Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combining Three Cohorts of World Trade Center Rescue/Recovery Workers for Assessing Cancer Incidence and Mortality

Three cohorts including the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), the World Trade Center Health Registry (WTCHR), and the General Responder Cohort (GRC), each funded by the World Trade Center Health Program have reported associations between WTC-exposures and cancer. Results have generally been consistent with effect estimates for excess incidence for all cancers ranging from 6 to 14% above background rates. Pooling would increase sample size and de-duplicate cases between the cohorts. However, pooling required time consuming steps: obtaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals and legal agreements from entities involved; establishing an honest broker for managing the data; de-duplicating the pooled cohort files; applying to State Cancer Registries (SCRs) for matched cancer cases; and finalizing analysis data files. Obtaining SCR data use agreements ranged from 6.5 to 114.5 weeks with six states requiring >20 weeks. Records from FDNY (n = 16,221), WTCHR (n = 29,372), and GRC (n = 33,427) were combined de-duplicated resulting in 69,102 unique individuals. Overall, 7894 cancer tumors were matched to the pooled cohort, increasing the number cancers by as much as 58% compared to previous analyses. Pooling resulted in a coherent resource for future research for studies on rare cancers and mortality, with more representative of occupations and WTC- exposure.
One pot domino reaction accessing γ-nitroesters: synthesis of GABA derivatives

Michael addition of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds to nitrostyrenes is efficiently promoted by hydrotalcite [Mg–Al] to afford the respective γ-nitrodicarbonyl adducts. Differently, the addition of Meldrum's acid leads to a direct access of γ-nitroesters through a one pot domino process. GABA derivatives (+/−)-phenibut and (+/−)-baclofen were readily synthesized from the respective nitro adducts.
Structural Mechanism of Transport of Mitochondrial Carriers.

Members of the mitochondrial carrier family [solute carrier family 25 (SLC25)] transport nucleotides, amino acids, carboxylic acids, fatty acids, inorganic ions, and vitamins across the mitochondrial inner membrane. They are important for many cellular processes, such as oxidative phosphorylation of lipids and sugars, amino acid metabolism, macromolecular synthesis, ion homeostasis, cellular regulation, and differentiation. Here, we describe the functional elements of the transport mechanism of mitochondrial carriers, consisting of one central substrate-binding site and two gates with salt-bridge networks on either side of the carrier. Binding of the substrate during import causes three gate elements to rotate inward, forming the cytoplasmic network and closing access to the substrate-binding site from the intermembrane space. Simultaneously, three core elements rock outward, disrupting the matrix network and opening the substrate-binding site to the matrix side of the membrane. During export, substrate binding triggers conformational changes involving the same elements but operating in reverse. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biochemistry, Volume 90 is June 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Redox Labeling of Two Antiepileptic Drugs with Metallocenes and Their Simultaneous Detection by a Nafion-modified Electrode

Two different cationic redox labels, i.e. a ferroceneammonium ion and a cobaltocenium ion, were covalently attached to two antiepileptics, phenytoin and phenobarbital, respectively. The two labeled drugs possess distinct standard redox potentials of 0.3 9V for the phenytoin derivative and 20.9 2V for phenobarbital derivative (vs Ag/AgCl, Cl 2 0.0 5M) at a carbon paste electrode. After preconcentration in a polyanionic Nafionloaded carbon paste electrode the positively charged labeled phenytoin and phenobarbital derivatives could be simultaneously detected in concentration ranges which were relevant to the therapeutic ranges of the antiepileptics, with a view to a future dual-analyte immunoassay. Square-wave voltammetry permitted detection limits of 5 310 28 M(for the phenytoin derivative) and 2.5 310 28 M (for the phenobarbital derivative) for non-simultaneous detection. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal adsorption calorimetry and adhesion energies on clean single-crystal surfaces

The heats of adsorption of metals have been measured calorimetrically for the first time on clean, single-crystalline surfaces. A pulse of metal vapor from a chopped atomic beam adsorbs onto an ultrathin single crystal’s surface, causing a transient temperature rise. This heat input is detected by a pyroelectric polymer ribbon, which is gently touched to the back of the crystal during calorimetry. The sticking probability is measured by detecting the reflected fraction mass spectroscopically. The differential heat of adsorption is thus measured as a detailed function of coverage up through multilayer coverages. The integral heat of adsorption also provides the adhesion energy of the metal film, if the surface free energy of the clean metal surface is known. Adsorption and adhesion energies for metals (Pb or Cu) on clean Mo(100) and on well-defined surface oxides of Mo(100) and W(100) are reported.
[Impact of oliguria during lung surgery on postoperative acute kidney injury].

OBJECTIVE To explore the influence of intraoperative urine volume on postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and the independent risk factors of AKI. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study recruiting patients who received selective pulmonary resection under general anesthesia in Peking University First Hospital from July, 2017 to June, 2019. The patients were divided into the AKI group and the control group according to whether they developed postoperative AKI or not. Firstly, univariate analysis was used to analyze the relationship between perioperative variables and postoperative AKI. Secondly, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to explore the predictive value of intraoperative urine output for postoperative AKI. The nearest four cutoff values [with the interval of 0.1 mL/(kg·h)] at maximum Youden index were used as cutoff values of oliguria. Then univariate analysis was used to explore the relationship between oliguria defined by these four cutoff values and the risk of AKI. And the cutoff value with maximum OR was chosen as the threshold of oliguria in this study. Lastly, the variables with P < 0.10 in the univariate analysis were selected for inclusion in a multivariate Logistic model to analyze the independent predictors of postoperative AKI. RESULTS A total of 1 393 patients were enrolled in the study. The incidence of postoperative AKI was 2.2%. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve (AUC) of intraoperative urine volume used for predicting postoperative AKI was 0.636 (P=0.009), and the cutoff value of oliguria was 0.785 mL/(kg·h) when Youden index was maximum (Youden index =0.234, sensitivity =48.4%, specificity =75.0%). Furthermore, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0 mL/(kg·h) and the traditional cutoff value of 0.5 mL/(kg·h) were used to analyze the influence of oliguria on postoperative AKI. Univariate analysis showed that, when 0.8 mL/(kg·h) was selected as the threshold of oliguria, the patients with oliguria had the most significantly increased risk of AKI (AKI group 48.4% vs. control group 25.3%, OR=2.774, 95%CI 1.357－5.671, P=0.004). Multivariate regression analysis showed that intraoperative urine output < 0.8 mL/(kg·h) was one of the independent risk factors of postoperative AKI (OR=2.698, 95%CI 1.260－5.778, P=0.011). The other two were preoperative hemoglobin ≤120.0 g/L (OR=3.605, 95%CI 1.545－8.412, P=0.003) and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/(min·1.73 m2) (OR=11.009, 95%CI 1.813－66.843, P=0.009). CONCLUSION Oliguria is an independent risk fact or of postoperative AKI after pulmonary resection, and urine volume < 0.8 mL/(kg·h) is a possible screening criterium.
Accelerated Wound Closure of Deep Partial Thickness Burns with Acellular Fish Skin Graft

Thermal injuries are caused by exposure to a variety of sources, and split thickness skin grafts are the gold standard treatment for severe burns; however, they may be impossible when there is no donor skin available. Large total body surface area burns leave patients with limited donor site availability and create a need for treatments capable of achieving early and complete coverage that can also retain normal skin function. In this preclinical trial, two cellular and tissue based products (CTPs) are evaluated on twenty-four 5 × 5 deep partial thickness (DPT) burn wounds. Using appropriate pain control methods, DPT burn wounds were created on six anesthetized Yorkshire pigs. Wounds were excised one day post-burn and the bleeding wound beds were subsequently treated with omega-3-rich acellular fish skin graft (FSG) or fetal bovine dermis (FBD). FSG was reapplied after 7 days and wounds healed via secondary intentions. Digital images, non-invasive measurements, and punch biopsies were acquired during rechecks performed on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 45, and 60. Multiple qualitative measurements were also employed, including re-epithelialization, contraction rates, hydration, laser speckle, and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Each treatment produced granulated tissue (GT) that would be receptive to skin grafts, if desired; however, the FSG induced GT 7 days earlier. FSG treatment resulted in faster re-epithelialization and reduced wound size at day 14 compared to FBD (50.2% vs. 23.5% and 93.1% vs. 106.7%, p < 0.005, respectively). No differences in TEWL measurements were observed. The FSG integrated into the wound bed quicker as evidenced by lower hydration values at day 21 (309.7 vs. 2500.4 µS, p < 0.05) and higher blood flow at day 14 (4.9 vs. 3.1 fold change increase over normal skin, p < 0.005). Here we show that FSG integrated faster without increased contraction, resulting in quicker wound closure without skin graft application which suggests FSG improved burn wound healing over FBD.
Astaxanthin-Loaded Stealth Lipid Nanoparticles (AST-SSLN) as Potential Carriers for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: Formulation Development and Optimization

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with marked oxidative stress at the level of the brain. Recent studies indicate that increasing the antioxidant capacity could represent a very promising therapeutic strategy for AD treatment. Astaxanthin (AST), a powerful natural antioxidant, could be a good candidate for AD treatment, although its use in clinical practice is compromised by its high instability. In order to overcome this limit, our attention focused on the development of innovative AST-loaded stealth lipid nanoparticles (AST-SSLNs) able to improve AST bioavailability in the brain. AST-SSLNs prepared by solvent-diffusion technique showed technological parameters suitable for parenteral administration (<200 nm). Formulated nanosystems were characterized by calorimetric studies, while their toxicological profile was evaluated by the MTT assay on the stem cell line OECs (Olfactory Ensheathing Cells). Furthemore, the protective effect of the nanocarriers was assessed by a long-term stability study and a UV stability assay confirming that the lipid shell of the nanocarriers was able to preserve AST concentration in the formulation. SSLNs were also capable of preserving AST’s antioxidant capacity as demonstrated in the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. In conclusion, these preliminary studies outline that SSLNs could be regarded as promising carriers for systemic administration of compounds such as AST aimed at AD treatment.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Eccentric Versus Concentric Cycling for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation

Background: Persistent strength and biomechanical deviations remain after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Eccentric training may reduce these and associated reinjury or osteoarthritis risks. Hypothesis: For male patients who have undergone ACLR, eccentric training is more effective than concentric training at improving knee flexion angle and other biomechanical deviations, as well as strength and patient-reported outcomes, using a matched perceived exertion dose. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 26 men, 10-16 weeks after hamstring tendon graft ACLR, were randomized to an eccentric training group or a concentric control group. Both groups trained 3 times a week for 8 weeks using the same isokinetic cycle ergometer in a matched studio environment. Exercise dose was matched in training frequency, time, progression, and intensity using a target rating of perceived exertion. Baseline and follow-up testing included questionnaires, dynamometer strength testing, and walk/run gait analysis. Results: Eccentric training increased knee (+2.1°; P = .022) and hip (+2.1°; P = .010) flexion angles more than concentric training but not more than the minimal clinically important difference of 3°. Very large asymmetries in baseline knee abduction moment (walk, −0.10 N·m/kg/m; run, −0.54 N·m/kg/m) had not changed in either group by follow-up. Knee valgus angle effects were mixed. Tibial rotation angle increased in both groups, but concentric training was more effective at promoting symmetry (P < .001). Both groups had similar increases in affected limb quadriceps strength and knee flexion moments during walk/run gait (by 20% to 33%). Hamstring strength increased in the eccentric group (+15.4%) but not the concentric group. Eccentric group limb forces were 33% to 70% higher than those of the concentric group, with a lower heart rate. Both groups had low pain scores throughout. Conclusion: For rehabilitation after ACLR, progressive eccentric cycle training was not more clinically effective than concentric training at a matched perceived intensity dose in male patients. This can guide exercise prescription for reducing gait and strength deviations of these patients. Registration: PACTR201602001449365 (Pan African Clinical Trials Registry), NHREC 4344 (South African).
The effects of vitamin B12, vitamin D, ferritin level, neutrophil/monocyte ratio and some blood parameters on genital warts presence, the number of lesions, and recurrence rates

The relationships between cancer caused by HPV and some vitamins, as well as leucocytes and their ratios, have been investigated in the literature. Our aim is to evaluate these relationships at the level of genital wart in terms of the investigated parameters and lesion numbers. Data were obtained from 98 and 94 patients for groups one and two, including warts patients and healthy people respectively. The Neutrophil/Monocyte ratio and lesion numbers in the warts patients were reported and analysed in terms of vitamin B12 and D, ferritin and leucocytes. A correlation was established between lesion numbers, age and midcorpuscular volume (p <0.05). There was no correlation between lesion numbers and recurrence. According to the comparative analysis, there were differences in terms of ferritin, neutrophil, monocyte, haemoglobin, midcorpuscular volume and neutrophil/monocyte ratio between groups. The cut‐off values for neutrophil, monocyte and N/M ratios were 56.45, 4.91 and 7.825 respectively. While our study showed that wart development may be affected by blood ferritin levels and in this situation, midcorpuscular volume, neutrophil, monocyte and N/M ratios may change, a relation was found between lesion numbers and age and mean midcorpsucular volume values only. However, further studies are needed to clarify this issue.
Can Automated Hematology Analyzers Predict the Presence of a Genetic Hemoglobinopathy? An Analysis of Hematological Biomarkers in Cambodian Women

Genetic hemoglobinopathies are the most common single-gene disorder worldwide. Some automated hematology analyzers have the capability of flagging individuals who may have hematological disorders based on complete blood count (CBC) biomarkers. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a hematology analyzer in identifying genetic hemoglobinopathies in Cambodian women and to determine which hematological biomarkers are the best predictors. A CBC was completed using a Sysmex XN-1000 analyzer and hemoglobinopathies were determined with capillary hemoglobin electrophoresis for 808 nonpregnant Cambodian women. Sysmex XN-1000 Interpretive Program (IP) messages, which flag potential hematological disorders, were produced from CBC results. Then, 2 × 2 tables were used to determine sensitivity and specificity of the IP message “Hemoglobin defect” to detect a genetic hemoglobinopathy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses assessed the diagnostic ability of six CBC biomarkers to predict a genetic hemoglobinopathy. In total, 74% of women had a hemoglobinopathy (predominantly Hb E and α-thalassemia). “Hb defect” IP message sensitivity and specificity for genetic hemoglobinopathy detection were 10.4% and 98.6%, respectively. Variable selection strategies yielded a two-variable model including mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red blood cell (RBC) count (AIC = 99.83, AUCROC = 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97, 0.99)) for the prediction of a homozygous EE disorder. Sensitivity and specificity values do not justify the use of Sysmex XN-1000 IP flag messages for identification of genetic hemoglobinopathies in Cambodian women. Development of an algorithm based on MCV and RBC biomarkers may optimize the screening ability of automated hematology analyzers.
Techniques for the Assessment of In Vitro and In Vivo Antifungal Combinations

Systemic fungal infections are associated with high mortality rates despite adequate treatment. Moreover, acquired resistance to antifungals is increasing, which further complicates the therapeutic management. One strategy to overcome antifungal resistance is to use antifungal combinations. In vitro, several techniques are used to assess drug interactions, such as the broth microdilution checkerboard, agar-diffusion methods, and time-kill curves. Currently, the most widely used technique is the checkerboard method. The aim of all these techniques is to determine if the interaction between antifungal agents is synergistic, indifferent, or antagonistic. However, the interpretation of the results remains difficult. Several methods of analysis can be used, based on different theories. The most commonly used method is the calculation of the fractional inhibitory concentration index. Determination of the usefulness of combination treatments in patients needs well-conducted clinical trials, which are difficult. It is therefore important to study antifungal combinations in vivo, in experimental animal models of fungal infections. Although mammalian models have mostly been used, new alternative animal models in invertebrates look promising. To evaluate the antifungal efficacy, the most commonly used criteria are the mortality rate and the fungal load in the target organs.
Combating global warming: the ideas of high school students in the growing economy of South East China

The ideas of approximately 700 Chinese high school students (aged 11 to 16) from the city of Shanghai and Zhejiang Province have been investigated using a closed questionnaire to find out the extent to which they believed that various actions might help reduce global warming. The results show that students appear to have some understanding of the issue, with certain correct ideas increasing with age, and various incorrect ideas decreasing. Amongst the most popular ideas, however, were a number of misconceptions, some of which, alarmingly, increased in popularity with age. In the affective domain, a high proportion of students felt that responsibility for taking action against global warming should be shared between government, industries and the individual, with a high degree of willingness for more education and legislation to help overcome the problem. There was less support for taxation, individual or corporate, to help alleviate the problem.
Dislocated intrauterine devices: clinical presentations, diagnosis and management

Abstract Objective Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are globally one of the most popular methods of contraception. Uterine perforation is one of the most significant complications of IUD use and commonly occurs at the time of IUD insertion rather than presenting as delayed migration. This paper reports a series of 13 cases of displaced IUDs requiring retrieval by laparoscopy or laparotomy. All the IUDs were copper bearing and most perforations occurred immediately after IUD insertion. Cases In two patients with sigmoid colon injury and IUD penetration of the appendix, laparoscopic management had failed and laparotomy was necessary owing to severe obliteration of the pelvic cavity. In one patient laparotomy was the preferred surgical approach owing to acute bowel perforation. In the remaining patients, the displaced devices were successfully removed by laparoscopy. Conclusion Uterine perforation and IUD migration to the organs in the abdominopelvic cavity are serious complications of IUD insertion and can be successfully managed by laparoscopy, or by laparotomy in the presence of severe pelvic adhesions or unexpected complications.
Development of a measure of decision quality for implantable defibrillators

CMS reimbursement guidelines for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) include mandated shared decision making (SDM), but without any manner of assessing the quality of decisions made. We developed and tested a scale meant to assess patients’ knowledge of and preferences specific to ICDs. Such a tool would assess these constructs in the clinical environment, targeting resources and support for patients considering a primary prevention ICD.
Integrated Patterning Programs During Drosophila Development Generate the Diversity of Neurons and Control Their Mature Properties.

During the approximately 5 days of Drosophila neurogenesis (late embryogenesis to the beginning of pupation), a limited number of neural stem cells produce approximately 200,000 neurons comprising hundreds of cell types. To build a functional nervous system, neuronal types need to be produced in the proper places, appropriate numbers, and correct times. We discuss how neural stem cells (neuroblasts) obtain so-called area codes for their positions in the nervous system (spatial patterning) and how they keep time to sequentially produce neurons with unique fates (temporal patterning). We focus on specific examples that demonstrate how a relatively simple patterning system (Notch) can be used reiteratively to generate different neuronal types. We also speculate on how different modes of temporal patterning that operate over short versus long time periods might be linked. We end by discussing how specification programs are integrated and lead to the terminal features of different neuronal types. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Neuroscience, Volume 44 is July 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.