Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Behavior Among Asian Americans: A Thematic Analysis

Consuming 5 or more cups of fruits and vegetables (F & V) per day or 400 g/day for adults is advocated by most health authorities and has short-term and long-term health benefits. There have been numerous studies examining dietary behaviors among different US populations; however, the literature on F & V consumption behavior among Asian Americans (AAs) is sparse. AAs constitute a diverse group and as their population continues to grow in the US; there is a greater need to examine the health practices of AAs and their constituent subgroups. The study aimed to conduct a thematic analysis based on a scoping review of the peer-reviewed published literature over the past 15 years targeting F & V consumption among AAs. The thematic analysis was organized around the prevalence, consequences, determinants, and interventions (n = 33). AAs consuming recommended servings of F & V ranged from 0.5% to 20%. Correlations between the consumption of F & V and Body Mass Index (BMI) and other chronic diseases were reported as negative and significant associations were noted between F & V intake and self-reported health. There was only 1 intervention that was conducted with this behavior in only 1 small subgroup of this target population. There is an urgent need to study F & V consumption behavior among different AA subgroups as well as to design culturally appropriate theory-based efficacious F & V promotion interventions for them.
Comparative 2D and 3D Ultrastructural Analyses of Dendritic Spines from CA1 Pyramidal Neurons in the Mouse Hippocampus

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction from electron microscopy (EM) datasets is a widely used tool that has improved our knowledge of synapse ultrastructure and organization in the brain. Rearrangements of synapse structure following maturation and in synaptic plasticity have been broadly described and, in many cases, the defective architecture of the synapse has been associated to functional impairments. It is therefore important, when studying brain connectivity, to map these rearrangements with the highest accuracy possible, considering the affordability of the different EM approaches to provide solid and reliable data about the structure of such a small complex. The aim of this work is to compare quantitative data from two dimensional (2D) and 3D EM of mouse hippocampal CA1 (apical dendrites), to define whether the results from the two approaches are consistent. We examined asymmetric excitatory synapses focusing on post synaptic density and dendritic spine area and volume as well as spine density, and we compared the results obtained with the two methods. The consistency between the 2D and 3D results questions the need—for many applications—of using volumetric datasets (costly and time consuming in terms of both acquisition and analysis), with respect to the more accessible measurements from 2D EM projections.
Pluronic-Coated Biogenic Gold Nanoparticles for Colon Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil: In vitro and Ex vivo Studies

The aim of the study was to prepare 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-loaded biogenic gold nanoparticles with pluronic-based coating (PFGNPs), their optimization (full factorial predicted OBPN-1) and in vitro-ex vivo evaluation. Several formulations were prepared, selected for optimization using Design Expert®, and compared for morphology, 5-FU release kinetics, compatibility, cell line toxicity, in vitro hemocompatibility, and ex vivo intestinal permeation across the rat duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The pluronic-coated 5-FU-carrying GNPs were spherical, 29.11–178.21 nm in diameter, with a polydispersity index (PDI) range of 0.191–292, and a zeta potential (ZP) range of 11.19–29.21 (-mV). The optimized OBPN-1 (desirability = 0.95) demonstrated optimum size (175.1 nm), %DL as 73.8%, ZP as 21.7 mV, % drug release (DR) as 75.7%, and greater cytotoxicity (viability ~ 8.9%) against the colon cancer cell lines than 5-FU solution (~ 24.91%), and less hemocompatibility. Moreover, OBPN-1 exhibited 4.5-fold permeation across the rat jejunum compared with 5-FU solution. Thus, the PFGNPs exhibit high DL capacity, sustained delivery, hemocompatibility, improved efficacy, and enhanced permeation profiles compared with 5-FU solution and several other NPs preparations suggesting it is a promising formulation for effective colon cancer control with reduced side effects.
The Relevance of the SH2 Domain for c-Src Functionality in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Simple Summary Triple-Negative breast cancers (TNBC) have not specific therapeutic targets and are considered the most aggressive mammary tumors. c-Src controls several cellular processes: proliferation, differentiation, survival, motility, and angiogenesis. Alteration of c-Src functionality, by increasing its expression and/or its kinase activity, is associated to progression and metastasis of tumors in mammary gland, pancreas, colon, brain, and lung. However, c-Src tyrosine kinase inhibitors alone are not fully clinically effective, suggesting that c-Src adapter SH2/SH3 domains may be important. We questioned whether the SH2-c-Src domain is relevant for tumorigenicity of TNBC SUM159 and MDA-MB-231 human cell lines. Conditional expression of SH2 and SH3 inactivating mutants in these TNBC cells, or transfection of aptamers directed to SH2, allowed us to show that this domain is required for their tumorigenesis. Therefore, the SH2-c-Src domain could be a promising therapeutic target that, combined with c-Src kinase inhibitors, may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for TNBC patients. Abstract The role of Src family kinases (SFKs) in human tumors has been always associated with tyrosine kinase activity and much less attention has been given to the SH2 and SH3 adapter domains. Here, we studied the role of the c-Src-SH2 domain in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To this end, SUM159PT and MDA-MB-231 human cell lines were employed as model systems. These cells conditionally expressed, under tetracycline control (Tet-On system), a c-Src variant with point-inactivating mutation of the SH2 adapter domain (R175L). The expression of this mutant reduced the self-renewal capability of the enriched population of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), demonstrating the importance of the SH2 adapter domain of c-Src in the mammary gland carcinogenesis. In addition, the analysis of anchorage-independent growth, proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, all processes associated with tumorigenesis, showed that the SH2 domain of c-Src plays a very relevant role in their regulation. Furthermore, the transfection of two different aptamers directed to SH2-c-Src in both SUM159PT and MDA-MB-231 cells induced inhibition of their proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, strengthening the hypothesis that this domain is highly involved in TNBC tumorigenesis. Therefore, the SH2 domain of c-Src could be a promising therapeutic target and combined treatments with inhibitors of c-Src kinase enzymatic activity may represent a new therapeutic strategy for patients with TNBC, whose prognosis is currently very negative.
First-Principle Insight into Ga-Doped MoS2 for Sensing SO2, SOF2 and SO2F2

First-principle calculations were carried out to simulate the three decomposition gases (SO2, SOF2, and SO2F2) of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) on Ga-doped MoS2 (Ga-MoS2) monolayer. Based on density functional theory (DFT), pure MoS2 and multiple gas molecules (SF6, SO2, SOF2, and SO2F2) were built and optimized to the most stable structure. Four types of Ga-doped positions were considered and it was found that Ga dopant preferred to be adsorbed by the top of Mo atom (TMo). For the best adsorption effect, two ways of SO2, SOF2, and SO2F2 to approach the doping model were compared and the most favorable mode was selected. The adsorption parameters of Ga-MoS2 and intrinsic MoS2 were calculated to analyze adsorption properties of Ga-MoS2 towards three gases. These analyses suggested that Ga-MoS2 could be a good gas-sensing material for SO2 and SO2F2, while it was not suitable for SOF2 sensing due to its weak adsorption. This work provides a theoretical basis for the development of Ga-MoS2 materials with the hope that it can be used as a good gas-sensing material for electrical equipment.
Imagery rehearsal therapy and/or mianserin in treatment of refugees diagnosed with PTSD: Results from a randomized controlled trial

Sleep disturbances are frequently part of the symptomatology in refugees with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has been suggested that targeting sleep disturbances may enhance the outcome of PTSD treatment. However, randomized studies on the effect of treatment focusing on sleep disturbances in refugees with PTSD are lacking. The aim of this study was to examine add‐on treatment with imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) and/or mianserin against treatment as usual (TAU) alone in a sample of trauma‐affected refugees with PTSD at 8–12 months follow‐up. In a randomized controlled trial, 219 adult refugees diagnosed with PTSD and suffering from sleep disturbances were randomized to four groups (1:1:1:1) receiving, respectively, TAU, TAU + mianserin, TAU + IRT, and TAU + IRT + mianserin. The primary outcome was subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and the secondary outcomes included PTSD and depression symptoms, level of functioning and subjective well‐being. The data were analysed using mixed models. The only significant effect of IRT was on level of functioning (p = .040, ES 0.44), whereas there was no significant effect of mianserin on any of the measured outcomes. Low adherence to both IRT (39%) and mianserin (20%) was observed. Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not find IRT or mianserin to be superior to TAU. The low adherence may potentially cause an underestimation of the effect of IRT and mianserin and indicates a necessity to further analyse the complex factors that may impact the motivation and ability of trauma‐affected refugees to participate in and profit from available treatment options.
Effects of protein source and lipid supplementation on conservation and feed value of total mixed ration silages for finishing beef cattle.

The objective of this study was to examine the conservation process and feed value of total mixed ration (TMR) silages. In Exp. 1 we evaluated the fermentation pattern and aerobic stability of TMR silages containing different protein and lipid supplementations. In Exp. 2 we compared the performance of finishing beef heifers fed those TMR silages. In both experiments, treatments were as follows: ensiled TMR with urea (U); ensiled TMR without a protein supplement at ensiling, but soybean meal supplemented at feeding to balance diet crude protein in Exp. 2 (SMnf; where the acronym nf indicates nonfermented); ensiled TMR with soybean meal (SM); and ensiled TMR with rolled soybean grain (SG). Thirty-two Nellore heifers (313 ± 8.8 kg shrunk body weight (SBW)) were blocked by initial SBW, housed in individual pens, and enrolled in the Exp.2 for 82 d. In Exp. 1, treatment without a protein supplement (SMnf) had lower content of crude protein, soluble crude protein, NH3-N, pH and clostridia count compared to U (P ≤ 0.03). Lactic acid concentrations tended to be reduced for SMnf compared to U (P = 0.09). Ethanol concentration was reduced in SG compared with SM (P < 0.01). 1,2-Propanediol concentration was increased in SMnf compared with U (P < 0.01), reduced in SM compared with SMnf (P = 0.02) and increased in SG compared with SM (P = 0.02). Dry matter (DM) loss during fermentation was low and similar among treatments (~3.7%). All silages remained stable during 10 d of aerobic exposure after feedout. Considering fermentation traits such as pH (≤4.72), NH3-N (<10% of N, except for U treatment), butyric acid (<0.05 % DM), and DM losses (<3.70% DM) all silages can be considered well conserved. In Exp. 2, diets were isonitrogenous because of soybean meal was added to SMnf before feeding. Compared with SM, cattle fed SG made more meals per day (P = 0.04) and tended to have a decreased intermeal interval (P = 0.09). Dry matter intake, average daily gain, final SBW, hot carcass weight, Biceps femoris fat thickness, and serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol were increased for SG compared to SM (P ≤ 0.05). In brief, TMR silages exhibited adequate fermentation pattern and high aerobic stability. The supplementation of true protein did not improve animal performance, whereas the addition of soybean grain as a lipid source improved the performance of finishing cattle fed TMR silages.
Bulbar Redness and Dry Eye Disease: Comparison of a Validated Subjective Grading Scale and an Objective Automated Method.

SIGNIFICANCE In this study, assessments of conjunctival redness were performed to evaluate whether patients with or without dry eye disease (DED) could be discriminated based on this measure. Our findings suggest that subjectively grading redness by quadrant, as opposed to automated en face measurements, may be more suitable for this purpose. PURPOSE This study aimed to quantify bulbar redness using the validated bulbar redness (VBR) grading scale and an automated objective method (Oculus Keratograph 5M; K5M) in participants with DED and non-DED controls. METHODS Participants with DED (Ocular Surface Disease Index score ≥20 and Oxford scale corneal staining ≥2) and controls (Ocular Surface Disease Index score ≤10 and corneal staining ≤1) attended two study visits. In part 1A of visit 1, baseline bulbar redness was graded with the VBR scale in each conjunctival quadrant of both eyes, followed by automated measurements of temporal and nasal redness with the K5M. This was immediately followed by part 1B, during which a topical vasoconstrictor was instilled into both eyes. Redness assessments were repeated 5 and 30 minutes after instillation with both instruments. Participants returned 14 days later for visit 2, where the same assessments as for visit 1A were repeated. RESULTS Seventy-four participants (50 DED and 24 controls) completed the study. There were statistically significant differences in redness between the DED and control groups when assessed with the VBR scale (14/16 comparisons; all, P < .05), whereas no significant differences in K5M-derived redness between the DED and non-DED groups were found at any location or time point. Both subjective and objective instruments detected statistically significant reductions in redness 5 and 30 minutes after instillation of the vasoconstrictor (all, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Although both subjective and objective instruments were sensitive to detecting changes in redness induced by vasoconstriction, statistically significant differences in redness between DED and control groups were only found using the VBR scale.
Is opioid therapy for chronic non‐cancer pain associated with a greater risk of all‐cause mortality compared to non‐opioid analgesics? A systematic review of propensity score matched observational studies

The many risks associated with opioid therapy for chronic non‐cancer pain (CNCP) have led to questions about use. This is particularly relevant for risk of increased mortality. However, underlying medical conditions of those using opioids may influence mortality findings due to confounding by indication. Similarly, non‐opioid analgesics are also associated with an increased risk of mortality, too.
A Superfast Super-Resolution Method for Radar Forward-Looking Imaging

The super-resolution method has been widely used for improving azimuth resolution for radar forward-looking imaging. Typically, it can be achieved by solving an undifferentiable L1 regularization problem. The split Bregman algorithm (SBA) is a great tool for solving this undifferentiable problem. However, its real-time imaging ability is limited to matrix inversion and iterations. Although previous studies have used the special structure of the coefficient matrix to reduce the computational complexity of each iteration, the real-time performance is still limited due to the need for hundreds of iterations. In this paper, a superfast SBA (SFSBA) is proposed to overcome this shortcoming. Firstly, the super-resolution problem is transmitted into an L1 regularization problem in the framework of regularization. Then, the proposed SFSBA is used to solve the nondifferentiable L1 regularization problem. Different from the traditional SBA, the proposed SFSBA utilizes the low displacement rank features of Toplitz matrix, along with the Gohberg-Semencul (GS) representation to realize fast inversion of the coefficient matrix, reducing the computational complexity of each iteration from O(N3) to O(N2). It uses a two-order vector extrapolation strategy to reduce the number of iterations. The convergence speed is increased by about 8 times. Finally, the simulation and real data processing results demonstrate that the proposed SFSBA can effectively improve the azimuth resolution of radar forward-looking imaging, and its performance is only slightly lower compared to traditional SBA. The hardware test shows that the computational efficiency of the proposed SFSBA is much higher than that of other traditional super-resolution methods, which would meet the real-time requirements in practice.
No Impact of NRAS Mutation on Features of Primary and Metastatic Melanoma or on Outcomes of Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy: An Italian Melanoma Intergroup (IMI) Study

Simple Summary Neuroblastoma RAS Viral Oncogen Homolog (NRAS) mutant melanoma is usually considered more aggressive and more responsive to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy (CII) than NRAS wildtype. We retrospectively recruited 331 metastatic melanoma patients treated with CII as first line: 162 NRAS-mutant/BRAF wild-type and 169 wt/wt. No substantial differences were observed among the two cohorts regarding the melanoma onset and disease-free interval. Also, overall response to CII, progression-free survival and overall survival were similar in the two groups. Therefore, our data do not show increased aggressiveness and higher responsiveness to CII in NRAS-mutant melanoma. The controversy in the published data could be due to different patient characteristics and treatment heterogeneity. We believe our data adds evidence to clear up these controversial issues. Abstract Aims: It is debated whether the NRAS-mutant melanoma is more aggressive than NRAS wildtype. It is equally controversial whether NRAS-mutant metastatic melanoma (MM) is more responsive to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy (CII). 331 patients treated with CII as first-line were retrospectively recruited: 162 NRAS-mutant/BRAF wild-type (mut/wt) and 169 wt/wt. We compared the two cohorts regarding the characteristics of primary and metastatic disease, disease-free interval (DFI) and outcome to CII. No substantial differences were observed between the two groups at melanoma onset, except for a more frequent ulceration in the wt/wt group (p = 0.03). Also, the DFI was very similar in the two cohorts. In advanced disease, we only found lung and brain progression more frequent in the wt/wt group. Regarding the outcomes to CII, no significant differences were reported in overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) (42% versus 37%, 60% versus 59%, 12 (95% CI, 7–18) versus 9 months (95% CI, 6–16) and 32 (95% CI, 23–49) versus 27 months (95% CI, 16–35), respectively). Irrespectively of mutational status, a longer OS was significantly associated with normal LDH, <3 metastatic sites, lower white blood cell and platelet count, lower neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (N/L) ratio. Our data do not show increased aggressiveness and higher responsiveness to CII in NRAS-mutant MM.
Development of an Automatic Beta Gauge Particulate Sampler with Filter Cassette Mechanism

A beta gauge particulate sampler for measuring the aerosol mass concentration in the ambient air is described. The instrument is automatically calibrated with two self-calibration mass standards during each sampling period, while it samples particles continuously with minimum sampling dead-time loss. Key design features of the instrument based on the attenuation of beta radiation include filter cassette mechanism, auto-calibration system, low sampling dead-time, high sensitivity, and straightforward audit procedures. The instrument consists of three main components: PM 10 inlet, mechanical filter movement system, and control and data processing system. The mechanical filter movement system includes particle collection system with filter cassette magazine, g -ray measuring module and particle sampling module, auto-calibration system, and flow control system. The control and data processing system performs filter cassette movement control, sampling pump control, and data analysis. The instrument has been tested in the field to compare the measurement results with those by gravimetric mass measurement. The developed beta gauge instrument has been proved to be an efficient measuring guage for the ambient particulate mass determination.
Laboratory Evaluation of the Properties of Asphalt Mixture with Wood Ash Filler

Today, the road construction profession is more than ever facing limited and increasingly expensive resources for component materials of asphalt mixtures, which has also led to the need for continuous research on the use of waste materials. One such potentially usable waste material is ash obtained by the combustion of wood biomass that is used to produce heat and electricity. The goal of this paper is to ascertain the possibility of using wood ash (WA) as the filler in asphalt concrete mixtures for the base-wearing layers of a pavement. The properties of Marshall stability (MS), quotient (MQ) and deformations, and the indirect tensile strength of water-conditioned samples and dry samples were tested on asphalt samples of an AC16 surf mixture with different contents of wood ash as the filler. The obtained values of MS and MQ indicate that a 50% content of bio ash in the filler results in an increase in asphalt’s resistance to the appearance of plastic deformations and greater tensile strength and in good asphalt resistance to the action of water.