Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dietary absorption of sediment‐bound fluoranthene by a deposit‐feeding gastropod using the 14C:51Cr dual‐labeling method

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) constitute a broad class of toxic, environmentally persistent, particle‐reactive organic compounds that are ubiquitous in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This study was designed to measure ingestion and dietary absorption of the PAH, fluoranthene, by two genotypes of a deposit‐feeding gastropod using the 14C:51Cr dual‐labeling method. Sediment processing rate, fluoranthene ingestion rate, selective ingestion of fluoranthene‐containing particles, and fluoranthene absorption rate varied as a function of snail body size and genotype. Absorption efficiency of sediment‐bound fluoranthene did not vary as a function of body size but differed between genotypes, averaging 42 to 46% for Clone A and 22 to 36% for Clone B. We could detect no significant metabolism of ingested fluoranthene to dissolved organic carbon or CO2 during 24 h following its ingestion. The 14C:51Cr dual‐labeling method provides a powerful approach for investigating the dietary absorption of sediment‐bound contaminants by (1) allowing the calculation of ingestion selectivity, sediment processing rate, contaminant ingestion rate, and absorption efficiency in individual, small invertebrates; (2) permitting estimation of the fraction of ingested/absorbed contaminant that is metabolized and released via different routes following its ingestion; and (3) facilitating evaluation of the relative importance of porewater versus ingested sediment as routes of contaminant uptake by animals.
How to Create and Evaluate a Resident-Led Audio Program: Six Clinical Podcasts for Medicine House Staff

Introduction Podcasting in medical education has grown substantially. However, podcasts focused on internal medicine topics are relatively uncommon, and those created by or designed for medicine residents are rare. We investigated the feasibility and utilization of an open-access resident-created podcast targeted to the educational needs of internal medicine house staff. Methods We distributed a needs assessment to 184 internal medicine residents at the University of Washington to assess podcast preferences and clinical scenarios perceived to be challenging. Based on the results, we developed a standardized method for podcast development and production. We created six episodes, utilizing a web-based podcasting platform. For outcome measures, we collected the number of unique downloads, and the perception of the podcast was evaluated by residents in comparison to other residency-sponsored educational activities with a survey. Results Eighty-one residents (44%) completed the needs assessment, with participants expressing interest in resident-focused podcasts and a preference for relatively short episodes focused on high-yield clinical information. The episodes were downloaded 661 times. Residents gave the podcast an average rating of 4.32 out of 5 (n = 22), among the highest of educational modalities surveyed. Our podcasting development process also resulted in a generalized, reusable schema. Discussion Our resident-generated podcasts were desired, feasible, and well utilized. They were also rated highly compared to more traditional educational modalities. Our podcast-creation schema serves as a road map for trainees to develop podcasts. Podcasting can be a resource for resident education and an opportunity for residents to grow as medical educators.
Primary and acquired multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: Predictive factors for unfavorable treatment outcomes in Rio de Janeiro, 2000–2016

ABSTRACT Objective To identify clinical and demographic factors associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes in patients with primary and acquired multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Rio de Janeiro State. Methods Retrospective cohort study using data on 2 269 MDR-TB cases in 2000–2016. Factors associated with unsuccessful, loss to follow-up, and death outcomes in patients with primary and acquired resistance were investigated with bivariate and multivariate regression. Results Primary resistance was 14.7% among MDR-TB cases. The unfavorable outcomes proportion was 30.3% in the primary resistance group and 46.7% in the acquired resistance group. There were significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups. Proportionally, the group with primary resistance had more cases among women (46.4% vs. 33.5% in the acquired resistance group), Caucasians (47.3% and 34%), and those with ≥8 years of schooling (37.7% and 27.4%). Extensively drug-resistant TB patients had 12.2-fold higher odds of unsuccessful outcome than MDR-TB patients, and comorbidities had 2-fold higher odds in the primary resistance group. Extensively drug-resistant TB had 5.43-fold higher odds in the acquired MDR-TB group. Bilateral disease and <8 years of schooling were associated with unsuccessful outcome in both groups. Being an inmate had 8-fold higher odds of loss to follow-up in the primary resistance group. Culture conversion by the sixth month was a protective factor for all outcomes. Conclusions Primary resistance cases of MDR-TB constitute a different transmission reservoir, which is related to other chronic diseases associated with higher acquisition of TB. The poor results observed in Rio de Janeiro State can contribute to increasing the transmission of primary MDR-TB, thus favoring drug resistance.
Evaluation of the Morphology of Ganglion Cell Complex and Functional Outcomes after Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling with Macular Abrasion in Idiopathic Macular Hole

Aim This study aims to evaluate the morphology of ganglion cell complex (GCC) along with functional outcomes in patients undergoing vitrectomy with ILM peeling and macular abrasion with Tano diamond dusted membrane scrapers (DDMS) for three different stages of the idiopathic macular hole (IMH). Methods This retrospective study was conducted between April 2019 and December 2019. 33 patients with IMH were included and divided into three groups: stage I, stage II, and stage IV. All patients were subjected to vitrectomy with ILM peeling. Gentle and vigorous macular abrasion was additionally performed for stage II and stage IV patients, respectively. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), GCC thickness (measured by spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)), and photopic contrast sensitivity (Rodenstock CV 900 Chart Panel) were determined before surgery and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. Results Closure of MH was achieved in all the patients. The difference between the preoperative and one- and three-month postoperative values of BCVA was statistically significant in the three groups (P < 0.01). Contrast sensitivity progressively improved in all patients and was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The reduction in GCC thickness during follow-up was 34%–42% of the preoperative measurements. On comparing the mean GCC thickness of the operated and healthy eyes, it was not statistically significant in stage I patients. However, the same when done in stage II and IV was statistically significant with P value < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively. Conclusion Combining ILM peeling with macular abrasion in advanced stages of MH may facilitate its closure without significantly affecting the functional outcome.
Percutaneous Closure of Ventricular Septal Defects in 116 Patients

Objectives This study aimed to review the experience with percutaneous closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) at the National Heart Center (NHC) in Muscat, Oman. Methods This retrospective study was conducted from November 2008 to December 2017. Patients’ electronic medical records were reviewed to identify their clinical, imaging and interventional data before and after the procedure and on the last follow-up. Results A total of 116 patients, the majority of which were female (58%), underwent 118 percutaneous procedures for VSD closure at a median age of 3.54 years (range: 0.25–33 years) and a median weight of 12 kg (range: 3.5–78 kg). The mean diameter of the VSDs as determined by transoesophageal echocardiogram was 5.6 ± 1.9 mm (n = 105). The commonest type of VSD was perimembranous (n = 75, 63.5%). Devices were successfully placed during 111 (94.1%) procedures in 109 (94.0%) patients, with the commonest device being a Amplatzer™ duct occluder I (St. Jude Medical, Little Canada, Minnesota, USA; n = 39, 35.1%). There was no mortality. Early major cardiac complications occurred in six patients (5.5%) with device embolisation being the commonest (n = 4, 3.7%). The median follow-up period was 19 months (range: 1–84 months) in 89 (81.7%) of the patients. One patient (0.9%) required a permanent pacemaker for a complete heart block. Conclusion This study has demonstrated a good rate of VSD closure with low morbidity and no mortality using the percutaneous approach with different devices. Long-term follow-up is needed to specifically evaluate the function of adjacent structures and the long-term effects on conduction systems.
Who Passes Return-to-Sport Tests, and Which Tests Are Most Strongly Associated With Return to Play After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?

Background: Return-to-sport (RTS) testing after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) surgery has become popular. It has been recommended that such testing should incorporate several domains, or set of tests, but it is unclear which are most associated with a successful RTS. Purpose: To determine (1) the proportion of patients who can pass a set of self-report and functional tests at 6 months after ACLR; (2) age, sex, and activity level differences between patients who pass and those who do not; and (3) whether specific types of tests are associated with a return to competitive sport at 12 months. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study of 450 patients who had primary ACLR. At 6 months postoperatively, patients completed 2 self-report measures, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee form and ACL–Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale, and 3 functional measures: single hop and triple crossover hop for distance and isokinetic quadriceps strength. Limb symmetry index scores of ≥90 for functional tests, IKDC scores ≥85, and ACL-RSI scores ≥65 were considered indicators of satisfactory recovery. Proportional statistics and contingency analysis were used to determine associations between age, sex, preinjury sports level, and (1) meeting test thresholds and (2) RTS at 12 months. Results: Only 17 (3.8%) patients met all 5 test criteria at 6 months, and 95 (21%) patients did not pass any test. More of the younger patients (<21 years) passed all of the functional tests (P < .01), and more male patients met the IKDC threshold (P = .03). Patients who played level I sports before injury had the same pass rates as those who played level II/III sports. Patients who passed the thresholds for the ACL-RSI and IKDC scales had 4 and 3 times the odds, respectively, of RTS at 12 months (both P < .0001). Meeting the threshold for quadriceps strength or either of the hop tests at 6 months was not associated with RTS. Conclusion: At 6 months after ACLR, few patients met all of the thresholds of the common tests used to assess RTS ability, although younger patients had higher rates of passing the functional tests. Self-perceived symptoms/function and psychological readiness were associated with a return at 12 months.
Electrical Properties of Yttrium-Doped Strontium Titanate under Reducing Conditions

The electrical conductivity of SrTiO 3 containing rare earth dopants (Y,La,Pr,Sm,Nd,Gd,orYb)was measured ar 600-900 C in reducing atmospheres. An unusually high conductivity was observed for the yttrium-doped samples compared to those with rare earth dopants. particularly at the composition of the solubility limit Sr 0.88 Y 0.08 TiO 3-δ where the conductivity at 800°C was 64 S/cm. The conductivity was confirmed to be n-type by thermopower measurements. The oxygen deficiency was determined to be 1% by thermogravimetric analysis. Increasing the strontium vacancy concentration to Sr 0.86 Y 0.08 TiO 3-δ effected a further improvement in conductivity to 82S/cm. This material has high structural stability over a broad range of temperature (up to 1400°C) an oxygen partial pressure (1-10 20 atm). A simple defect model was developed to explain the change of electrical conductivity as a function of yttrium content and oxygen deficiency.
Dietary supplementation of nano-selenium improves reproductive performance, sexual behavior and deposition of selenium in the testis and ovary of Japanese quail

Objective: Selenium (Se), as the form of selenite, is commonly supplemented in poultry diet, which has low bioavailability and high toxicity. Here, we compared the effects of the supplementation of the diet with Se nanoparticles (nano-Se) on the growth, sexual behavior, and reproductive performance (gonad size, sperm quality traits, and plasma testosterone levels for males and egg production for females) of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Materials and Methods: Quail chicks (n = 300) aging 14 days were divided into three groups: Group 1 (basal diet and Se at 0.2 mg/kg ration), Group 2 (basal diet and nano-Se at 0.2 mg/kg ration), and Group 3 (basal diet and nano-Se at 0.1 mg/kg ration). Several parameters relating to body weight and egg were measured. Sexual behaviors of the birds were observed by continuous visual scanning. The sperm viability, sperm morphology, and concentration of spermatozoa were determined after staining and microscopic examination. The plasma testosterone levels were determined by indirect enzyme immunoassay assay. The Se concentrations in the testicular, ovarian, and ration samples were measured by flame emission atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The type or concentration of nano-Se administration had no impact on body weight, feed efficiency, egg production, or egg weight. However, the total feed intake throughout the experiment was reduced in Group 2 at 0.2 mg/kg. Nano-Se supplementation significantly increased the sexual behavior. In general, the deposition of Se in the testicular and ovarian tissues increased with increasing supplement concentration. At the same supplement concentration, the tissue deposition of nano-Se was more enhanced than that of inorganic Se. Nano-Se supplementation improved the testicular functions by enhancing plasma testosterone level and sperm quality traits (sperm count, motility, and viability). This improvement was found more prominent with the lower supplement concentration (when comparing 0.1 vs. 0.2 mg/kg diet). Conclusion: It is concluded that the use of nano-Se (at 0.1 mg/kg) in the ration of Japanese quail improves several reproductive performance parameters.
Divalent metal macrocyclic complexes derived from acetonylacetone and carbohydrazide with their spectroscopic and antibacterial studies

A series of macrocyclic complexes are synthesized by condensation of acetonylacetone and carbohydrazide in the presence of divalent metal salts in methanol. The complexes are [M(TML)X2], where M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II); X = Cl−, , CH3COO− and TML is a tetradentate macrocyclic ligand. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, conductance measurements, magnetic measurements, NMR, infrared, and electronic spectral studies. The low value of molar conductance indicates non-electrolytes. A six-coordinate geometry with trans coordination of monodentate ligands may be proposed for all the complexes. All the metal complexes were also tested for their in vitro antibacterial activities against some bacterial strains. The results obtained were compared with standard antibiotic, Ciprofloxacin. Some of the tested complexes show good antibacterial activities against some bacterial strains.
Effect of different tillage systems on some microbiological properties of soils under winter wheat

The aim ofthis research was to determine the effect of applied tillage systems on changes of chosen parameters of soil microbiological activity. Analyses of microbiological properties of soil were performed on soil samples collected from long-term field experiments at a private farm in Rogow (Lublin voivodeship) on silt-loam soil and at the IUNG-PIB Experimental Station in Grabow (Masovian voivodeship) on heavy loamy sand. Winter wheat was grown in conventional (CT) and reduced tillage (RT) systems. Analyses of soil taken from experimental fields included the rate of CO2 evolution using the titration method; microbial biomass C content using the F-I method; dehydrogenase system activity using TTC as a substrate; microbial biomass N content using the F-E method and the Most Probable Number (MPN) of ammonia- and nitrate-forming bacteria. Applied tillage systems affected significantly the analysed parameters of biological activity of tested soils in both experimental years. In general, at both experimental sites, the numbers of specific groups of soil microorganisms estimated on the quantity of biomass C and N were significantly higher in RT soil than in CT soil (by about 20%, on average) at both depths: 0-15 and 15-30 cm. In 2006 and 2007, the dehydrogenase activity, ammonification and nitrification strength of soil reached the highest values mostly in RT soil at both experimental sites. Calculated higher values of microbial quotient and lower values of metabolic quotient in RT soil indicate that the RT system created a more friendly environment for the growth and activity of soil microorganisms, in comparison with the CT system. Key w ords :microbial respiration, microbial biomass C and N, activity of dehydrogenases, ammonia- and nitrate-forming bacteria, tillage system
Novel Aluminum Segregation at NiSi / ${p}^{+}$ - Si Source/Drain Contact for Drive Current Enhancement in $P$ -Channel FinFETs

This letter reports the first demonstration of the integration of nickel-silicide (NiSi) source/drain (S/D) contact technology with a novel aluminum (Al) segregation at the NiSi/p +-Si interface in the S/D of p-channel FinFETs to reduce contact resistance. This leads to reduction in parasitic series resistance. We show that the addition of a low-dose (2times1014 atom/cm2) Al ion implant step in the Si S/D of p-channel FinFETs could achieve ~ 19% enhancement in drive current. This is attributed to the reduction in effective Schottky barrier height of holes at NiSi/p+-Si interface, from ~ 0.4 to ~ 0.12 eV, using Al segregation.
Characterization of rice hull ash

Rice hulls, a byproduct of the rice industry, contain 60-90% silica and are unique within nature. The annual worldwide output of rice-hull-derived silica is more than 3.2 million tons, which poses environmental concerns because of disposal issues. Burning rice hulls, as a preparative step for energy production, is a useful solution to the growing environmental concern, a desirable outcome would be the economic use of the resulting silica-rich hull ash. The economical usefulness of this silica ash in the filler market has been undermined by its limited dispersion abilities and poor interaction capability with polymers. In this study, some of the reasons for the poor performance of silica ash as a reinforcing filler in various polymeric composites were linked to its inherent characteristics: factors such as its impurity, irregular topography, porosity, and chemical and thermodynamic nature arising from its surface polarity that negatively influence the filler-matrix interactions. The silica ash obtained from a novel combustion process had about 6% (w/w) impurity, of which around 3% was volatile. We also propose that the silanation efficiency of silica ash is lower compared to other commercial silicas because of its porosity, which could hide a fraction of the silane used. Also, processing changed the particle size distribution, and this could have affected the agglomerating tendencies and seriously marked the reinforcing capabilities of the silica ash. The estimation of the surface silanol groups of the rice hull ash by thermogravimetric studies indicated that the surface silanol density was about 16/nm2. On a comparative scale, this value is comparable to the silanol density on precipitated silica, but a thermodynamic study of silica ash surface revealed a high surface free energy that contributed to its high aggregation tendencies and poor distribution and dispersion abilities.
The formation, properties and impact of secondary organic aerosol: current and emerging issues

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) accounts for a significant fraction of ambient tropospheric aerosol and a detailed knowledge of the formation, properties and transformation of SOA is therefore required to evaluate its impact on atmospheric processes, climate and human health. The chemical and physical processes associated with SOA formation are complex and varied, and, despite considerable progress in recent years, a quantitative and predictive understanding of SOA formation does not exist and therefore represents a major research challenge in atmospheric science. This review begins with an update on the current state of knowledge on the global SOA budget and is followed by an overview of the atmospheric degradation mechanisms for SOA precursors, gas-particle partitioning theory and the analytical techniques used to determine the chemical composition of SOA. A survey of recent laboratory, field and modeling studies is also presented. The following topical and emerging issues are highlighted and discussed in detail: molecular characterization of biogenic SOA constituents, condensed phase reactions and oligomerization, the interaction of atmospheric organic components with sulfuric acid, the chemical and photochemical processing of organics in the atmospheric aqueous phase, aerosol formation from real plant emissions, interaction of atmospheric organic components with water, thermodynamics and mixtures in atmospheric models. Finally, the major challenges ahead in laboratory, field and modeling studies of SOA are discussed and recommendations for future research directions are proposed.
ANALYSIS AND OCCURRENCES OF PERFLUORINATED COMPOUNDS IN AGRICULTURAL AND AQUATIC PRODUCTS AND WATER FROM CHINA

There is limited information about agricultural and aquatic products and water perfluorinated compound (PFCs) concentrations in China. First, a new isotopic dilution LC-MS/MS method was developed preliminarily to mainly determine perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in biota (e.g., channel catfish, crayfish, and hen eggs), and water in this study, and especially for the first time, determine PFOA and PFOS in crayfish. Liquid-solid/liquid-liquid extraction and silica column chromatography cleanup for biota sample preparations were used; some important steps and crucial parameters were modified compared with other published methods and LC and MS/MS conditions were optimized. The limits of quantitation values of 0.04 and 0.2 ng g−1 wet weight in biota were calculated for PFOA and PFOS, respectively; limits of quantitation values of 0.1 and 0.5 ng L−1 in water for PFOA and PFOS, respectively. Using the established methods, PFOA and PFOS emerged in 2 of 40 channel catfish, 5 of 40 crayfish, 3 of 40 home-produced eggs, 3 of 40 water for aquaculture crayfish, 1 of 20 Yangtze River water, and 1 of 20 Hanjiang River water and in low-ng g−1 wet weight for agricultural and aquatic products and low- ng L−1 for water.