Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cylindrical ionization chamber response in static and dynamic 6 and 15 MV photon beams

Purpose. To investigate the response of the CC13 ionization chamber under non-reference photon beam conditions, focusing on penumbra and build-up regions of static fields and on dynamic intensity-modulated beams. Methods. Measurements were performed in 6 MV 100 × 100, 20 × 100, and 20 × 20 mm2 static fields. Monte Carlo calculations were performed for the static fields and for 6 and 15 MV dynamic beam sequences using a Varian multi-leaf collimator. The chamber was modelled using EGSnrc egs_chamber software. Conversion factors were calculated by relating the absorbed dose to air in the chamber air cavity to the absorbed dose to water. Correction and point-dose correction factors were calculated to quantify the conversion factor variations. Results. The correction factors for positions on the beam central axis and at the penumbra centre were 0.98–1.02 for all static fields and depths investigated. The largest corrections were obtained for chamber positions beyond penumbra centre in the off-axis direction. Point-dose correction factors were 0.54–0.71 at 100 mm depth and their magnitude increased with decreasing field size and measurement depth. Factors of 0.99–1.03 were obtained inside and near the integrated penumbra of the dynamic field at 100 mm depth, and of 0.92–0.94 beyond the integrated penumbra centre. The variations in the ionization chamber response across the integrated dynamic penumbra qualitatively followed the behaviour across penumbra of static fields. Conclusions. Without corrections, the CC13 chamber was of limited usefulness for profile measurements in 20-mm-wide fields. However, measurements in dynamic small irregular beam openings resembling the conditions of pre-treatment patient quality assurance were feasible. Uncorrected ionization chamber response could be applied for dose verification at 100 mm depth inside and close to large gradients of dynamically accumulating high- and low-dose regions assuming 3% tolerance between measured and calculated doses.
Impact of Type D Personality, Role Strain, and Diabetes Distress on Depression in Women With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background Women with diabetes face a significantly elevated risk of developing depression. Clarifying the factors associated with depression is critical to designing more timely interventions for this vulnerable population. Purpose This study was developed to examine the impact of Type D personality, diabetes-care-related role strain, and diabetes-related distress on depression in women with Type 2 diabetes. Methods A cross-sectional design was used. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 298 women aged 20–64 years who had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes for over 6 months from three outpatient endocrine clinics in Taiwan. Demographic and disease characteristics and Type D personality (negative affectivity and social inhibition), diabetes-care-related role strain, and diabetes-related distress and depression status information were collected using self-reported questionnaires and medical records. The important factors of influence on depression were examined using hierarchical multiple regression. Results On the basis of the results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis, age, negative affectivity, diabetes-care-related role strain, and diabetes-related distress were identified as significantly associated with depression, with negative affectivity explaining most (43.4%) of the variance in depression, followed by diabetes-care-related role strain and diabetes-related distress, which respectively explained 3% and 2.5% of the variance. Conclusions/Implications for Practice The negative affectivity associated with the Type D personality was shown to be more significantly associated with depression than diabetes-related psychosocial factors such as diabetes-related distress and diabetes-care-related role strain. Timely assessment of negative affectivity and the provision of brief mindfulness intervention to reduce negative affectivity may be useful in preventing depression in women with Type 2 diabetes, whereas addressing diabetes-related distress and diabetes-care-related role strain should not be neglected when providing comprehensive depression-preventing interventions to young women with diabetes.
Enhancing recombinant protein and viral vector production in mammalian cells by targeting the YTHDF readers of N6‐methyladenosine in mRNA

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification on eukaryotic mRNA and has been implicated in a wide range of fundamental cellular processes. This modification is regulated and interpreted by a set of writer, eraser, and reader proteins. To date, there have been no reports on the potential of mRNA epigenetic regulators to influence recombinant protein expression in mammalian cells. In this study, the potential of manipulating the expression of the m6A YTH domain‐containing readers, YTHDF1, 2 and 3 to improve recombinant protein yield based on their role in regulating mRNA stability and promoting translation were evaluated. Using siRNA‐mediated gene depletion, cDNA over‐expression, and methylation‐specific RNA immunoprecipitation, it is demonstrated that (i) knock‐down of YTHDF2 enhances (~2‐fold) the levels of recombinant protein derived from GFP and EPO transgenes in CHO cells; (ii) the effects of YTHDF2 depletion on transgene expression is m6A‐mediated; and (iii) YTHDF2 depletion, or over‐expression of YTHDF1 increases viral protein expression and yield of infectious lentiviral (LV) particles (~2–3‐fold) in HEK293 cells. We conclude that various transgenes can be subjected to regulation by m6A regulators in mammalian cell lines and that these findings demonstrate the utility of epitranscriptomic‐based approaches to host cell line engineering for improved recombinant protein and viral vector production.
Assessing the in vitro toxicity of airborne (nano)particles to the human respiratory system: from basic to advanced models

ABSTRACT Several studies have been conducted to address the potential adverse health risks attributed to exposure to nanoscale materials. While in vivo studies are fundamental for identifying the relationship between dose and occurrence of adverse effects, in vitro model systems provide important information regarding the mechanism(s) of action at the molecular level. With a special focus on exposure to inhaled (nano)particulate material toxicity assessment, this review provides an overview of the available human respiratory models and exposure systems for in vitro testing, advantages, limitations, and existing investigations using models of different complexity. A brief overview of the human respiratory system, pathway and fate of inhaled (nano)particles is also presented.
Novel Species of Brucella Causing Human Brucellosis, French Guiana

Human brucellosis is a zoonoses caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Infection results in subacute or chronic debilitating disease with nonspecific clinical manifestations and is often associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy products. We report 2 cases of brucellosis in male patients who were hospitalized in distinct towns of French Guiana, an overseas territory of France located on the northeastern shore of South America. Both men were citizens of Brazil working as clandestine goldminers in the deep Amazonian rainforest. Characterization of the 2 bacterial isolates revealed that they represent a potential new species of Brucella. Medical practitioners working in contact with wildlife in this region of the world should be aware of the existence of these pathogens and the potential for human infection.
The sea spider Pycnogonum litorale overturns the paradigm of the absence of axial regeneration in molting animals

Significance Unlike many other animals, the molting ecdysozoans are thought to lack the potential of main body axis regeneration after traumatic injury. This includes today’s most diverse lineage—the segmented Arthropoda—implying that axial regenerative capabilities did not contribute to its extraordinarily successful evolutionary radiation. Challenging these long-held views, we show that sea spiders can regrow a functional hind-body region after experimental removal, including the restoration of the reproductive system. Given the branching of sea spiders near the base of the arthropod tree, this leads us to suggest that the arthropod stem species may have been capable of posterior axial regeneration. Pending additional studies on nonarthropod ecdysozoans, this may even represent a trait inherited from the protostome ancestor.
Optimization and shape control of GaN nanopillars fabricated by inductively coupled plasma etching

We report the systematic etching profile of GaN nano pillar structures using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching techniques. We were able to control the side wall angle, shape and dimension of such nanoscale structures by carefully selecting the etching parameters. We present the effects of variations of the etch parameters, such as ICP power, RF power, chamber pressure, and substrate temperature on the etch characteristics, such as etch rate, sidewall angle, anisotropy, mask erosion, and surface roughness. Utilizing such methods, we demonstrated the fabrication of nanoscale structures with designed shapes and dimensions over large area. Nanocolumns with diameter of 120 nm and height of 1.6 μm with sidewall angle of 86° (90° represent a vertical sidewall) were fabricated. Nanocones with tip diameter of 30 nm and height of 1.6 μm with sidewall angle of 70° were demonstrated. The structures produced by such top-down method could potentially be used in light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, photodetectors, vertical transistors, fieldemitters, and photovoltaic devices.
Clonorchis sinensis aggravates biliary fibrosis through promoting IL-6 production via toll-like receptor 2-mediated AKT and p38 signal pathways

Clonorchis sinensis is an important food-borne zoonotic parasite which has been linked to biliary fibrosis and cholangiocarcinoma. However, the details of the pathogenesis of C. sinensis were unclear. To explore the role and regulatory mechanism of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in C. sinensis-induced biliary fibrosis, we established the C. sinensis-infected C57BL/6 mouse model with TLR2-/- and wild type (WT) mice. The mortality rate, liver lesions, TLR2 and TGF-β1 expression, phosphorylation of Smad2/3, AKT, p38, ERK and p65, and cytokine productions were analyzed. Furthermore, similar parameters were examined in mouse biliary epithelial cells (BECs) co-cultured with C. sinensis excretory/secretory proteins (ESPs). The results showed that TLR2 expression was enhanced significantly in C. sinensis-infected WT mice and mouse BECs. C. sinensis-infected TLR2-/- mice exhibited an increased weight and a decreased mortality rate; significantly alleviated liver lesions and biliary fibrosis, reduced numbers of myofibroblasts; decreased expression of TGF-β1 and phosphorylation level of AKT, p38 and Smad2/3; significantly decreased production of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-4, while increased production of IFN-γ compared with C. sinensis-infected WT mice. Furthermore, C. sinensis ESPs could activate TLR2-mediated AKT and p38 pathways to increase the production of IL-6 in mouse BECs. In conclusion, these data indicate that C. sinensis infection activated TGF-β1-Smad2/3 through TLR2-mediated AKT and p38 pathways to promote IL-6 production, which resulted in myofibroblast activation and aggravating biliary fibrosis in mice.
Cocaine perturbs mitovesicle biology in the brain

Abstract Cocaine, an addictive psychostimulant, has a broad mechanism of action, including the induction of a wide range of alterations in brain metabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis. Our group recently identified a subpopulation of non‐microvesicular, non‐exosomal extracellular vesicles of mitochondrial origin (mitovesicles) and developed a method to isolate mitovesicles from brain parenchyma. We hypothesised that the generation and secretion of mitovesicles is affected by mitochondrial abnormalities induced by chronic cocaine exposure. Mitovesicles from the brain extracellular space of cocaine‐administered mice were enlarged and more numerous when compared to controls, supporting a model in which mitovesicle biogenesis is enhanced in the presence of mitochondrial alterations. This interrelationship was confirmed in vitro. Moreover, cocaine affected mitovesicle protein composition, causing a functional alteration in mitovesicle ATP production capacity. These data suggest that mitovesicles are previously unidentified players in the biology of cocaine addiction and that target therapies to fine‐tune brain mitovesicle functionality may be beneficial to mitigate the effects of chronic cocaine exposure.
Hand hygiene of kindergarten children—Understanding the effect of live feedback on handwashing behaviour, self-efficacy, and motivation of young children: Protocol for a multi-arm cluster randomized controlled trial

Early implementation of interventions at a young age fosters behaviour changes and helps to adopt behaviours that promote health. Digital technologies may help to promote the hand hygiene behaviour of children. However, there is a lack of digital feedback interventions focusing on the hand hygiene behaviour of preschool children in childhood education and care settings. This study protocol aims to describe a study that evaluates the effectiveness of a gamified live feedback intervention and explores underlying behavioural theories in achieving better hand hygiene behaviour of preschool children in early childhood education and care settings. This study will be a four-arm cluster randomized controlled trial with three phases and a twelve-month follow-up by country stratification. The sample size is 106 children of which one cluster will have a minimum number of 40 children. During the baseline phase, all groups will have automated monitoring systems installed. In the intervention phase, the control group will have no screen activity. The intervention groups will have feedback displays during the handwashing activity. Intervention A will receive instructions, and intervention B and C groups will receive instructions and a reward. In the post-intervention phase, all the groups will have no screen activity except intervention C which will receive instructions from the screen but no reward. The outcome measures will be hand hygiene behaviour, self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, intervention, and post-intervention phases and a 12-month follow-up. The data will be analysed with quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings of the planned study will provide whether this gamified live feedback intervention can be recommended to be used in educational settings to improve the hand hygiene behaviour of preschool children to promote health. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (registration number NCT05395988 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05395988? term=NCT05395988&draw=2&rank=1).
Vitellogenin Facilitates Associations between the Whitefly and a Bacteriocyte Symbiont

Intracellular heritable symbionts have been incorporated into insect reproductive and developmental biology by various mechanisms. All Bemisia tabaci species harbor the obligate symbiont Portiera in specialized insect cells called bacteriocytes. We report that the whitefly juvenile hormone and Portiera determined vitellogenin (Vg) localization in bacteriocytes of whiteflies. ABSTRACT Integration between animal reproduction and symbiont inheritance is fundamental in symbiosis biology, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Vitellogenin (Vg) is critical for oogenesis, and it is also a pathogen pattern recognition molecule in some animals. Previous studies have shown that Vg is involved in the regulation of symbiont abundance and transmission. However, the mechanisms by which an insect and its symbiont contribute to the function of Vg and how Vg impacts the persistence of insect-microbe symbiosis remain largely unclear. Symbionts are transovarially transmitted via maternal inheritance of the bacteriocytes in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Surprisingly, Vg is localized in bacteriocytes of whiteflies. Vg could be synthesized in whitefly bacteriocytes by the gene Vg expressed in these cells or exported into bacteriocytes from hemolymph via the Vg receptor. We further found that the juvenile hormone and “Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum” (here termed Portiera) control the level and localization of Vg in whiteflies. Immunocapture PCR revealed interactions between Vg and Portiera. Suppressing Vg expression reduced Portiera abundance as well as whitefly oogenesis and fecundity. Thus, we reveal that Vg facilitated the persistence of whitefly-bacteriocyte symbiont associations. This study will provide insight into the key role of Vg in the coevolution of insect reproduction and symbiont inheritance. IMPORTANCE Intracellular heritable symbionts have been incorporated into insect reproductive and developmental biology by various mechanisms. All Bemisia tabaci species harbor the obligate symbiont Portiera in specialized insect cells called bacteriocytes. We report that the whitefly juvenile hormone and Portiera determined vitellogenin (Vg) localization in bacteriocytes of whiteflies. In turn, Vg affected whitefly fecundity as well as fitness and transmission of the symbiont. Our findings show that Vg, a multifunctional protein, is indispensable for symbiont integration into the reproduction and development of insects. This reflects the outcome of long-term coevolution of the insect-microbe symbiosis.
Longitudinal Anthropometry and Body Composition in Children With SARS-CoV-2-Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome

Objectives: Acute coronavirus disease 2019 infection has been shown to negatively affect body composition among adult and malnourished or obesity children. Our aim is to longitudinally evaluate body composition in children affected by the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C). Methods: In this cohort study, we recruited 40 patients affected by MIS-C, aged 2–18 years old, who were admitted in our clinic between December 2020 and February 2021. Physical examination for each participant included weight, height, body mass index (BMI) z score, circumferences, and skinfolds assessment. The same measurements were repeated during outpatient follow-up at 10 (T2), 30 (T3), 90 (T4), and 180 (T5) days after hospital discharge. Fat mass and fat free mass were calculated according to skinfolds predictive equations for children and adolescents. A control group was randomly selected among patients attending a pediatric nutritional outpatient clinic. Results: BMI z score significantly decrease between preadmission and hospital discharge. Similarly, arm circumference z score, arm muscular area z score, and arm fat area z score significantly decreased, during hospital stay. Fat mass index (FMI) significantly increased over time, peaking at T3. Fat free mass index decreased during hospitalization. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess body composition in a numerically large pediatric MIS-C population from acute infection to 6 months after triggering event. FMI and anthropometric parameters linked to fat deposits were significantly higher 6 months after acute event. Thus, limiting physical activity and having sedentary lifestyle may lead to an accumulation of adipose tissue even in healthy children who experienced MIS-C and long hospitalization.
Novel hyperspectral prediction method and apparatus

Both the power and the challenge of hyperspectral technologies is the very large amount of data produced by spectral cameras. While off-line methodologies allow the collection of gigabytes of data, extended data analysis sessions are required to convert the data into useful information. In contrast, real-time monitoring, such as on-line process control, requires that compression of spectral data and analysis occur at a sustained full camera data rate. Efficient, high-speed practical methods for calibration and prediction are therefore sought to optimize the value of hyperspectral imaging. A novel method of matched filtering known as science based multivariate calibration (SBC) was developed for hyperspectral calibration. Classical (MLR) and inverse (PLS, PCR) methods are combined by spectroscopically measuring the spectral "signal" and by statistically estimating the spectral "noise. " The accuracy of the inverse model is thus combined with the easy interpretability of the classical model. The SBC method is optimized for hyperspectral data in the Hyper-CalTM software used for the present work. The prediction algorithms can then be downloaded into a dedicated FPGA based High-Speed Prediction EngineTM module. Spectral pretreatments and calibration coefficients are stored on interchangeable SD memory cards, and predicted compositions are produced on a USB interface at real-time camera output rates. Applications include minerals, pharmaceuticals, food processing and remote sensing.
Maternal Western diet is associated with distinct preclinical pediatric NAFLD phenotypes in juvenile nonhuman primate offspring

Pediatric NAFLD has distinct and variable pathology, yet causation remains unclear. We have shown that maternal Western-style diet (mWSD) compared with maternal chow diet (CD) consumption in nonhuman primates produces hepatic injury and steatosis in fetal offspring. Here, we define the role of mWSD and postweaning Western-style diet (pwWSD) exposures on molecular mechanisms linked to NAFLD development in a cohort of 3-year-old juvenile nonhuman primates offspring exposed to maternal CD or mWSD followed by CD or Western-style diet after weaning. We used histologic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses to identify hepatic pathways regulating NAFLD. Offspring exposed to mWSD showed increased hepatic periportal collagen deposition but unchanged hepatic triglyceride levels and body weight. mWSD was associated with a downregulation of gene expression pathways underlying HNF4α activity and protein, and downregulation of antioxidant signaling, mitochondrial biogenesis, and PPAR signaling pathways. In offspring exposed to both mWSD and pwWSD, liver RNA profiles showed upregulation of pathways promoting fibrosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress and increased BiP protein expression with pwWSD. pwWSD increased acylcarnitines and decreased anti-inflammatory fatty acids, which was more pronounced when coupled with mWSD exposure. Further, mWSD shifted liver metabolites towards decreased purine catabolism in favor of synthesis, suggesting a mitochondrial DNA repair response. Our findings demonstrate that 3-year-old offspring exposed to mWSD but weaned to a CD have periportal collagen deposition, with transcriptional and metabolic pathways underlying hepatic oxidative stress, compromised mitochondrial lipid sensing, and decreased antioxidant response. Exposure to pwWSD worsens these phenotypes, triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress, and increases fibrosis. Overall, mWSD exposure is associated with altered expression of candidate genes and metabolites related to NAFLD that persist in juvenile offspring preceding clinical presentation of NAFLD.