Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Contrast Enhanced Abdominopelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Expression and Methylation Level of ATM and AKT Genes

Objective To evaluate the effect of contrast enhanced abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using a 3 Tesla scanner, on expression and methylation level of ATM and AKT genes in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Materials and Methods In this prospective in vivo study, blood samples were obtained from 20 volunteer patients with mean age of 43 ± 8 years (range 32-68 years) before contrast enhanced MRI, 2 hours and 24 hours after contrast enhanced abdominopelvic 3 Tesla MRI. After separation of mononuclear cells from peripheral blood, using Ficoll-Hypaque, we analyzed gene expression changes of ATM and AKT genes 2 hours and 24 hours after MRI using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We also evaluated methylation percentage of the above mentioned genes in before, 2 hours and 24 hours after MRI, using MethySYBR method. Results Fold change analysis, in comparison with the baseline, respectively showed 1.1 ± 0.7 and 0.8 ± 0.5 mean of gene expressions in 2 and 24 hours after MRI for ATM, while the results were 1.4 ± 0.6 and 1.4 ± 1 for AKT (P>0.05). Methylation of the ATM gene promoter were 8.8 ± 1.5%, 9 ± 0.6% and 9 ± 0.8% in before contrast enhanced MRI, 2 and 24 hours after contrast enhanced MRI, respectively (P>0.05). Methylation of AKT gene promoter in before contrast enhanced MRI, 2 hours and 24 hours after contrast enhanced MRI was 5.4 ± 2.5, 5 ± 3.2, 4.9 ± 2.9 respectively (P>0.05). Conclusion Contrast enhanced abdominopelvic MRI using 3 Tesla scanner apparently has no negative effect on the expression and promoter methylation level of ATM and AKT genes involved in the repair pathways of genome.
Sample size calculation for recurrent event data with additive rates models

This paper discusses the design of clinical trials where the primary endpoint is a recurrent event with the focus on the sample size calculation. For the problem, a few methods have been proposed but most of them assume a multiplicative treatment effect on the rate or mean number of recurrent events. In practice, sometimes the additive treatment effect may be preferred or more appealing because of its intuitive clinical meaning and straightforward interpretation compared to a multiplicative relationship. In this paper, new methods are presented and investigated for the sample size calculation based on the additive rates model for superiority, non‐inferiority, and equivalence trials. They allow for flexible baseline rate function, staggered entry, random dropout, and overdispersion in event numbers, and simulation studies show that the proposed methods perform well in a variety of settings. We also illustrate how to use the proposed methods to design a clinical trial based on real data.
Tribal Odisha Eye Disease Study (TOES). Report # 8. Childhood cataract surgery and determinants of visual outcome in tribal districts

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the demographic profile, clinical features, visual outcomes, and follow-up patterns after successful cataract surgery in children from the tribal community in Odisha, India. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed records of tribal children aged 4 months–16 years, who underwent public health financed cataract surgery at our institute from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019. Collected data included demographic profile, clinical features, outcomes, and follow-up. Univariate and multivariate linear regression identified factors affecting the visual outcome at a 6-week follow-up.Results: During this period, a total of 352 children [536 eyes; mean age: 9.11 ± 4.4 years, 219 boys (62%)] underwent cataract surgery. The most common etiology and presenting complaints were idiopathic congenital cataract and decreased vision, respectively. In 304 children (86%), presenting best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was <20/200 (1.0 LogMAR), 113 (32%) had associated strabismus, and 57 (16%) had associated nystagmus. The public health agency did not sponsor postoperative follow-up, and only 195 (56%) and 61 (17.3%) children completed a 6-week and a 3-month follow-up, respectively. Median BCVA at 6-week and 3-month review was 20/125 (0.8, interquartile range [IQR], 0.2–2 LogMAR) and 20/60 (0.5, IQR, 0.25–1.35 LogMAR), respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that children from the tribal community presented late with poor presenting VA and had suboptimal visual outcomes with inconsistent follow-ups. Greater advocacy, delivery of care closer to the place of residence, and financial support for follow-up care could improve early detection, regular evaluation, and outcomes.
Alteration of fatty acid profile of milk in Holstein cows fed Bacillus coagulans as probiotic: a field study.

Background Probiotics may improve milk quality and the general health status of animals. Aims The effects of dietary Bacillus coagulans PRM101 on milk components, milk fatty acids (FA), and some health indicators of dairy cows were investigated. Methods The probiotic was added to the feed of 12 Holstein cows (2 g/cow: 2 × 1011 CFU/cow) for 63 days compared to a control group fed on the basal ration (n=11). Milk and blood samples were taken on days 0, 21, 42, and 63. Results The yields of milk and energy corrected milk (ECM; computed from milk weight and its fat and protein content) decreased linearly and similarly (P=0.60) in both groups. The treatment cows, however, showed quadratic increases in the weights of milk (P=0.03) and ECM (P=0.04) at d42 of the study. Energy corrected milk (d42, P<0.05) and crude protein content of milk (d42, P<0.05; d63, P<0.1) were higher in the cows receiving the probiotic. The proportions of heptadecanoic (C17:0; P=0.002) and linoleic (C18:2; P=0.077) acids in milk fat (g/100 g fat) were higher in the treatment cows on d63. Milk total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and similarly, amyloid A (AA) and haptoglobin (Hp) of milk and blood were not affected. Total antioxidant capacity and MDA were negatively correlated in the control group (r=-0.669, P=0.005). Heptadecanoic acid correlated negatively with milk MDA (r=-0.611, P=0.035) and positively (r=0.591, P=0.043) with serum Hp in the treatment cows. Conclusion Dietary B. coagulans PRM101 may improve the proportions of C17:0 and C18:2 FA in milk. Some improvements in milk protein and the health status of the cows may also be anticipated.
Cholinergic transmission from the basal forebrain modulates social memory in male mice

Disruptions in social behaviour are prevalent in many neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorders. However, the underlying neurochemical regulation of social behaviour is still not well understood. The central cholinergic system has been proposed to contribute to the regulation of social behaviour. For instance, decreased global levels of acetylcholine release in the brain leads to decreased social interaction and an impairment of social memory in mice. Nonetheless, it has been difficult to ascertain the specific brain areas where cholinergic signalling influences social preference and social memory. In this study, we investigated the impact of different forebrain cholinergic regions on social behaviour by examining mouse lines that differ in their regional expression level of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter—the protein that regulates acetylcholine secretion. We found that when cholinergic signalling is highly disrupted in the striatum, hippocampus, cortex and amygdala mice have intact social preference but are impaired in social memory, as they cannot remember a familiar conspecific nor recognize a novel one. A similar pattern emerges when acetylcholine release is disrupted mainly in the striatum, cortex, and amygdala; however, the ability to recognize novel conspecifics is retained. In contrast, cholinergic signalling of the striatum and amygdala does not appear to significantly contribute to the modulation of social memory and social preference. Furthermore, we demonstrated that increasing global cholinergic tone does not increase social behaviours. Together, these data suggest that cholinergic transmission from the hippocampus and cortex are important for regulating social memory.
The effects of vitamin D-fortified foods on circulating 25(OH)D concentrations in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Improvement of vitamin D status of the general population has been a challenge for policymakers. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate whether vitamin D-fortified products can be a suitable solution for tackling vitamin D deficiency. Our secondary objective was to determine the effect of some variables including age, latitude and BMI on efficacy of this strategy. MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were searched and 231 studies were found in a preliminary search. After screening of titles and abstracts, 23 studies were selected. Pooled data comparing fortification with vitamin D +/- Ca with control showed statistically significant effect on total 25(OH)D concentrations (2002 participants, mean difference (MD): 25·4 nmol/l, (95 % CI 19·5, 31·3)). The subgroup analysis by duration of intervention (less than 12 weeks v. more than 12 weeks) and type of vehicle (dairy product, juice, grain product, oil and combination of dairy and grain products), isoform of the vitamin (D3 v. D2) and dose of the fortificant (≥ 1000 IU/d v. < 1000 IU/d) also indicated significant effect of fortification with vitamin D on serum 25(OH)D concentrations. In conclusion, the circulating 25(OH)D response to vitamin D-fortified food consumption is influenced by age, BMI and the baseline 25(OH)D concentrations. Notwithstanding, an average of 2 nmol/l increase in circulating 25(OH)D concentration for each 100 IU vitamin D intake per d is expected for general adult population. These findings can be informative for policymakers to tackle vitamin D deficiency through food fortification strategy.
Behaviour change interventions to increase physical activity in hospitalised patients: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression

Abstract Background Low physical activity levels are a major problem for people in hospital and are associated with adverse outcomes. Objective This systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression aimed to determine the effect of behaviour change interventions on physical activity levels in hospitalised patients. Methods Randomised controlled trials of behaviour change interventions to increase physical activity in hospitalised patients were selected from a database search, supplemented by reference list checking and citation tracking. Data were synthesised with random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regression analyses, applying Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. The primary outcome was objectively measured physical activity. Secondary measures were patient-related outcomes (e.g. mobility), service level outcomes (e.g. length of stay), adverse events and patient satisfaction. Results Twenty randomised controlled trials of behaviour change interventions involving 2,568 participants (weighted mean age 67 years) included six trials with a high risk of bias. There was moderate-certainty evidence that behaviour change interventions increased physical activity levels (SMD 0.34, 95% CI 0.14–0.55). Findings in relation to mobility and length of stay were inconclusive. Adverse events were poorly reported. Meta-regression found behaviour change techniques of goal setting (SMD 0.29, 95% CI 0.05–0.53) and feedback (excluding high risk of bias trials) (SMD 0.35, 95% CI 0.11–0.60) were independently associated with increased physical activity. Conclusions Targeted behaviour change interventions were associated with increases in physical activity in hospitalised patients. The trials in this review were inconclusive in relation to the patient-related or health service benefits of increasing physical activity in hospital.
Incomplete thermal ablation-induced up-regulation of transcription factor nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group F, member 6 (NR2F6) contributes to the rapid progression of residual liver tumor in hepatoblastoma

ABSTRACT Hepatoblastoma is a kind of extreme malignancy frequently diagnosed in children. Although surgical resection is considered as the first-line treatment for hepatoblastoma, a relatively large population of patients have lost the preferred opportunity for surgery. Administration of locoregional ablation enables local tumor control but with the deficiency of insufficient ablation, residual tumor, and rapid progression. In this study, we integrated 219 hepatoblastoma and 121 non-cancer liver tissues to evaluate the expression of NR2F6, from which a higher NR2F6 level was found in hepatoblastoma compared with non-cancer livers with a standard mean difference (SMD) of 1.04 (95% CI: 0.79, 1.29). The overexpression of NR2F6 also appeared to be an efficient indicator in distinguishing hepatoblastoma tissues from non-cancer liver tissues from the indication of a summarized AUC of 0.90, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.76 and a pooled specificity of 0.89. Interestingly, nude mouse xenografts provided direct evidence that overexpressed NR2F6 was also detected in residual tumor compared to untreated hepatoblastoma. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-binding data in HepG2 cells and transcriptome analysis of HepG2 xenografts were combined to identify target genes regulated by NR2F6. We finally selected 150 novel target genes of NR2F6 in residual tumor of incomplete ablation, and these genes appeared to be associated with the biological regulation of lipid metabolism-related pathway. Accordingly, targeting NR2F6 holds a therapeutic promise in treating residual recurrent hepatoblastoma after incomplete ablation. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
A Random Matrix Theory Approach to the Adaptive Gradient Generalisation Gap

We conjecture that the inherent difference in generalisation between adaptive and non-adaptive gradient methods stems from the increased estimation noise in the ﬂattest directions of the true loss surface. We demonstrate that typical schedules used for adaptive methods (with low numerical stability or damping constants) serve to bias relative movement towards ﬂat directions relative to sharp directions, effectively amplifying the noise-to-signal ratio and harming generalisation. We further demonstrate that the numerical stability/damping constant used in these methods can be decomposed into a learning rate reduction and linear shrinkage of the estimated curvature matrix. We then demonstrate signiﬁcant generalisation improvements by increasing the shrinkage coefﬁcient, closing the generalisation gap entirely in both Logistic Regression and Deep Neural Network experiments. Finally, we show that other popular modiﬁcations to adaptive methods, such as decoupled weight decay and partial adaptivity can be shown to calibrate parameter updates to make better use of sharper, more reliable directions.
The use of Urinary Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) as a Rapid Diagnostic Test for Adult Pulmonary Tuberculosis in HIV-Positive Patients: an Evidence-based Case Report

Tuberculosis is a major health concerns around the world as it is causing morbidity and mortality, especially in HIV infected patients. Detection of lipoarabinomannan (LAM) on urine is a non-sputum-based diagnostic test for TB that could accelerate TB case detection in HIV-positive patients. This evidence-based case report was aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of urinary Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) test in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients as compared to sputum culture. Structured literature searching was done on cross-sectional or systematic reviews of diagnostic studies of lipoarabinomannan versus sputum culture in adult HIV-positive patients suspected with pulmonary TB. There were 9 articles that meet the eligibility criteria; 1 systematic review and 8 cross-sectional studies. Two out of nine articles were deemed as not valid due to not using sputum on all samples and the index test and reference test were not carried out on all samples. There were contradictory results regarding the sensitivity, positive predictive values and negative predictive values, meanwhile the specificity showed good results. We conclude that urinary LAM can be used to diagnose pulmonary TB in HIV-positive patients due to its high specificity. However, it could not be used as a stand-alone test, due to its suboptimal sensitivity. Case report (J Int Dent Med Res 2021; 14(1): 461-466)
Discussion on Stability Test Method of Fuel Air Explosives

The acidity of FAE was determined through titrating the toluene extraction from FAE by KOH-C2H5OH standard solution and phenolphthalein and the density of FAE was determined by the pycnometer method.The purity and water content of isopropyl nitrite in the FAE was determined by gas chromatography method.The Mg2+ content in the FAE was determined by atom absorb spectrophotometry method.It was considered that the chemical stability of FAE could be studied by the changes of acidity,density of FAE,and the purity and water content of isopropyl nitrite in the FAE.
Evaluation of Vertical Mandibular Asymmetry in TMD patients: An Orthopantomographic Study

The evaluation of asymmetry is important for aesthetic and functional evaluation of the maxillofacial region. Aetiology of mandibular asymmetry is multifactorial. Even though there are different techniques available for assessing asymmetry, OPG is relatively inexpensive and one of the most commonly used radiographs. Thus aim of this study was to evaluate the vertical mandibular asymmetry in TMD patients using orthopantomography. The study included OPG’s of 136 patients each in TMD positive and TMD negative group. Condylar asymmetry, ramal asymmetry and total mandibular asymmetry (Condyle + ramus) in vertical plane were assessed. The data was statistically analysed using Mann Whitney U Test. Condylar asymmetry, ramal asymmetry and total mandibular asymmetry (condyle + ramus) was highly prevalent in females of both TMD positive and TMD negative group and it was statistically significant. Condylar asymmetry was highly prevalent in TMD positive group but the results was not statistically significant. No statistically significant difference were found in vertical mandibular asymmetry between TMD positive and TMD negative group. However vertical condylar asymmetry, ramal asymmetry and total mandibular asymmetry was significantly higher females than in males.
Design considerations of biaxially tensile-strained germanium-on-silicon lasers

Physical models of Ge energy band structure and material loss were implemented in LASTIPTM, a 2D simulation tool for edge emitting laser diodes. This model is able to match available experimental data. Important design parameters of a Fabry–Perot Ge laser, such as the cavity length, thickness, width, polycrystalline Si cladding layer thickness were studied and optimized. The laser structure optimizations alone were shown to reduce Ith by 22-fold and increase ηd and ηi by 11 and 6 times. The simulations also showed that improving the defect limited carrier lifetime is critical for achieving an efficient and low-threshold Ge laser. With the optimized structure design (300 μm for the cavity length, 0.4 μm for the cavity width, 0.3 μm for the cavity thickness, and 0.6 μm for the polycrystalline Si cladding layer thickness) and a defect limited carrier lifetime of 100 ns, a wall-plug efficiency of 14.6% at 1 mW output is predicted, where Jth of 2.8 kA cm−2, Ith of 3.3 mA, I1mW of 9 mA, and ηd of 23.6% can be achieved. These are tremendous improvements from the available experimental values at 280 kA cm−2, 756 mA, 837 mA and 1.9%, respectively.
Using educational technologies to understand how learners solve problems

In this paper we examine how a highly interactive educational technology program Child Growth & Development in the first 12 months of life was used to investigate the problem solving behaviour of learners. This preliminary study was also used to evaluate the study instruments ahead of a more substantial investigation. The design of the program was informed by Problem Based Learning (PBL) philosophy with authentic problems as the stimulus for problem solving activities. We describe how an electronic record of learners’ movements and activities was captured by an embedded audit trail system, as learners progressed through the steps of a problem solving procedure. This method revealed highly individual problem solving behaviours for learners. Similarities and differences were shared between learners at different stages of the process. External measures, including learner perceptions of problem solving ability, were used to supplement the audit trail data. This enabled a more detailed picture to emerge of the factors that may influence problem solving skills, including confidence, approach-avoidance style and self-control.
Chemistry as a diagnostic of prestellar core geometry

We present a new method for assessing the intrinsic 3D shape of prestellar cores from molecular column densities. We have employed hydrodynamic simulations of contracting, isothermal cores considering three intrinsic geometries: spherical, cylindrical/filamentary and disk-like. We have coupled our hydrodynamic simulations with non-equilibrium chemistry. We find that a) when cores are observed very elongated (i.e. for aspect ratios $\le$ 0.15) the intrinsic 3D geometry can be probed by their 2D molecular emission maps, since these exhibit significant qualitative morphological differences between cylindrical and disk-like cores. Specifically, if a disk-like core is observed as a filamentary object in dust emission, then it will be observed as two parallel filaments in $\rm{N_2H^{+}}$; b) for cores with higher aspect ratios (i.e. 0.15 $\sim$ 0.9) we define a metric $\Delta$ that quantifies whether a molecular column density profile is centrally peaked, depressed or flat. We have identified one molecule ($\rm{CN}$) for which $\Delta$ as a function of the aspect ratio probes the 3D geometry of the core; and c) for cores with almost circular projections (i.e. for aspect ratios $\sim$ 1), we have identified three molecules ($\rm{OH}$, $\rm{CO}$ and $\rm{H_2CO}$) that can be used to probe the intrinsic 3D shape by close inspection of their molecular column density radial profiles. We alter the temperature and the cosmic-ray ionization rate and demonstrate that our method is robust against the choice of parameters.
Pinhole-free perovskite films for efficient solar modules

We report on a perovskite solar module with an aperture area of 4 cm2 and geometrical fill factor of 91%. The module exhibits an aperture area power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.6% from a current–voltage scan and 12.6% after 5 min of maximum power point tracking. High PCE originates in pinhole-free perovskite films made with a precursor combination of Pb(CH3CO2)2·3H2O, PbCl2, and CH3NH3I.
Applying 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method to measure pectinase activity

Subjectiue and method:In this paper,the best conditions of 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid measuring method to determine pectinase activity were studied through the single factor experiment and it was compared with the industry standard "QB1502——92"and one enterprise standard. Result:Experimental results indicated that the suitable conditions should be the followings: Wavelength for determination is 540 nm,amount of DNS is 4.0 mL,time of reaction is 5 min in boiling water,and the best time for determination should be within 60 min. With these conditions,the regression equation is "y=1.022 6x -0.278 4",the relative modulus is 0.999 7,and the average recovery rate is 99.96%. Conclusion:The statistical analysis indicates that both the accuracy and precision of this method are better than the other two methods.