Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome analysis reveals benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers regulate networks related to inflammation in juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain

Benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BUVSs) are widely applied ultraviolet absorbing compounds in industrial materials and personal care products. Due to their ubiquitous use and reports of bio‐accumulation in aquatic organisms, these compounds are significant environmental pollutants; however, data are limited for BUVSs toxicity. In this study, juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to 4 commonly used BUVSs (UV‐234, UV‐326, UV‐329, and UV‐P) at one dose of 10 or 100 μg/L for 28 days. To characterize the underlying mechanisms of different BUVSs‐induced toxicities, we performed global transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐Seq) in the brain (100 μg/L). There were 390, 575, 483, and 470 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) detected following UV‐234, UV‐326, UV‐329, and UV‐P exposure at 100 μg/L, respectively. Only 59 genes were identified as DEGs following exposure to each of the BUVSs, suggesting that these chemicals can induce unique responses in fish. Noteworthy was that there were 81 common gene networks (~10%) identified following exposure to BUVSs, many of which were related to inflammation and immune function. Uniquely regulated pathways affected by different BUVSs included those related to mitochondrial respiration, interleukin 1/brain‐damaging signaling, dopaminergic signaling, and adrenergic receptor cascades. Furthermore, quantitative PCR (qPCR) results revealed that mgst1 levels were increased in fish from the 100 μg/L UV‐329 treatment, while the expression of pck2 was significantly down‐regulated in fish from both the 10 and 100 μg/L UV‐P treatment. Transcriptomic data suggest that BUVSs can alter mitochondrial bioenergetics, alter expression of a broad range of genes in the oxidative stress response, and can induce pathways related to the immune system in zebrafish brain.
Freely Jointed Polymers Made of Droplets.

An important goal of self-assembly is to achieve a preprogrammed structure with high fidelity. Here, we control the valence of DNA-functionalized emulsions to make linear and branched model polymers, or "colloidomers. " The distribution of cluster sizes is consistent with a polymerization process in which the droplets achieve their prescribed valence. Conformational statistics reveal that the chains are freely jointed, so that the Kuhn length is close to one bead diameter. The end-to-end length scales with the number of bonds N as N^{ν}, where ν≈3/4, in agreement with the Flory theory in two dimensions. The chain diffusion coefficient D approximately scales as D∝N^{-ν}, as predicted by the Zimm model. Unlike molecular polymers, colloidomers can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled under temperature cycling, allowing for reconfigurable, responsive matter.
A Complete Feasible and Nodes-Grouped Scheduling Algorithm for Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks in Tunnels

Limited energy in each node is the major design constraint in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), especially in mine tunnel scenario where the WSNs are required to work perpetually. To overcome this limit, wireless rechargeable sensor networks (WRSNs) have been proposed and studied extensively over the last few years. To keep the sensor nodes working perpetually, one fundamental question is how to design the charging scheme. Considering the special tunnel scenario, this paper proposes a Complete Feasible Charging Strategy (CFCS) to ensure the whole WRSNs is working perpetually. We divide the whole WRSN into several subnetworks and use several mobile chargers (MCs) to charge every subnetwork periodically and orderly. For a subnetwork, we formulate the main problem as a charging time distribution problem. A series of theorems are deduced to restrict the charging configurations, and a group nodes mechanism is proposed to expand the scale of the WRSNs. Finally, we conduct extensive simulations to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms. The results demonstrate which of the CFCS boundary theorems is correct and that our proposed CFCS can keep the WRSNs working perpetually. Furthermore, our Nodes-Grouped mechanism can support more nodes in WRSN compared to the state-of-the-art baseline methods.
Feasible mode Enumeration and Cost Comparison for Explicit quadratic Model predictive control of Hybrid Systems

For hybrid systems in piecewise affine (PWA) form, this paper presents a new methodology for computing the solution, defined over a set of (possibly overlapping) polyhedra, of the finite-time constrained optimal control problem based on quadratic costs. First, feasible mode sequences are determined via backward reachability analysis, and multiparametric quadratic programming is employed to determine candidate polyhedral regions of the solution and the corresponding value functions and optimal control gains. Then, the value functions associated with overlapping regions are compared in order to discard those regions whose associated control law is never optimal. The comparison problem is, in general, nonconvex and is tackled here as a DC (Difference of Convex functions) programming problem.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

Rationale: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a disorder characterized by a symmetrical, sensorimotor involvement and slowly progressive onset peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathies have been reported in some central demyelination patients. However, the central nervous system focus in the CIDP patient can mimic neuromyelitis optica have not been recognized by most of us. Patient concerns: The numbness and weakness of limbs about eight weeks. Diagnoses: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Interventions: Immunotherapy with intravenous immunoglobulins was applied to this patient. Outcomes: After 1 year follow-up, the results showed there was still slight numbness of all limbs, and he could walk slowly without help. Gastrocnemius muscle atrophy did not aggravate. Lessons: So It is suggest that CIDP can combine with central lesions mimicking neuromyelitis optica. We should take the diagnosis of CIDP into consideration when we find focus in central nervous system.
Optic nerve head three-dimensional shape analysis

Abstract. We present a method for optic nerve head (ONH) 3-D shape analysis from retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT). The possibility to noninvasively acquire in vivo high-resolution 3-D volumes of the ONH using spectral domain OCT drives the need to develop tools that quantify the shape of this structure and extract information for clinical applications. The presented method automatically generates a 3-D ONH model and then allows the computation of several 3-D parameters describing the ONH. The method starts with a high-resolution OCT volume scan as input. From this scan, the model-defining inner limiting membrane (ILM) as inner surface and the retinal pigment epithelium as outer surface are segmented, and the Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO) as the model origin is detected. Based on the generated ONH model by triangulated 3-D surface reconstruction, different parameters (areas, volumes, annular surface ring, minimum distances) of different ONH regions can then be computed. Additionally, the bending energy (roughness) in the BMO region on the ILM surface and 3-D BMO-MRW surface area are computed. We show that our method is reliable and robust across a large variety of ONH topologies (specific to this structure) and present a first clinical application.
TEMEO-R - Fragebogen zur Erfassung telischer und metatelischer Orientierungen in revidierter Form

Der TEMEO-R erfasst durch die metatelischen Orientierungen die inhaltlichen Handlungsziele und emotionalen Handlungsgrunde von Personen und erlaubt es damit, Motivstrukturen differenziert zu erheben. Die 144 Items sind konsequent vor dem theoretischen Hintergrund des zweidimensionalen Modells metatelischer Orientierungen (Mees & Schmitt, 2003, 2005, 2008a, 2008b, 2008c) konstruiert worden, die sich auf 44 Skalen verteilen. Je vier metatelische Orientierungen decken die Motivstarke eines Motivbereichs ab. Reliabilitat: Die internen Konsistenzen der Gesamtskalen der Motivbereiche fallen akzeptabel aus, verbesserungswurdige interne Konsistenzen treten jedoch bei den Skalen der einzelnen metatelischen Orientierungen auf. Daher ist ein Einsatz ausschlieslich zu Forschungszwecken zu empfehlen. Die Retestreliabilitaten weisen auf eine zeitliche Stabilitat der erfassten Motivstrukturen hin. Validitat: Sowohl die Bestimmung der Kriteriumsvaliditat als auch die Betrachtung der inhaltlichen Validitat verweisen auf die Validitat der Skalen des TEMEO-R.
Spotlight on the SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is increasingly performed in patients with severe aortic stenosis. The efficacy and safety have been demonstrated in large randomized trials in patients with high- or intermediate operative risk. With latest-generation transcatheter heart valve (THV) systems, growing operator experience and improved patient selection, clinical outcome has significantly improved with a decline of TAVI-related complications. In this review, the Edwards SAPIEN 3 THV is discussed in terms of technology, procedural advances and complication trends and future developments.
StraightenUp+: Monitoring of Posture during Daily Activities for Older Persons Using Wearable Sensors

Monitoring the posture of older persons using portable sensors while they carry out daily activities can facilitate the process of generating indicators with which to evaluate their health and quality of life. The majority of current research into such sensors focuses primarily on their functionality and accuracy, and minimal effort is dedicated to understanding the experience of older persons who interact with the devices. This study proposes a wearable device to identify the bodily postures of older persons, while also looking into the perceptions of the users. For the purposes of this study, thirty independent and semi-independent older persons undertook eight different types of physical activity, including: walking, raising arms, lowering arms, leaning forward, sitting, sitting upright, transitioning from standing to sitting, and transitioning from sitting to standing. The data was classified offline, achieving an accuracy of 93.5%, while overall device user perception was positive. Participants rated the usability of the device, in addition to their overall user experience, highly.
AAA Proteases: Guardians of Mitochondrial Function and Homeostasis

Mitochondria are dynamic, semi-autonomous organelles that execute numerous life-sustaining tasks in eukaryotic cells. Functioning of mitochondria depends on the adequate action of versatile proteinaceous machineries. Fine-tuning of mitochondrial activity in response to cellular needs involves continuous remodeling of organellar proteome. This process not only includes modulation of various biogenetic pathways, but also the removal of superfluous proteins by adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-driven proteolytic machineries. Accordingly, all mitochondrial sub-compartments are under persistent surveillance of ATP-dependent proteases. Particularly important are highly conserved two inner mitochondrial membrane-bound metalloproteases known as m-AAA and i-AAA (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities), whose mis-functioning may lead to impaired organellar function and consequently to development of severe diseases. Herein, we discuss the current knowledge of yeast, mammalian, and plant AAA proteases and their implications in mitochondrial function and homeostasis maintenance.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in suspected recurrence of male breast cancer

Purpose Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare malignancy, with recurrence being one of the main adverse predictors for prognosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic and predictive value of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT in the setting of suspected recurrence of MBC. Patients and methods Retrospective analysis of PET/CT findings was performed in 23 previously treated, histologically proven patients with MBC (mean age: 59.3±10.9 years; range: 36–79 years) with suspected recurrence. Kaplan–Meier disease-specific survival analysis was made with respect to histological, hormonal profile as well as PET/CT findings. Results Of the 23 patients, 19 (82.6%) showed recurrence. Recurrence at primary site with/without regional/distant site recurrence was seen in 12 (52.2%) patients. Only metastatic recurrence without primary site was seen in seven (30.4%) patients. Bone was the most common site of distant metastasis (14/23) followed by lungs (9/23), liver (4/23), brain (2/23), and adrenal (1/23). No recurrence (regional/distant) was noted in 4/23 (17.3%) patients; however, three of them had 18F-FDG-avid soft tissue lesions in esophagus, rectum and tongue, correspondingly, confirmed as second primaries with histopathology. Disease-specific survival analysis yielded nodal (P=0.01) as well as distant metastases (P=0.02) as the main survival predictors on PET/CT. Lung (P=0.001), followed by liver (P=0.009), and skeletal (P=0.01) metastases were the most adverse survival predictive factors. Conclusion 18F-FDG PET/CT showed good diagnostic and prognostic utility in recurrent MBC. It was better than bone scan in evaluation of skeletal metastases. Most importantly, 18F-FDG PET/CT helped in early detection of second malignancy and their clinical management in studied patients.
Cabozantinib for the Management of Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Cabozantinib is a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of various solid-organ tumours. It was recently approved as a first- and second-line therapeutic for the management of advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma based on the results of two randomised controlled trials. The phase III METEOR trial compared cabozantinib against everolimus as a second- or greater line therapy and found benefits in progression-free and overall survival, and the phase II CABOSUN trial compared cabozantinib against sunitinib as a first-line therapeutic and found benefits in terms of progression-free survival. This review briefly summarises how cabozantinib fits into current treatment paradigms for the management of advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Sarcopenia: revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis

Abstract Background in 2010, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) published a sarcopenia definition that aimed to foster advances in identifying and caring for people with sarcopenia. In early 2018, the Working Group met again (EWGSOP2) to update the original definition in order to reflect scientific and clinical evidence that has built over the last decade. This paper presents our updated findings. Objectives to increase consistency of research design, clinical diagnoses and ultimately, care for people with sarcopenia. Recommendations sarcopenia is a muscle disease (muscle failure) rooted in adverse muscle changes that accrue across a lifetime; sarcopenia is common among adults of older age but can also occur earlier in life. In this updated consensus paper on sarcopenia, EWGSOP2: (1) focuses on low muscle strength as a key characteristic of sarcopenia, uses detection of low muscle quantity and quality to confirm the sarcopenia diagnosis, and identifies poor physical performance as indicative of severe sarcopenia; (2) updates the clinical algorithm that can be used for sarcopenia case-finding, diagnosis and confirmation, and severity determination and (3) provides clear cut-off points for measurements of variables that identify and characterise sarcopenia. Conclusions EWGSOP2's updated recommendations aim to increase awareness of sarcopenia and its risk. With these new recommendations, EWGSOP2 calls for healthcare professionals who treat patients at risk for sarcopenia to take actions that will promote early detection and treatment. We also encourage more research in the field of sarcopenia in order to prevent or delay adverse health outcomes that incur a heavy burden for patients and healthcare systems.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Different Surgical Procedures for Axillary Staging After Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy in Node-positive Breast Cancer

Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the accuracy of different surgical axillary staging procedures compared with ALND. Summary of Background Data: Optimal axillary staging after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) in node-positive breast cancer is an area of controversy. Several less invasive procedures, such as sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), marking axillary lymph node with radioactive iodine seed (MARI), and targeted axillary dissection (a combination of SLNB and a MARI-like procedure), have been proposed to replace the conventional axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) with its concomitant morbidity. Methods: PubMed and Embase were searched for studies comparing less invasive surgical axillary staging procedures to ALND to identify axillary burden after NST in patients with pathologically confirmed node-positive breast cancer (cN+). A meta-analysis was performed to compare identification rate (IFR), false-negative rate (FNR), and negative predictive value (NPV). Results: Of 1132 records, 20 unique studies with 2217 patients were included in quantitative analysis: 17 studies on SLNB, 1 study on MARI, and 2 studies on a combination procedure. Overall axillary pathologic complete response rate was 37%. For SLNB, pooled rates of IFR and FNR were 89% and 17%. NPV ranged from 57% to 86%. For MARI, IFR was 97%, FNR 7%, and NPV 83%. For the combination procedure, IFR was 100%, FNR ranged from 2% to 4%, and NPV from 92% to 97%. Conclusion: Axillary staging by a combination procedure consisting of SLNB with excision of a pre-NST marked positive lymph node appears to be most accurate for axillary staging after NST. More evidence from prospective multicenter trials is needed to confirm this.
Impacts of Type D Personality and Depression, Alone and in Combination, on Medication Non-Adherence Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: Medication adherence after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is essential to preventing the risk of restenosis. Even though Type D personality and depression have been known to affect medication non-adherence, their combined influence on PCI patients remains unclear. Aim: We aimed to identify how both Type D personality and depression were associated with medication non-adherence for 3 months after successful PCI. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 257 PCI patients, who took 3 or more cardiac medications, at a university hospital. We measured sociodemographic and clinical variables, Type D personality, depression, and medication non-adherence using face-to-face interviews and medical record reviews. Results: The total prevalence of medication non-adherence at the one- and three-month follow-ups was 14% and 16%, respectively. At one month, the prevalence of those with a combination of Type D personality and depression (23.4%) and depression alone (24%) was significantly higher than other groups. At three months, the prevalence of the Type D personality-only group (39.1%) was the highest. Type D personality increased the risk of medication non-adherence 5.089 times at three months, while depression increased it 2.6 times at one month. However, the risk of medication non-adherence was not increased in patients with combined Type D personality and depression. Conclusions: Individual assessments of Type D personality and depression are required. Therefore, psychological interventions focusing on personality and depression are crucial. Longitudinal follow-up studies must explore the interaction or individual impact of Type D personality and depression on medication non-adherence and other negative outcomes.
Exercise Training Increases Metaboreflex Control in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction/Purpose We demonstrated that patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have reduced muscle metaboreflex control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). In addition, exercise training increased muscle metaboreflex control in heart failure patients. Objective We tested the hypothesis that exercise training would increase muscle metaboreflex control of MSNA in patients with OSA. Methods Forty-one patients with OSA were randomized into the following two groups: 1) nontrained (OSANT, n = 21) and 2) trained (OSAT, n = 20). Muscle sympathetic nerve activity was assessed by microneurography technique, muscle blood flow (FBF) by venous occlusion plethysmography, heart rate by electrocardiography, and blood pressure with an automated oscillometric device. All physiological variables were simultaneously assessed at rest, during isometric handgrip exercise at 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction, and during posthandgrip muscle ischemia (PHMI). Muscle metaboreflex sensitivity was calculated as the difference in MSNA between PHMI and the rest period. Patients in the OSAT group underwent 72 sessions of moderate exercise training, whereas patients in the OSANT group were clinical follow-up for 6 months. Results The OSANT and OSAT groups were similar in anthropometric, neurovascular, hemodynamic and sleep parameters. Exercise training reduced the baseline MSNA (34 ± 2 bursts per minute vs 25 ± 2 bursts per minute; P < 0.05) and increased the baseline FBF (2.1 ± 0.2 mL·min−1 per 100 g vs 2.4 ± 0.2 mL·min−1 per 100 g; P < 0.05). Exercise training significantly reduced MSNA levels and increased FBF responses during isometric exercise. Exercise training significantly increased MSNA responses during PHMI (&Dgr;6.5 ± 1 vs −1.7 ± 1 bursts per minute, P < 0.01). No significant changes in FBF or hemodynamic parameters in OSANT patients were found. Conclusions Exercise training increases muscle metaboreflex sensitivity in patients with OSA. This autonomic change associated with increased muscle blood flow may contribute to the increase in exercise performance in this set of patients.
Expert opinion on the management of hepatitis C infection in Kuwait

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of death, especially in immunocompromised patients. The lack of clear prevalence data in the Middle East makes it difficult to estimate the true morbidity and mortality burden of HCV. In Kuwait, estimating the burden of disease is complicated by the constant flow of expatriates, many of whom are from HCV-endemic areas. The development of new and revolutionary treatments for HCV necessitates the standardization of clinical practice across all healthcare institutions. While international guidelines from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) do address this evolving treatment landscape, the cost-driven treatment prioritization of patients by these guidelines and unique HCV genotype presentation in the Kuwaiti population prompted the development of a more tailored approach. The predominant HCV genotypes prevalent in Kuwait are genotypes 4 and 1. The Kuwait Hepatology Club (KHC), comprising hepatologists across all major institutions in Kuwait, conducted several consensus meetings to develop the scoring criteria, evaluate all current evidence, and propose screening, diagnosis, and treatment suggestions for the management of HCV in this population. While these treatment suggestions were largely consistent with the 2016 AASLD and 2015 EASL guidelines, they also addressed gaps in the unmet needs of the Kuwaiti population with HCV.