaMed Plus high dose rate 192Ir brachytherapy source in TOPAS Monte Carlo software and validate it by calculating the TG‐43 dosimetry parameters and comparing them with published data. Methods We built a model for GammaMed Plus high dose rate brachytherapy source in TOPAS. The TG‐43 dosimetry parameters including air‐kerma strength S K, dose‐rate constant Λ, radial dose function g L(r), and 2D anisotropy function F(r,θ) were calculated using Monte Carlo simulation with Geant4 physics models and NNDC 192Ir spectrum. Calculations using an old 192Ir spectrum were also carried out to evaluate the impact of incident spectrum and cross sections. The results were compared with published data. Results For calculations using the NNDC spectrum, the air‐kerma strength per unit source activity S K/A and Λ were 1.0139 × 10‐7 U/Bq and 1.1101 cGy.h−1.U−1, which were 3.56% higher and 0.62% lower than the reference values, respectively. The g L(r) agreed with reference values within 1% for radial distances from 2 mm to 20 cm. For radial distances of 1, 3, 5, and 10 cm, the agreements between F(r,θ) from this work and the reference data were within 1.5% for 15° < θ < 165°, and within 4% for all θ values. The discrepancies were attributed to the updated source spectrum and cross sections. They caused deviations of the S K/A of 2.90% and 0.64%, respectively. As for g L(r), they caused average deviations of −0.22% and 0.48%, respectively. Their impact on F(r,θ) was not quantified for the relatively high statistical uncertainties, but basically they did not result in significant discrepancies. Conclusion A model for GammaMed Plus high dose rate 192Ir brachytherapy source was developed in TOPAS and validated following TG‐43 protocols, which can be used for future studies. The impact of updated incident spectrum and cross sections on the dosimetry parameters was quantified.
Electron attachment properties of c-C4F8O in different environments

The electron attachment properties of octafluorotetrahydrofuran (c-C4F8O) are investigated using two complementary experimental setups. The attachment and ionization cross sections of c-C4F8O are measured using an electron beam experiment. The effective ionization rate coefficient, electron drift velocity and electron diffusion coefficient in c-C4F8O diluted to concentrations lower than 0.6% in the buffer gases N2, CO2 and Ar, are measured using a pulsed Townsend experiment. A kinetic model is proposed, which combines the results of the two experiments.
The Dyadic Association among Technoference and Relationship and Sexual Satisfaction of Young Adult Couples

Abstract Technology use within relationships has been shown to produce potential rewards and costs that influence relationship development and/or sustainment; however, the negative influence of modern technology (i.e., smartphone, computer, tablet, and/or television) use in romantic relationships during quality time spent together (i.e., technoference) remains an understudied area. Even less is known about the effects of technoference on young adult couples’ relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction. The current study utilized a descriptive correlational survey design with 158 young adult couples. We used actor-partner interdependence modeling to test the dyadic associations between technoference and relationship and sexual satisfaction among the young adult couple sample. Results indicated statistically significant negative actor effects between technoference and relationship and sexual satisfaction and statistically significant negative partner effects between technoference and relationship satisfaction.
Positive functioning at work during COVID‐19: Posttraumatic growth, resilience, and emotional exhaustion in Chinese frontline healthcare workers

Abstract Research on traumatic events often emphasizes the importance of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and resilience, yet few studies have explored their trends and their relationship throughout the progression of traumatic events. This paper explores the longitudinal relationship between resilience and PTG, as well as the role of job burnout in this relationship, among frontline healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic, who have been exposed to high‐risk work environments over extraordinarily long workdays. In Study 1, 134 Chinese frontline healthcare workers completed a three‐wave survey (Time 1, Time 2, and Time 3) in February–May 2020. In Study 2, 401 frontline healthcare workers completed a cross‐sectional survey. The cross‐lagged analysis suggested that resilience at Time 1 positively predicted PTG at Time 2, which in turn positively predicted resilience at Time 3. PTG at Time 1 also positively predicted resilience at Time 2 (Study 1). However, job burnout was negatively related to both resilience and PTG; in particular, emotional exhaustion moderated the link between PTG and resilience (Study 2). Our findings support a cycle of reinforcement between resilience and PTG over time. The positive effect of PTG on resilience, however, is undermined by emotional exhaustion. Implications for future intervention research and workplace support are discussed.
Children’s Perception of Animacy: Social Attributions to Moving Figures

Adults describe abstract shapes moving in a goal-directed manner using animate terms. This study tested which variables affect school-aged children’s descriptions of moving geometrical shapes. Children aged 5 to 9 years were shown displays of interacting geometrical shapes and were asked to describe them. Across participants, instructions, number of moving figures, whether a figure caught another, and complexity of the scene were manipulated. Nine-year-olds used significantly more animate phrases than 5-year-olds. Furthermore, we found an Age by Condition interaction. Five-year-olds made significantly more animate statements in the animate condition, while 7-year-olds and 9-year-olds were less affected by instructions. Scene complexity increased children’s use of animate phrases. Number of agents present on the screen and whether a catch occurred did not impact children’s animate attributions. Our results support the hypothesis that children, like adults, are attuned to animacy cues and describe chasing agents in animate terms.