Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influenza vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization in the United States, 2019-2020.

BACKGROUND Influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality and stresses hospital resources during periods of increased circulation. We evaluated the effectiveness of the 2019-2020 influenza vaccine against influenza-associated hospitalizations in the United States. METHODS We included adults hospitalized with acute respiratory illness at 14 hospitals and tested for influenza viruses by reserve transcription polymerase chain reaction. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was estimated by comparing the odds of current-season influenza vaccination in test-positive influenza cases versus test-negative controls, adjusting for confounders. VE was stratified by age and major circulating influenza types along with A(H1N1)pdm09 genetic subgroups. RESULTS 3116 participants were included, including 18% (553) influenza-positive cases. Median age was 63 years. Sixty-seven percent (2079) received vaccination. Overall adjusted VE against influenza viruses was 41% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27-52). VE against A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses was 40% (95% CI: 24-53) and 33% against B viruses (95% CI: 0-56). Of the two major A(H1N1)pdm09 subgroups (representing 90% of sequenced H1N1 viruses), VE against one group (5A+187A,189E) was 59% (95% CI: 34-75) whereas no significant VE was observed against the other group (5A+156K) [-1%, 95% CI: -61-37]. CONCLUSIONS In a primarily older population, influenza vaccination was associated with a 41% reduction in risk of hospitalized influenza illness.
The Amorphous Alloy-catalyzed Hydroconversion of Demineralized Shengli Coal Liquefaction Residue Under Microwave Irradiation

Microwave-assisted hydroconversion of demineralized Shengli lignite liquefaction residue (DMSLLR) over Ni-B/SiO2 in methanol was investigated under mild conditions. The results show that Ni-B/SiO2 significantly catalyzed DMSLLR hydroconversion by increasing the methanol-extractable fraction of hydroconverted DMSLLR to 87.7% over Ni-B/SiO2 from 62.3% without catalyst. The yields of alkanes, hydroarenes, alkyl arenes, non-substituted arenes, organooxygen compounds, and organosulfur compounds from catalytic hydroconversion of DMSLLR are drastically higher than those from non-catalytic hydroconversion of DMSLLR. Benzo[ghi]perylene is the most abundant condensed arenes detected.
Interleukin‐1β injection causes loss of tail tips in neonatal mice

Early‐life immune challenges and inflammation are risk factors for a range of developmental disorders. During the course of a study examining interactions between the common antipyretic acetaminophen (APAP; paracetamol) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐induced inflammation in neonatal mice we observed that subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of IL‐1β often leads to significantly shorter, blunt‐tipped tails. Three times during early development, on postnatal day 5 (P5), P8, and P11, C57BL/6J pups were given s.c. injection of either . 2 μg/kg IL‐1β or 5 cc/kg injection of saline vehicle followed, after a 45 min delay, by a second injection, of either 103.9 mg/kg APAP or saline. IL‐1β was observed to reduce tail length—via a blunting of the tail tip—in treated vs. untreated mice, an effect that was significant as early as P11 and persisted through the end of the study (~P74). Interestingly, IL‐1β‐induced tail blunting was significantly lessened by APAP, an interaction that may have occurred as a result of the opposing actions of APAP and IL‐1β on cyclooxygenase‐2. Although this specific hypothesis and the mechanisms underlying the effects of IL‐1β on tail length require further study, they add to the literature suggesting that IL‐1β may be a critical mediator of specific adverse effects of early‐life inflammation.
Dry Powder for Pulmonary Delivery: A Comprehensive Review

The pulmonary route has long been used for drug administration for both local and systemic treatment. It possesses several advantages, which can be categorized into physiological, i.e., large surface area, thin epithelial membrane, highly vascularized, limited enzymatic activity, and patient convenience, i.e., non-invasive, self-administration over oral and systemic routes of drug administration. However, the formulation of dry powder for pulmonary delivery is often challenging due to restrictions on aerodynamic size and the lung’s lower tolerance capacity in comparison with an oral route of drug administration. Various physicochemical properties of dry powder play a major role in the aerosolization, deposition, and clearance along the respiratory tract. To prepare suitable particles with optimal physicochemical properties for inhalation, various manufacturing methods have been established. The most frequently used industrial methods are milling and spray-drying, while several other alternative methods such as spray-freeze-drying, supercritical fluid, non-wetting templates, inkjet-printing, thin-film freezing, and hot-melt extrusion methods are also utilized. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the respiratory tract structure, particle deposition patterns, and possible drug-clearance mechanisms from the lungs. This review also includes the physicochemical properties of dry powder, various techniques used for the preparation of dry powders, and factors affecting the clinical efficacy, as well as various challenges that need to be addressed in the future.
Elementary School Teachers' Math Anxiety and Students' Math Learning: A Large-Scale Replication.

A solid foundation in math is important for children's long-term academic success. Many factors influence children's math learning - including the math content students are taught in school, the quality of their instruction, and the math attitudes of students' teachers. Using a large and diverse sample of first-grade students (n = 551), we conducted a large-scale replication of a previous study (Beilock et al., 2010; n = 117), which found that girls in classes with highly math anxious teachers learned less math during the school year, as compared to girls whose math teachers were less anxious about math. With a larger sample, we found a negative relation between teachers' math anxiety and students' math achievement for both girls and boys, even after accounting for teachers' math ability and children's beginning of year math knowledge, replicating and extending those previous results. Our findings strengthen support for the hypothesis that teachers' math anxiety is one factor that undermines children's math learning and could push students off-track during their initial exposure to math in early elementary school.
Biotin-Terminated Ruthenium Bipyridine Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization Copolymers: Synthesis and Self-Assembly with Streptavidin

We present the synthesis of ring-opening metathesis polymerization block polymers containing a ruthenium bipyridine luminescent block and a hydrophobic block and end-terminated with a biologically active biotin molecule. These copolymers undergo self-assembly in water into star micelles containing a large number of luminescent Ru(II) centers, with the hydrophobic block in their core and the molecular recognition unit biotin at their periphery. Addition of the protein streptavidin results in the cross-linking of these polymer nanospheres, through biotin−steptavidin binding, into extended networks. In addition to its usefulness as a method to organize polymeric nanostructures into biochemically addressable networks, this study has generated luminescent micellar aggregates capable of binding to biological compounds, and thus useful for the luminescence detection and signal amplification of biomolecules.
Comparing Direct Observation of Torsion with Array-Derived Rotation in Civil Engineering Structures

In this article, we analyze the rotation rates in a building derived from a network of translation sensors and recorded by a rotation sensor. The building is Grenoble city hall, a reinforced concrete structure with permanent accelerometric translation sensors at the top and bottom of the building. A temporary experiment was conducted, consisting in installing a BlueSeis-3A rotation sensor for more than 24 h at the top of the structure. The ambient vibrations were analyzed. The amplitudes of translation accelerations and rotation rates at the top and bottom of the building, along with their variations over time, were analyzed. The acceleration/rotation ratios were then compared with the impulse wave velocities derived from seismic interferometry by deconvolution between the top and bottom. Perspectives with regard to building imaging, time monitoring of structural integrity and understanding the contribution of rotations to the structure’s response are discussed, offering new suggestions for research projects.
Cultural Influences on the Regulation of Energy Intake and Obesity: A Qualitative Study Comparing Food Customs and Attitudes to Eating in Adults from France and the United States

(1) Background: The influence of food culture on eating behavior and obesity risk is poorly understood. (2) Methods: In this qualitative study, 25 adults in France with or without overweight/obesity participated in semi-structured interviews (n = 10) or focus groups (n = 15) to examine attitudes to food consumption and external pressures that influence eating behavior and weight management. Results were compared to an equivalent study conducted in the United States, thereby contrasting two countries with markedly different rates of obesity. Emerging key themes in the French data were identified through coding using a reflexive approach. (3) Results: The main themes identified were: (1) influence of commensality, social interactions, and pleasure from eating on eating behavior, (2) having a balanced and holistic approach to nutrition, (3) the role of environmental concerns in food consumption, (4) relationship with “natural” products (idealized) and food processing (demonized), (5) perceptions of weight status and management. Stress and difficulties in hunger cue discernment were viewed as important obstacles to weight management in both countries. External pressures were described as a major factor that explicitly influences food consumption in the U.S., while there was an implicit influence of external pressures through eating-related social interactions in France. In France, products considered “natural” where idealized and juxtaposed against processed and “industrial” products, whereas this was not a salient aspect in the U.S. (4) Conclusions: This first comparative qualitative study assessing aspects of food culture and eating behaviors across countries identifies both common and divergent attitudes to food and eating behavior. Further studies are needed to inform the development of effective behavioral interventions to address obesity in different populations.
Development and Investigation of a New Model Explaining Job Performance and Uncertainty among Nurses and Physicians

The purpose of this paper is to develop and investigate a new theoretical model explaining variance in job performance and uncertainty among nurses and physicians. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey. Data was collected from 2946 nurses and 556 physicians employed at four public hospitals in Norway. We analysed data using descriptive statistics, correlations, Cronbach’s alpha, confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modelling. To explain job performance and uncertainty, two sets of explanatory variables were used: first, satisfactions of three psychological needs—namely autonomy, social support and competence development—and second, employee perceptions of hospital management quality (HMQ) and local leadership quality (LLQ). The results supported the theoretical model among nurses and physicians; (1) HMQ was positively associated with LLQ; (2) LLQ was positively associated with psychological needs; (3) the majority of psychological needs were positively associated with job performance and negatively associated with uncertainty, but more of these relations were significant among nurses than physicians. The results suggest that job performance and uncertainty among nurses and physicians can be improved by helping personnel meet their psychological needs. Improving job design and staff involvement will be important to strengthen need satisfaction. Results suggest enhancement of HMQ and LLQ will be positively related to need satisfaction among nurses and physicians and will strengthen job performance and reduce uncertainty.
Prognostic Value of Alpha-Fetoprotein in Patients Who Achieve a Complete Response to Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a prognostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the prognostic value of AFP levels in patients who achieved complete response (CR) to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for HCC. Materials and Methods Between 2005 and 2018, 890 patients with HCC who achieved a CR to TACE were recruited. An AFP responder was defined as a patient who showed elevated levels of AFP (>10 ng/mL) during TACE, but showed normalization or a >50% reduction in AFP levels after achieving a CR. Results Among the recruited patients, 569 (63.9%) with naïve HCC and 321 (36.1%) with recurrent HCC after complete resection were treated. Before TACE, 305 (34.3%) patients had multiple tumors, 219 (24.6%) had a maximal tumor size >3 cm, and 22 (2.5%) had portal vein tumor thrombosis. The median AFP level after achieving a CR was 6.36 ng/mL. After a CR, 473 (53.1%) patients experienced recurrence, and 417 (46.9%) died [median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 16.3 and 62.8 months, respectively]. High AFP levels at CR (>20 ng/mL) were independently associated with a shorter PFS [hazard ratio (HR)=1.403] and OS (HR=1.284), together with tumor multiplicity at TACE (HR=1.518 and 1.666, respectively). AFP non-responders at CR (76.2%, n=359 of 471) showed a shorter PFS (median 10.5 months vs. 15.5 months, HR=1.375) and OS (median 41.4 months vs. 61.8 months, HR=1.424) than AFP responders (all p=0.001). Conclusion High AFP levels and AFP non-responders were independently associated with poor outcomes after TACE. AFP holds clinical implications for detailed risk stratification upon achieving a CR after TACE.
Natural Products Targeting the Mitochondria in Cancers

There are abundant sources of anticancer drugs in nature that have a broad prospect in anticancer drug discovery. Natural compounds, with biological activities extracted from plants and marine and microbial metabolites, have significant antitumor effects, but their mechanisms are various. In addition to providing energy to cells, mitochondria are involved in processes, such as cell differentiation, cell signaling, and cell apoptosis, and they have the ability to regulate cell growth and cell cycle. Summing up recent data on how natural products regulate mitochondria is valuable for the development of anticancer drugs. This review focuses on natural products that have shown antitumor effects via regulating mitochondria. The search was done in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, over a 5-year period, between 2015 and 2020, with a keyword search that focused on natural products, natural compounds, phytomedicine, Chinese medicine, antitumor, and mitochondria. Many natural products have been studied to have antitumor effects on different cells and can be further processed into useful drugs to treat cancer. In the process of searching for valuable new drugs, natural products such as terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, coumarins, and quinones cover the broad space.
Therapeutic Ophthalmic Lenses: A Review

An increasing incidence of eye diseases has been registered in the last decades in developed countries due to the ageing of population, changes in lifestyle, environmental factors, and the presence of concomitant medical conditions. The increase of public awareness on ocular conditions leads to an early diagnosis and treatment, as well as an increased demand for more effective and minimally invasive solutions for the treatment of both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Despite being the most common route of ophthalmic drug administration, eye drops are associated with compliance issues, drug wastage by lacrimation, and low bioavailability due to the ocular barriers. In order to overcome these problems, the design of drug-eluting ophthalmic lenses constitutes a non-invasive and patient-friendly approach for the sustained drug delivery to the eye. Several examples of therapeutic contact lenses and intraocular lenses have been developed, by means of different strategies of drug loading, leading to promising results. This review aims to report the recent advances in the development of therapeutic ophthalmic lenses for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of eye pathologies (i.e., glaucoma, cataract, corneal diseases, or posterior segment diseases) and it gives an overview of the future perspectives and challenges in the field.
Safety evaluation of mice exposed to 7.0–33.0 T high‐static magnetic fields

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 7 T and higher can provide superior image resolution and capability. Clinical tests have been performed in 9.4 T MRI, and 21.1 T small‐bore‐size MRI has also been tested in rodents. Although the safety issue is a prerequisite for their future medical application, there are very few relevant studies for the safety of static magnetic fields (SMFs) of ≧20 T. The aim of this study was to assess the biological effects of 7.0–33.0 T SMFs in healthy adult mice. This was a prospective study, in which 104 healthy adult C57BL/6 mice were divided into control, sham control, and 7.0–33.0 T SMF‐exposed groups.The sham control group and SMF group were handled identically, except for the electric current for producing SMF. A separate control group was placed outside the magnet and their data were used as normal range. After 1 h exposure, all mice were routinely fed for another 2 months while their body weight and food/water consumption were monitored. After 2 months, their complete blood count, blood biochemistry, key organ weight, and histomorphology were examined. All data are normally distributed. Differences between the sham and SMF‐exposed groups were evaluated by unpaired t test. Most indicators did not show statistically significant changes or were still within the normal ranges, with only a few exceptions. For example, mono % in Group 2 (11.1 T) is 6.03 ± 1.43% while the normal range is 6.60–9.90% (p < 0.05). The cholesterol level in 33 T group is 3.38 ± 0.36 mmol/L while the normal range is 2.48–3.29 mmol/L (p < 0.05). The high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level in 33 T group is 2.54 ± 0.29 mmol/L while the normal reference range is 1.89–2.43 mmol/L (p < 0.01). Exposure to 7.0–33.0 T for 1 h did not have detrimental effects on normal adult mice.
The effects of early-life growth hormone intervention on tissue specific histone H3 modifications in long-lived Ames dwarf mice

Histone modifications, specifically in the lysine residues of histone H3, have been implicated in lifespan regulation in several model organisms. Our previous studies showed that growth hormone (GH) treatment during early life can dramatically influence lifespan in long-lived Ames dwarf mice. However, the effects of this hormonal intervention on epigenetic modifications have never been examined. In this study, we sought to compare tissue-specific histone H3 lysine methylation and acetylation markers in Ames dwarf and wild type (WT) mice and to determine how these markers are affected by early-life GH intervention. Ames dwarf mice exhibited suppressed H3K4me in both hepatic and brain tissues, while showing elevated H3K27me in the brain. Early-life GH intervention significantly altered the histone H3 markers in those tissues. Furthermore, early GH intervention increased expression of histone H3 acetylation at multiple lysine residues in a tissue-specific manner. This included changes in H3K14ac and H3K18ac in the liver and brain, H3K18ac in visceral adipose tissue and H3K9ac, H3K14ac and H3K27ac in subcutaneous adipose tissue. This study serves as an initial, but important step in elucidating the epigenetic mechanisms by which hormonal signals during early life can influence aging and longevity in mammals.
Chromosome 2q gain and epigenetic silencing of GATA3 in microglandular adenosis of the breast

Microglandular adenosis (MGA) represents a rare neoplasm of the mammary gland, which in a subset of cases may be associated with triple‐negative breast cancer (BC). The biology of MGA is poorly understood. In this study, eight MGA cases (n = 4 with and n = 4 without associated BC) were subjected to a comprehensive characterization using immunohistochemistry, genome‐wide DNA copy number (CN) profiling, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), next‐generation sequencing (NGS), and DNA methylation profiling using 850 K arrays and bisulfite pyrosequencing. Median patient age was 61 years (range 57–76 years). MGA lesions were estrogen receptor (ER)‐negative, progesterone receptor‐negative, HER2‐negative, and S100‐positive. DNA CN alterations (CNAs) were complex or limited to few gains and losses. CN gain on chromosome 2q was the most common CNA and was validated by FISH in five of eight cases. NGS demonstrated an average of two mutations per case (range 0–5) affecting 10 different genes (ARID1A, ATM, CTNNB1, FBXW7, FGFR2, MET, PIK3CA, PMS2, PTEN, and TP53). CNAs and mutations were similar in MGA and adjacent BC, indicating clonal relatedness. DNA methylation profiling identified aberrant hypermethylation of CpG sites within GATA3, a key transcription factor required for luminal differentiation. Immunohistochemistry showed regular GATA3 protein expression in the normal mammary epithelium and in ER‐positive BC. Conversely, GATA3 was reduced or lost in all MGA cases tested (8/8). In conclusion, MGA is characterized by common CN gain on chromosome 2q and loss of GATA3. Epigenetic inactivation of GATA3 may provide a new clue to the peculiar biology of this rare neoplasia.
Filtration of Elastic Polymers and Spherical Gels through a Silica-Deposited Layer on a Porous Membrane

A 120-nm silica suspension was permeated through a porous polyethylene (PE) hollow-fiber membrane, as was a solution of deformable elastic particles of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) gel and dextran. The amount adsorbed and flux of permeation were analyzed with ordinary differential equations to obtain adsorption coefficients, maximum amounts adsorbed, and pore-narrowing factors. The thickness of the “silica-deposited layer” on the membrane was 1 μm. In a batch adsorption mode, 5.0 mg of PNIPAM gel and 30 mg of dextran were adsorbed on the PE membrane, with no adsorption on the silica. The PE membrane pores were narrowed by a secondary layer of adsorbed PNIPAM gel. When filtered through the silica-deposited layer, PNIPAM gel occupies gaps, resulting in a reduced permeation flux. Dextran passed through the silica-deposited layer and was partially adsorbed on the PE membrane. The modified membrane can control adsorption, filtration, and flux permeation, which leads to dynamic membrane separations.