Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Th2/Th1 cytokine imbalance is associated with higher recurrent intussusception incidence in children: A 10-year retrospective study of 1657 patients

Recurrent intussusception is one of the common acute abdominal diseases in infants, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of infants, but its risk factors have not been fully clarified. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Th2/Th1 cytokine imbalance and recurrent intussusception, so as to provide a theoretical basis for making a more comprehensive treatment strategy for patients with recurrent intussusception. A retrospective study was conducted between July 2012 and September 2022, enrolling patients with intussusception in Children’s Hospital of Hebei Province. The patients were divided into recurrent group and non-recurrent group according to whether they suffered from recurrent intussusception. We summarized the clinical characteristics of recurrent intussusception and explored the role of T helper 2 (Th2)/T helper 1 (Th1) cytokine imbalance in it. A total of 2008 patients were initially enrolled and finally 1657 patients qualified for the study. The results showed that the incidence of recurrent intussusception was 18.41% and the Th2/Th1 cytokine imbalance was closely related to the incidence of recurrent intussusception. Th2/Th1 cytokine imbalance is a potential risk factor of recurrent intussusception and more likely to occur in children between the ages of 2 and 3. Future studies are needed to preemptively target the Th2/Th1 cytokine imbalance to formulate a reasonable treatment plan for children with intussusception to avoid recurrence.
False-positive magnetic resonance imaging prostate cancer correlates and clinical implications

Background: False-positive (FP) multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MPMRI) obscures and swift needless biopsies in men with a high prostate-specific antigen. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study, in which all patients who had been exposed to consecutive MP-MRI of the prostate combined with transrectal ultrasound-guided-magnetic resonance imaging fusion-guided prostate biopsy between 2017 and 2020 were involved in the study. The FP was measured as the number of biopsies that did not encompass prostate cancer divided by the whole number of biopsies. Results: The percentage of FP cases was 51.1%, the highest percentage was found in Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System (PI-RADs) 3 (37.7%) and the lowest was detected in PI-RAD 5 (14.5%). Those with FP biopsies are younger, and their total prostate antigen (PSA) and PSA density (PSAD) are significantly lesser. The area under the curve PSAD, age, and total PSA are 0.76, 0.74, and 0.69, respectively. An optimum PSAD value of 0.135 was chosen as a cutoff because it showed the highest sum of sensitivity and specificity, 68% and 69%, respectively. Conclusion: FP results of mpMRI were detected in more than half of our sample, more than one-third were presented in Pi-RAD3, improved imaging techniques to decrease FP rates are highly needed.
A Central Stellar Remnant in Puppis A

ROSAT observations of a feature in the center of the Puppis A supernova remnant suggest that it is the stellar remnant of the supernova. This feature has been known since Einstein HRI observations, but convincing evidence that it is unresolved has become available only through observations from the ROSAT HRI. The source has no optical counterpart to limiting magnitude B ≳ 25.0, R ≳ 23.6, nor is there an obvious radio counterpart to a limit of 0.75 mJy at 1.4 GHz. Timing analysis of the X-ray data has indicated neither pulsations nor variability on long time scales. We suggest that this source is the cooling neutron-star remnant of the Puppis A progenitor. The ~3700 yr age of the supernova remnant would make this the youngest known neutron star cooling via thermal processes. Assuming it originated at the center of expansion, located 6' to the northeast, requires the stellar remnant to have a transverse velocity ~1000 km s-1. The stellar remnant's velocity is directed roughly opposite to the average proper motion of the fast, oxygen-rich knots, believed to be fragments of the progenitor's outer core, which suggests an anisotropic explosion and recoil of a newly formed neutron star.
Pair tunneling of bosonic atoms in an optical lattice

We show that atom-molecule coupling with large detuning can cause effective hopping of pairs of bosonic atoms in a state-dependent optical lattice. Taking advantage of the high controllability of all relevant parameters in such systems, we discuss the pair-superfluid (PSF) to Mott insulator (MI) transition using the effective model within mean-field theory. In the presence of on-site disorder, simultaneous tunneling of bosonic atoms can result in a compressible weak Mott insulating phase. We have also investigated the coexistence of superfluid (SF) and PSF in the lattice, and found that the competition between the two hopping mechanisms can cause a first-order PSF(SF)-MI transition.
First-principles calculation and scanning tunneling microscopy study of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (0001)

In this work we report a theoretical and experimental study of the HOPG(0001) surface using density functional theory and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) where both the triangular and the full hexagonal atomic structures are resolved. The experimental STM images are supported by ab initio charge-density calculations and STM image simulations without invoked mechanical or electronic tip effects. The optimal experimental conditions to obtain both structures are discussed in detail.
G-quadruplexes in bacteria: insights into the regulatory roles and interacting proteins of non-canonical nucleic acid structures

Abstract G-quadruplexes (G4s) are highly stable, non-canonical DNA or RNA structures that can form in guanine-rich stretches of nucleic acids. G4-forming sequences have been found in all domains of life, and proteins that bind and/or resolve G4s have been discovered in both bacterial and eukaryotic organisms. G4s regulate a variety of cellular processes through inhibitory or stimulatory roles that depend upon their positions within genomes or transcripts. These include potential roles as impediments to genome replication, transcription, and translation or, in other contexts, as activators of genome stability, transcription, and recombination. This duality suggests that G4 sequences can aid cellular processes but that their presence can also be problematic. Despite their documented importance in bacterial species, G4s remain understudied in bacteria relative to eukaryotes. In this review, we highlight the roles of bacterial G4s by discussing their prevalence in bacterial genomes, the proteins that bind and unwind G4s in bacteria, and the processes regulated by bacterial G4s. We identify limitations in our current understanding of the functions of G4s in bacteria and describe new avenues for studying these remarkable nucleic acid structures.
CD99 and NKX2.2 positive neuroblastoma diagnosed on cytology: A potential diagnostic pitfall and necessity of pathological evaluation of the primary site

Immunohistochemistry plays a vital role in the diagnosis of small round cell tumors. CD99 immunonegativity is one of the features, which helps in distinguishing neuroblastoma from other small round cell tumors. NKX2.2 is a specific marker of Ewing sarcoma, which is a differential for poorly differentiated neuroblastoma. Here, we present a case of metastatic neuroblastoma showing immunoreactivity for both CD99 and NKX2.2 on cytology of the metastatic site causing diagnostic dilemma. Biopsy study of the adrenal lesion revealed presence of differentiating cells and neuropil, highlighting the importance of evaluation of the primary site and limitation of cytology.
Osimertinib and selpercatinib efficacy, safety, and resistance in a multicenter, prospectively treated cohort of EGFR-mutant and RET fusion-positive lung cancers.

PURPOSE Acquired RET fusions have been reported at resistance to treatment with EGFR inhibitors in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), however, a multicenter cohort of patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers treated with osimertinib and selpercatinib for RET fusion-mediated osimertinib resistance has not previously been published. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients who received selpercatinib in combination with osimertinib on a prospective expanded access clinical trial (NCT03906331) and single-patient compassionate use programs across five countries were centrally analyzed. All patients had advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC with a RET fusion detected from tissue or plasma following osimertinib therapy. Clinicopathologic and outcomes data were collected. RESULTS Fourteen patients with EGFR-mutant and RET fusion-positive lung cancers who experienced prior progression on osimertinib received osimertinib and selpercatinib. EGFR exon 19 deletions (±T790M, 86%) and non-KIF5B fusions (CCDC6-RET 50%, NCOA4-RET 36%) predominated. Osimertinib 80mg daily and selpercatinib 80mg twice daily were the most commonly administered dosages. The response rate, disease control rate, and median treatment duration were 50% (95%CI 25%-75%, n=12), 83% (95%CI 55%-95%%), and 7.9 months (range 0.8-25+), respectively. Resistance was complex, involving EGFR on-target (EGFR C797S), RET on-target (RET G810S), and off-target (EML4-ALK/STRN-ALK, KRAS G12S, BRAF V600E) mechanisms, RET fusion loss, or polyclonal mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS For patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC with an acquired RET fusion as a mechanism of EGFR inhibitor resistance, the addition of selpercatinib to osimertinib was feasible, safe, and offered clinical benefit, supporting the prospective evaluation of this combination.
Assignment 2 - Deep Learning with Sparse Coding

In sparse coding and sparse modeling, the n-diensional input x is assumed to be linearly reconstructable by computing the product of a sparse m-dimensional vector z with an n ×m dictionary matrix W , whose columns are sometimes called basis functions, basis vectors, or atoms. The sparse code z for a given input vector x is often obtained by minimizing the energy function: E(W,x, z) = ‖x−Wz‖2 + λ‖z‖1,
Full-wave computed tomography. Part 1: Fundamental theory

The definition of computed tomography (CT) is generalised to the formation, from data gathered using any appropriate physical process, of a clean image of a cross-section of a body. The theory is based on a canonical partial differential equation of second-order, so that the existence of reflection, refraction, scattering and diffusion is recognised implicitly from the outset. It is shown that the mathematical physics of many technically important physical processes can be reduced to canonical form. The general CT problem is formulated, and a new exact solution is developed. The significance of this solution is assessed, as is its relation to established approximate solutions.
Overview of ectopic pregnancy diagnosis, management, and innovation

Ectopic pregnancies are the leading cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester, with an incidence of 5%–10% of all pregnancy-related deaths. Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancies is difficult due to clinical mimics and non-specific symptoms of abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. The current standard for ectopic pregnancy diagnosis includes ultrasound imaging and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) monitoring. In addition to β-hCG, serum markers are being explored as a potential for diagnosis, with activin-AB and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A specifically showing promise. Other diagnostic methods include endometrial sampling, with dilation and curettage showing the highest specificity; however, frozen section reduces the diagnostic timeline which may improve outcomes. Treatment options for confirmed ectopic pregnancies include medical, surgical, and expectant management. Chosen treatment methodology is based on β-hCG levels, hematologic stability, and risk of ectopic pregnancy rupture. Current innovations in ectopic pregnancy management aim to preserve fertility and include laparoscopic partial tubal resection with end-to-end anastomosis and uterine artery embolization with intrauterine infusion of methotrexate. Psychological interventions to improve patient mental health surrounding ectopic pregnancy diagnosis and treatment are also valuable innovations. This literature review aims to bring light to current ectopic pregnancy diagnostics, treatments, and future directions.
Adaptive pole placement without excitation probing signals

This paper presents an indirect adaptive control scheme for linear systems which may possibly be a nonminimum phase. The control scheme achieves asymptotical pole placement without either introducing persistent excitation probing signals into the systems or assuming any a priori knowledge on the plant parameters. The system order is the only a priori knowledge required on the plant. The adaptive control law is free from singularities in the sense that the estimated plant model is always controllable. The singularities are overcome by a suitable parameter estimates modification which is based upon standard least squares covariance matrix properties. The analysis of the stability and the global convergence of a closed-loop system is given in detail for both discrete-time and continuous-time systems. >
Variation of Fixed-Point and Coincidence Sets

Abstract Topologise the set of continuous self-mappings of a Hausdorff space by the graph topology. When the set of closed subsets of the space is given the upper semi-finite topology then the function which assigns to a map its fixed-point set is continuous. In many familiar cases this is the largest such topology. Related results also hold for the function which assigns to each pair of maps their coincidence set.
A3907, a systemic ASBT inhibitor, improves cholestasis in mice by multiorgan activity and shows translational relevance to humans

Background and Aims: Cholestasis is characterized by intrahepatic accumulation of bile constituents, including bile acids (BAs), which promote liver damage. The apical sodium-dependent BA transporter (ASBT) plays an important role in BA reabsorption and signaling in ileum, bile ducts, and kidneys. Our aim was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activity of A3907, an oral and systemically available ASBT inhibitor in experimental mouse models of cholestasis. In addition, the tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of A3907 were examined in healthy humans. Approach and Results: A3907 was a potent and selective ASBT inhibitor in vitro. In rodents, orally administered A3907 distributed to the ASBT-expressing organs, that is, ileum, liver, and kidneys, and dose dependently increased fecal BA excretion. A3907 improved biochemical, histological, and molecular markers of liver and bile duct injury in Mdr2 −/− mice and also had direct protective effects on rat cholangiocytes exposed to cytotoxic BA concentrations in vitro. In bile duct ligated mice, A3907 increased urinary BA elimination, reduced serum BA levels, and prevented body weight loss, while improving markers of liver injury. A3907 was well tolerated and demonstrated target engagement in healthy volunteers. Plasma exposure of A3907 in humans was within the range of systemic concentrations that achieved therapeutic efficacy in mouse. Conclusions: The systemic ASBT inhibitor A3907 improved experimental cholestatic disease by targeting ASBT function at the intestinal, liver, and kidney levels, resulting in marked clearance of circulating BAs and liver protection. A3907 is well tolerated in humans, supporting further clinical development for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases.
Surgical Approaches for Possible Positions of an Olfactory Implant to Stimulate the Olfactory Bulb

Introduction: Current scientific developments seem to allow for an “olfactory implant” in analogy to cochlear implants. However, the position and surgical approaches for electrical stimulation of the olfactory system are unclear. Methods: In a human anatomic cadaver study, we investigated different endoscopic approaches to electrically stimulate the olfactory bulb (OB) based on the following considerations: (1) the stimulating electrode should be close to the OB. (2) The surgical procedure should be as non-invasive and safe as possible and (3) as easy as possible for an experienced ENT surgeon. Results: In summary, the endoscopic intracranial positioning of the electrode via a widened ostium of the fila olfactoria or a frontal sinus surgery like a Draf IIb procedure is a good option in terms of patients’ risk, degree of difficulty for ENT surgeons, and position to the OB. Endoscopic intranasal positioning appeared to be the best option in terms of patient risk and the degree of difficulty for ENT surgeons. Although a bigger approach to the OB using a drill and the combined intranasal endoscopic and external approach enabled a close placement of the electrode to the OB, they do not seem relevant in practice due to their higher invasiveness. Conclusion: The study suggested that an intranasal positioning of a stimulating electrode is possible, with placements beneath the cribriform plate, extra- or intracranially, applying elegant surgical techniques with low or medium risk to the patient and a close placement to OB.
Fluid compartments influence elastography of the aging mouse brain

Objective. Elastography of the brain has the potential to reveal subtle but clinically important changes in the structure and composition as a function of age, disease, and injury. Approach. In order to quantify the specific effects of aging on mouse brain elastography, and to determine the key factors influencing observed changes, we applied optical coherence tomography reverberant shear wave elastography at 2000 Hz to a group of wild-type healthy mice ranging from young to old age. Main results. We found a strong trend towards increasing stiffness with age, with an approximately 30% increase in shear wave speed from 2 months to 30 months within this sampled group. Furthermore, this appears to be strongly correlated with decreasing measures of whole brain fluid content, so older brains have less water and are stiffer. Rheological models are applied, and the strong effect is captured by specific assignment of changes to the glymphatic compartment of the brain fluid structures along with a correlated change in the parenchymal stiffness. Significance. Short-term and longer-term changes in elastography measures may provide a sensitive biomarker of progressive and fine-scale changes in the glymphatic fluid channels and parenchymal components of the brain.
Fostering the community participation of individuals with psychiatric disabilities: Effectiveness of a new peer-led photovoice-based intervention.

OBJECTIVE Having meaningful social roles and full community participation have been examined as a central tenet of the recovery paradigm. We undertook this study to test a new multimodal, peer-led intervention, which we have developed with the aim of fostering the self-efficacy of individuals with psychiatric disabilities to pursue involvement in community activities of their choice. METHOD We evaluated the effectiveness of the 6-month manualized peer-delivered "Bridging Community Gaps Photovoice (BCGP)" program with a multisite randomized trial (N = 185), with recipients of services at five community mental health programs. Mixed-effects regression models were used to examine the impact of the program on community participation, loneliness, personal stigma, psychosocial functioning, and personal growth and recovery when compared to services as usual. Individuals who were randomized to the BCGP intervention were also invited to participate in exit focus groups, exploring the program's perceived active ingredients of mechanisms of impact. RESULTS Participation in the BCGP program facilitated ongoing involvement in community activities and contributed to a decreased sense of alienation from other members of the community due to internalized stigma of mental illness. In addition, greater attendance of group BCGP sessions had a significant impact on participants' sense of self-efficacy in pursuing desired community activities. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This study provided initial evidence about the promise of the BCGP program in enhancing community participation. Its implementation in community mental health agencies can further expand the recovery-oriented services provided to people with psychiatric disabilities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
Worst Case Control for Discrete-time Systems in the Presence of Nonlinear Uncertainties

This paper studies the problem of robust in HOO control theory in the past few years. Both control of a class of uncertain discrete time systems, the cases of continuous-time and discrete-time systems The class of uncertain systems is described by a state have been intensively studied. The essential idea of space model with linear nominal parts and norm-boundedH^ control is to design a controller to optimize the nonlinear uncertainties in the state and output equa- closed-loop system performance for the worst exoge- tions. We address the problem of robust HOO control in which both robust stability and a prescribed HOO performance are required to be achieved irrespectively of the uncertainties. It has been shown that instead of the nonlinear uncertain system, we may only consider a related linear uncertain system and thus, a linear static state feedback control law is designed, which is in terms of a Riccati inequality. An example is pro- vided to show the potential of the proposed technique. Keywords: HOO control, Riccati inequality, robust stability, nonlinear uncertainty.
Regularization in fluorescence diffuse optical tomography using prior information on the medium optical properties

It is well known that the reconstruction problem in fluorescence diffuse optical tomography is badly conditioned and requires the knowledge of medium optical properties. Its principle is to measure the fluorescence light emerging at different positions of the surface when the biological medium is excited with point sources. In this paper, we evaluate the influence of the medium optical properties and the noise on the fluorescence reconstruction, and we introduce a new regularized fluorescence reconstruction method using an a priori on contours. The fluorescence reconstruction improvement is studied when using this method.
Cannabis update: Anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder

ABSTRACT The development of anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is complex. Both delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are of potential therapeutic use. Evidence suggests that cannabis has a beneficial effect on neural circuitry involved in fear regulation. In the United States, cannabis is considered either medical or recreational and can contain pure THC or CBD or any combination thereof. The numerous cannabis compounds of various administration routes, with variable pharmacokinetics, further affect the cannabis conundrum. Despite being federally unregulated, medical cannabis has received increased attention socially, and at present, 37 states, four territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized medical cannabis for use in specific health conditions. Patients are increasingly inquiring about cannabis, and clinicians must educate themselves with reliable cannabinoid information for patient education. In adults with anxiety disorders and PTSD, evidence supports a relatively safe profile for medical cannabis; however, conclusive scientific evidential support of its therapeutic properties is limited, resulting in a lack of standardization and Food and Drug Administration approval.