Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Process Study of Nanosized Powder Dispersion for DEFC

The process of obtaining a uniform dispersion of nanosized powders by applying two step process of mixing and adjusting viscosity was studied. The mixed paste was used as the electrode of direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFC). And power density of the fuel cells was measured. A high power density was realized by addition of acetone and propanol solvents to nanosized silica powder. However acetaldehyde concentration during the operation of these fuel cells did not decrease. An excess methanol was added to membrane electrode assembly composition of DEFC. The power density and current of DEFC were improved by adding methanol solvent. However, methanol addition over 55 % did not improve dispersion of nanosized powders. Transmission electron microscopy observation suggests that over 55% of methanol addition does not give good dispersion of nanosized powders.
Eosinophils interact with thymocytes and proliferate in the human thymus

Eosinophils are found in the corticomedullary junctions, the medulla, and cortical intraseptal blood vessels of the thymus [1–3]. Both immature cells, for example, eosinophilic promyelocytes and myelocytes, as well as mature eosinophils are present [3], which has led to speculations on the possible occurrence of local proliferation and differentiation of eosinophils in the thymus [3]. The role of the thymic eosinophils remains enigmatic, but two studies entertain the possibility of their involvement in thymocyte selection, by their capacity to induce selective apoptosis of Th1 cells [4] and their association with MHC class I restricted negative selection [5]. In order to unravel the possible immunoregulatory functions of thymic eosinophils, we addressed the following questions: (1) Where are mature and immature eosinophils situated anatomically within the thymus? (2) Do immature eosinophils proliferate and differentiate within the thymus? and (3) Do eosinophils interact with thymocytes? To this end, thymic tissue from 29 children undergoing total or partial thymectomy was investigated (Supporting Information Table S1).
In Vitro Activity of Rifamycin Derivatives against Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, Including Macrolide- and Amikacin-Resistant Clinical Isolates

We evaluated the in vitro activity of rifamycin derivatives, including rifampin, rifapentine, rifaximin, and rifabutin, against clinical nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolates. Of the rifamycin derivatives, rifabutin showed the lowest MICs against all NTM species, including Mycobacterium avium complex, M. abscessus, and M. kansasii. ABSTRACT We evaluated the in vitro activity of rifamycin derivatives, including rifampin, rifapentine, rifaximin, and rifabutin, against clinical nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolates. Of the rifamycin derivatives, rifabutin showed the lowest MICs against all NTM species, including Mycobacterium avium complex, M. abscessus, and M. kansasii. Rifabutin also had effective in vitro activity against macrolide- and aminoglycoside-resistant NTM isolates. Rifabutin could be worth considering as a therapeutic option for NTM disease, particularly drug-resistant disease.
Intraocular pressure control after combined phacotrabeculectomy versus trabeculectomy alone

Purpose: We compared the efficacy and safety of trabeculectomy and phacotrabeculectomy in patients with glaucoma. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent trabeculectomy or phacotrabeculectomy. Patients in the trabeculectomy group were pseudophakic. We established three different intraocular pressure (IOP) thresholds (A: <21 mmHg, B: <18 mmHg, and C: <15 mmHg) to measure complete (without medication) and qualified (with medication) success. Success criteria were analyzed through Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results: Sixty-seven eyes were included (40 trabeculectomy, 27 phacotrabeculectomy). The mean follow-up period was 25.70 ± 14.439 months. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The complete and qualified success rates according to criterion C were significantly higher in the trabeculectomy group (p = 0.033, p = 0.021, respectively); however, there was a trend toward a higher success rate for all criteria in favor of trabeculectomy. Bleb needling was more frequent in the phacotrabeculectomy group. The mean IOP significantly decreased from 26.46 ± 7.07 to 12.27 ± 4.06 at 12 months (p < 0.001). The final mean IOP was significantly lower in the trabeculectomy than in the phacotrabeculectomy group (10.95 ± 3.08 vs 13.00 ± 4.56, p = 0.0003). Conclusion: In pseudophakic eyes, trabeculectomy alone achieves a higher success rate, lower mean IOP, and less frequent bleb needlings. More frequent follow-up and prolonged postoperative use of high-dose topical steroids should be considered in patients undergoing phacotrabeculectomy.
Management of Arrhythmias After Heart Transplant

Orthotropic heart transplantation remains the most effective therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure, with a median survival of ≈13 years. Yet, a number of complications are observed after orthotropic heart transplantation, including atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Several factors contribute to arrhythmias, such as autonomic denervation, effect of the surgical technique, acute and chronic rejection, and transplant vasculopathy among others. To minimize risk of future arrhythmias, the bicaval technique and minimizing ischemic time are current surgical standards. Sinus node dysfunction is the most common indication for early (within 30 days) pacemaker implantation, whereas atrioventricular block incidence increases as time from transplant increases. Atrial fibrillation can occur in the first few weeks following transplantation but is uncommon in the long term unless secondary to a precipitant such as acute rejection. The most common atrial arrhythmias are atrial flutters, which are mainly typical, but atypical circuits can be observed such as those that involve the remnant donor atrium in regions immediately adjacent to the atrioatrial anastomosis suture line. Choosing the appropriate pharmacological therapy requires careful consideration due to the potential interaction with immunosuppressive agents. Despite historical concerns, adenosine is effective and safe at reduced doses if administered under cardiac monitoring. Catheter ablation has emerged as an effective treatment strategy for symptomatic supraventricular tachycardias, including ablation of atypical flutter circuits. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy is an important risk factor for sudden cardiac death, yet the role of prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implant for sudden death prevention is unclear. Current indications for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation are as in the nontransplant population. A number of questions for future research are posed.
Computed tomography and cross‐sectional anatomy of the head in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

The aim of this study was to identify the anatomical structures in the head region of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) using computed tomography. For this, three giant anteater corpses, adult and female, were used. The tomographic analysis was performed in sequential order in rostrocaudal direction. Subsequently, the heads of these animals were sectioned in cross sections of approximately 1.5 cm each. Tomographic images were compared with anatomical sections. The association between computed tomography and anatomical sections allowed the visualization of anatomical structures found in the nasal, oral, cranial, pharyngeal and ear cavities. An elongated oral cavity delimited by the elongated mandible was observed. The oral cavity was mainly occupied by a thin and elongated tongue formed mainly by the union of the sternoglossal muscles. The nasopharynx and oropharynx extended up to the neck at the level of the fifth cervical vertebra. The findings of this study suggest that the giant anteater has a head with structures morphologically adapted to its feeding habits, such as an elongated skull, tongue, styloid bones and mandible. In addition, based on the results of this study, it is possible to suggest that computed tomography is a pivotal tool for the veterinary routine of wild animals, since it allowed the identification of anatomical structures found in the head of the giant anteater.
The effect of 5‐HT1A receptor agonists on the entopeduncular nucleus is modified in 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats

l‐DOPA prolonged treatment leads to disabling motor complications as dyskinesia that could be decreased by drugs acting on 5‐HT1A receptors. Since the internal segment of the globus pallidus, homologous to the entopeduncular nucleus in rodents, seems to be involved in the etiopathology of l‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia, we investigated whether the entopeduncular nucleus is modulated by the 5‐HT1A receptor partial and full agonists, buspirone, and 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propylamino)‐tetralin (8‐OH‐DPAT) in control and 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐lesioned rats with or without long‐term l‐DOPA treatment.
Mapping of Intimate Partner Violence: Evidence From a National Population Survey

Evidence on the relative importance of geographical distribution and associated factors with intimate partner violence (IPV) can inform regional and national health programs on women’s health. Four thousand seven hundred and twenty married women aged 15-49 years were interviewed in 2016 about IPV and this data was extracted from the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) in 2020. The sample was selected by a two-staged cluster survey of women. The analysis was conducted using logistic regression that adjusted for clustering and sampling weights. Moreover, weighted proportions of IPV were exported to ArcGIS to conduct autocorrelations to assess the clustering of IPV. Amongst the 4469 married women who were 15 to 49 years of age included in the analysis, 34% (95% CI, 31.4%-36.3%) experienced IPV, 23.5% ( 95% CI, 21.5%-25.7%) experienced physical violence, 10.1% (95% CI, 8.7%- 11.7 %) experienced sexual violence and 24% (95% CI, 21.7%-26.4 %) experienced emotional violence. Partners’ controlling behaviour [AOR: 3.94; 95% CI, 3.03- 5.12], partner’s alcohol consumption [AOR: 2.59; 95% CI, 1.80- 3.71], partner educational qualifications [AOR: 2.16; 95% CI, 1.26- 3.71], a woman birthing more than five children [AOR: 1.70; 95% CI, 1.12- 2.56] and a history of the woman’s father being physically violent towards her mother [AOR: 1.99; 95% CI, 1.52- 2.59] were associated with an increased risk of IPV amongst married women in Ethiopia. Western and Central Oromia, Western Amhara, Gambella and Central Tigray and Hararri were identified as hot spot areas in Ethiopia (p<0.001). In this study, there was a significant geographic clustering of IPV in Ethiopia. Controlling and drinking behaviour and partners’ unemployment status were identified as important factors for married women experiencing IPV. Hence, there is a need for a context- driven evidence-based design intervention to reduce the impact of IPV.
β cell aging and age-related diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and loss of β cell mass and function. Aging is considered as a major risk factor for development of type 2 diabetes. However, the roles of pancreatic β cell senescence and systemic aging in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes in elderly people remain poorly understood. In this review, we aimed to discuss the current findings and viewpoints focusing on β cell aging and the development of type 2 diabetes.
Visuomotor learning from postdictive motor error

Sensorimotor learning adapts motor output to maintain movement accuracy. For saccadic eye movements, learning also alters space perception, suggesting a dissociation between the performed saccade and its internal representation derived from corollary discharge (CD). This is critical since learning is commonly believed to be driven by CD-based visual prediction error. We estimate the internal saccade representation through pre- and trans-saccadic target localization, showing that it decouples from the actual saccade during learning. We present a model that explains motor and perceptual changes by collective plasticity of spatial target percept, motor command, and a forward dynamics model that transforms CD from motor into visuospatial coordinates. We show that learning does not follow visual prediction error but instead a postdictive update of space after saccade landing. We conclude that trans-saccadic space perception guides motor learning via CD-based postdiction of motor error under the assumption of a stable world.
Solubilization of Isomeric Alkanols in Ionic Micelles

The solubilizations of isomers of alkanols (butanol to octanol) in ionic micelles (sodium dodecyl sulfate and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide) were measured by using polymer-coated piezoelectric gas sensors to discuss the effect of the molecuiar shape of alkanols on the solubilization in micelles. Good correlations were obtained both between the micelle/water partition coefficient (K) and the octanol/water partition coefficient of alkanols and between K and the molecular surface area of alkanols. This indicates that the solubilization in micelles depends only on the hydrophobicity of alkanols, because the micelles are too soft to recognize the molecular shape of alkanols.
Quality of Fixed Dental Prostheses and Associated Biological Complications in a Saudi Population.

AIM The interrelationships between dental prostheses, abutments, and supporting periodontal tissue are dynamic. Clinical studies assessing the quality and associated complications of fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) in the Saudi population are scarce. The aims of this project were to assess the location and accuracy of marginal adaptation and proximal contact quality of FDPs provided by dentists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to assess the impact of these factors on the health of the periodontium and caries susceptibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study collected demographic, dental, and social history data from patients with FDPs. Fixed dental prostheses quality was assessed using the United States Public Health Service Criteria, and periodontal health indices were measured. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Logistic and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess predictors of caries risk and periodontal disease, respectively. RESULTS Sixty-two patients with 62 FDPs were assessed. The mean patient age was 32.45 ± 9.0 (19-61) years with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. On the assessment, 74.2% had marginal discrepancy, 54.8% had subgingival margins, 22.6% had open or tight proximal contacts, and 8.1% had marginal caries. Well-adapted margins promoted periodontal health, and inadequate proximal contact increased the risk of marginal caries. CONCLUSION This study suggests that 26% of FDPs provided by dental practitioners in the Western province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, were of high marginal fit and proximal contact quality. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Constructing FDPs with high-quality marginal fit and proximal contact promotes periodontal health and reduces caries risk, thereby improving FDP outcome.
Infiltration of CD163‐, PD‐L1‐ and FoxP3‐positive cells adversely affects outcome in patients with mantle cell lymphoma independent of established risk factors

We characterised patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) with poor prognosis based on differences in immune infiltration. Different expressions of the tumour cell markers Cyclin D1 and sex‐determining region Y‐box transcription factor 11 (SOX11), and the immune markers cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3), CD4, CD8, CD25, forkhead box protein P3 (FoxP3), T‐box transcription factor TBX21 (T‐bet), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1), programmed‐death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and CD163 were investigated for all‐cause mortality in 282 patients with MCL and time‐to‐progression (TTP) in 106 clinical trial patients. With increasing age, a significantly lower infiltration of CD3+ T lymphocytes was seen. T‐cell infiltration was independent of cellular tumour antigen p53 (p53) expression, Ki‐67, morphology and frequency of tumour cells. The all‐cause mortality was higher in patients with PD‐L1‐expression above cut‐off [hazard ratio (HR) 1·97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·18–3·25, adjusted for sex and MCL International Prognostic Index (MIPI)] and a higher frequency of CD163+ cells (continuously, HR 1·51, 95% CI 1·03–2·23, adjusting for age, sex, morphology, Ki‐67 and p53). In patients treated within the Nordic Lymphoma Group MCL2/3 trials, TTP was shorter in patients with a higher frequency of FoxP3+ cells (HR 3·22, 95% CI 1·40–7·43) and CD163+ cells (HR 6·09, 95% CI 1·84–20·21), independent of sex and MIPI. When combined a higher frequency of CD163+ macrophages and PD‐L1+ cells or high CD163+ macrophages and FoxP3+ regulatory T cells indicated worse outcome independent of established risk factors. The T‐cell infiltrate was in turn independent of molecular characteristics of the malignant cells and decreased with age.
Incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Abstract Background The introduction of imatinib and tyrosine kinase inhibitors as therapeutic strategy for Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) has represented an important step forward for treatment of this disease. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the incidence of cardiovascular adverse events (CVEs) in patients affected by CML treated with TKI in an observational prospective study. Methods All consecutive patients affected by CML and treated with TKI in our Institution were enrolled in the study from February 2005 to September 2018 with a clinical, laboratory and instrumental follow-up. Results Sixty-one consecutive patients were enrolled, 29 with imatinib, 15 with nilotinib, 11 with dasatinib, 3 with bosutinib and 3 with ponatinib. Neither patients in therapy with bosutinib nor with nilotinib had CVE during follow-up. Incidence rates per person/year were 0 for bosutinib and nilotinib, 0.15 for dasatinib, 0.19 for imatinib and 1.69 for ponatinib (Log Rank p < 0.05); differences in terms of incidence of adverse outcomes remained significant also after multivariate correction. Conclusions In patients with CML treated with TKIs, therapy with ponatinib was associated with a higher risk of CVE than other TKIs. The lowest incidence of CVE was associated with bosutinib and nilotinib.
A critical analysis of respondent quotes used as titles of qualitative research papers that are published in peer-reviewed journals

ABSTRACT The use of respondent quotes to headline qualitative research papers is a popular literary device found in many academic journals. This practice has increased over the last four decades and now appears normalised within qualitative research writing. This article provides a critical analysis of this trend in academic writing and concomitant publishing. Content and framework analyses of 40 papers employing this literary device to summarise the respective studies identified (i) a lack of methodological rigor, (ii) incomplete analysis, (iii) an overall mis-representation of the wider qualitative dataset, and (iv) possible investigator bias associated with using respondent quotes as titles of qualitative research papers. This article questions the credibility of purposely selecting a single experience that reduces the wider collective experience into one deterministic statement. This article contends that such practice is antithetical to the principles of qualitative research. Recommendations are provided to better monitor this practice throughout the academy.
Photo-oxidation of water in non-sacrificial systems

The irradiation of bipy3Ru2+ in acidic aqueous solution containing iron(III) and colloidal RuO2·2H2O, resulting in formation of O2 with a quantum efficiency of ca. 48%, has been studied. At pH 1.9, the rate of O2 formation was 2.6 × 10–6 mol dm–3 min –1 and the total yield of O2 obtained upon prolonged irradiation was 9.1 × 10–4 mol dm–3. With mercury(II) as electron acceptor, O2 formation was less efficient but it could be observed at pH 3.
Effects of Metal Ions on the Electronic, Redox, and Catalytic Properties of Cofactor TTQ of Quinoprotein Amine Dehydrogenases

Model compounds of novel organic cofactor TTQ (tryptophan tryptophylquinone) of quinoprotein methylamine and aromatic amine dehydrogenases have been shown to interact with a series of metal ions in anhydrous organic media. Spectroscopic analyses including UV−vis, NMR, and resonance Raman indicate that the metal ion binds to the TTQ model compounds at their o-quinone moiety, the binding mode of which is similar to that proposed for the interaction between cofactor TTQ and a cationic species in the native enzymes. The binding constants KML for the metal ion complexes of TTQ model compounds have been determined from the spectral changes in UV−vis due to the complex formation. Remarkable enhancement of the oxidizing ability of the TTQ model compounds by the complexation with metal ions has been demonstrated as a large positive shift in the one-electron reduction potentials E0red of the complexes as compared to those of the TTQ model compounds in metal free form (e.g. ΔE0red = 1.17 V for the Mg2+ complex and Δ.
Left Ventricle Quantification Challenge: A Comprehensive Comparison and Evaluation of Segmentation and Regression for Mid-Ventricular Short-Axis Cardiac MR Data

Automatic quantification of the left ventricle (LV) from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images plays an important role in making the diagnosis procedure efficient, reliable, and alleviating the laborious reading work for physicians. Considerable efforts have been devoted to LV quantification using different strategies that include segmentation-based (SG) methods and the recent direct regression (DR) methods. Although both SG and DR methods have obtained great success for the task, a systematic platform to benchmark them remains absent because of differences in label information during model learning. In this paper, we conducted an unbiased evaluation and comparison of cardiac LV quantification methods that were submitted to the Left Ventricle Quantification (LVQuan) challenge, which was held in conjunction with the Statistical Atlases and Computational Modeling of the Heart (STACOM) workshop at the MICCAI 2018. The challenge was targeted at the quantification of 1) areas of LV cavity and myocardium, 2) dimensions of the LV cavity, 3) regional wall thicknesses (RWT), and 4) the cardiac phase, from mid-ventricle short-axis CMR images. First, we constructed a public quantification dataset Cardiac-DIG with ground truth labels for both the myocardium mask and these quantification targets across the entire cardiac cycle. Then, the key techniques employed by each submission were described. Next, quantitative validation of these submissions were conducted with the constructed dataset. The evaluation results revealed that both SG and DR methods can offer good LV quantification performance, even though DR methods do not require densely labeled masks for supervision. Among the 12 submissions, the DR method LDAMT offered the best performance, with a mean estimation error of 301 mm$^2$ for the two areas, 2.15 mm for the cavity dimensions, 2.03 mm for RWTs, and a 9.5% error rate for the cardiac phase classification. Three of the SG methods also delivered comparable performances. Finally, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of SG and DR methods, as well as the unsolved problems in automatic cardiac quantification for clinical practice applications.