Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hematologic System Dysregulation in Critically Ill Septic Patients with Anemia—A Retrospective Cohort Study

Sepsis can affect various organs as well as the hematologic system. Systemic dysregulation, present in sepsis, affects particularly red blood cells (RBCs). One of the widely available RBC indices is RBC distribution width (RDW). Sepsis may also affect hemostasis, with septic patients presenting with coagulopathy or disseminated intravascular coagulation. The aim of our study was to analyze the impact of sepsis on RBC indices and coagulation parameters on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and their association with presence of sepsis and sepsis outcomes in anemic critically ill patients. We performed a retrospective observational study covering consecutive patients admitted to a 10-bed mixed ICU in the years 2020–2021. We found significant differences between septic and non-septic patients for the following parameters: RDW (p = 0.02), INR (p < 0.01), aPTT (p < 0.01), D-dimers (p < 0.01), fibrinogen (p = 0.02), platelets (p = 0.04). International normalized ratio was the only parameter with adequate sepsis predictive value (AUROC = 0.70; 95% CI 0.63–0.76; p < 0.01), with an optimal cut-off value of >1.21. Combination of INR with fibrinogen and a severity of disease score improved INR’s predictive value (AUROC 0.74–0.77). Combination of INR with a severity of disease score was an adequate ICU mortality predictor in septic patients (AUROC 0.70–0.75). Sepsis significantly affects RDW and most coagulation parameters. Increased INR can be used for sepsis screening, whereas combination of INR with a severity of disease score can be a predictor of short-term mortality in septic patients.
Demonstration of acceptor-like traps at positive polarization interfaces in Ga-polar p-type (AlGaN/AlN)/GaN superlattices

This study experimentally shows the existence of acceptor traps at positive polarization interfaces acting as the source of holes in Ga-polar p-type uniformly doped (AlGaN/AlN)/GaN superlattices with low Mg doping. The observed hole concentrations which exceed that of the dopants (here, Mg) incorporated into the samples during growth, can be explained by the ionization of acceptor traps, placed 0.8 eV above the valence band of GaN, at positive polarization interfaces. All samples were epitaxially grown using Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition, and were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction and room-temperature Hall measurements. The measured hole concentrations are compared to calculated values from STR FETIS® and the measured mobility trends are explained using the separation of the positive polation interfaces from the two-dimensional hole gas in the systems, strengthening the hypothesis.
The Usefulness of Autoradiography for DNA Repair Proteins Activity Detection in the Cytoplasm towards Radiolabeled Oligonucleotides Containing 5′,8-Cyclo-2′-deoxyAdenosine

Autoradiography of 32P-radiolabeled oligonucleotides is one of the most precise detection methods of DNA repair processes. In this study, autoradiography allowed assessing the activity of proteins in the cytoplasm involved in DNA repair. The cytoplasm is the site of protein biosynthesis but is also a target cellular compartment of synthetic therapeutic oligonucleotide (STO) delivery. The DNA-based drugs may be impaired by radiation-induced lesions, such as clustered DNA lesions (CDL) and/or 5′,8-cyclo-2′-deoxypurines (cdPu). CDL and cdPu may appear in the sequence of STO after irradiation and subsequently impair DNA repair, as shown in previous studies. Hence, the interesting questions are (1) is it safe to combine STO treatment with radiotherapy; (2) are repair proteins active in the cytoplasm; and (3) is their activity different in the cytoplasm than in the nucleus? This unique study examined whether the proteins involved in the DNA repair are affected by the CDL while they are still present in the cytoplasm of xrs5, BJ, and XPC cells. Double-stranded oligonucleotides with bi-stranded CDL were used (containing AP site in one strand and a (5′S) or (5′R) 5′,8-cyclo-2′-deoxyadenosine (cdA) in the other strand located 1 or 4 bp in both directions). The results have shown that the proteins involved in the repair were active in the cytoplasm, but less than in the nucleus. The general trends aligned for cytoplasm and nucleus—lesions located in the 5′-end direction inhibited the course of DNA repair. The combination of STO with radiotherapy should be applied carefully, as unrepaired lesions within STO may impair their therapeutic efficiency.
Altered Mitochondrial Opa1-Related Fusion in Mouse Promotes Endothelial Cell Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis

Flow (shear stress)-mediated dilation (FMD) of resistance arteries is a rapid endothelial response involved in tissue perfusion. FMD is reduced early in cardiovascular diseases, generating a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. As alteration of mitochondrial fusion reduces endothelial cells’ (ECs) sprouting and angiogenesis, we investigated its role in ECs responses to flow. Opa1 silencing reduced ECs (HUVECs) migration and flow-mediated elongation. In isolated perfused resistance arteries, FMD was reduced in Opa1+/− mice, a model of the human disease due to Opa1 haplo-insufficiency, and in mice with an EC specific Opa1 knock-out (EC-Opa1). Reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress restored FMD in EC-Opa1 mice. In isolated perfused kidneys from EC-Opa1 mice, flow induced a greater pressure, less ATP, and more H2O2 production, compared to control mice. Opa1 expression and mitochondrial length were reduced in ECs submitted in vitro to disturbed flow and in vivo in the atheroprone zone of the mouse aortic cross. Aortic lipid deposition was greater in Ldlr−/--Opa1+/- and in Ldlr−/--EC-Opa1 mice than in control mice fed with a high-fat diet. In conclusion, we found that reduction in mitochondrial fusion in mouse ECs altered the dilator response to shear stress due to excessive superoxide production and induced greater atherosclerosis development.
A Comparative Analysis of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery and Thoracotomy in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Terms of Their Oncological Efficacy in Resection: A Systematic Review

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is considered the standard procedure for surgical resection in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there is still lingering speculation on its adequacy of lymph node (LN) dissection or sampling and the long-term survival benefits when compared to open thoracotomy. Given the above, we conducted a systematic review comparing VATS and thoracotomy in terms of their oncological effectiveness in resection. We explored major research literature databases and search engines such as MEDLINE, PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate to find pertinent articles. After the meticulous screening, quality check, and applying relevant filters according to our eligibility criteria, we identified 16 studies relevant to our research question, out of which one was a randomized controlled trial, one meta-analysis, and 14 were observational studies. The study comprised 44,673 patients with NSCLC, out of whom 15,093 patients were operated by VATS and the remaining 29,580 patients by thoracotomy. The results indicate that VATS is equivalent to thoracotomy in total LNs (N1 + N2) and LN stations dissected. However, a thoracotomy may achieve slightly better mediastinal lymph node dissection (N2) in terms of assessing a greater number of mediastinal lymph nodes and nodal stations. This may be attributed to a better visual field during mediastinal nodal clearance by an open approach. Also, nodal upstaging was consistently more common with an open approach. In terms of long-term outcomes, both overall survival and disease-free survival rates were similar between the two groups, with VATS offering a slightly better survival benefit. Irrespective of the increased rates of nodal upstaging by an open approach, we conclude that VATS should be considered a highly efficient alternative to thoracotomy in both early and locally advanced NSCLC.
A seismic assessment and protection proposal of a base isolation system for Michelangelo’s David

Michelangelo’s David is a masterpiece that belongs to the world community and needs to be preserved. Actually David stands in Accademia Gallery, Florence (Italy). This site is characterized by a medium seismicity. Therefore many studies have been produced throughout last decades to assess its static behaviour and to find a proper solution able to provide adequate seismic protection. In this regard, base isolation application to statues is a relatively new technique. Several devices have been already applied to important structures all over the world. This study focuses on the application of sliders between Michelangelo’s David and its basement. These devices consist of two sliding plates arranged in an array of movable top plates and fixed bottom plates. This paper mainly aims at reproducing the interaction statue – sliders – basement taking into consideration seismic protection devices currently named as sliders. Isolation system behaviour has been reproduced by employing a Bouc and Wen hysteretic model whose parameters have been calibrated by shaking table tests performed at the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center, in California. The study aims at numerically reproducing the sliders with OpenSees, to simulate the high non linearities of the interface and reproduce the large displacements predicted by the analytical model.
Genetic Association Analysis of Anti-VEGF Treatment Response in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Anti-VEGF treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) has been FDA-approved in 2004, and since then has helped tens of thousands of patients worldwide to preserve vision. Still, treatment responses vary widely, emphasizing the need for genetic biomarkers to robustly separate responders from non-responders. Here, we report the findings of an observational study compromising 179 treatment-naïve nAMD patients and their reaction to treatment after three monthly doses of anti-VEGF antibodies. We show that established criteria of treatment response such as visual acuity and central retinal thickness successfully divides our cohort into 128 responders and 51 non-responders. Nevertheless, retinal thickness around the fovea revealed significant reaction to treatment even in the formally categorized non-responders. To elucidate genetic effects underlying our criteria, we conducted an undirected genome-wide association study followed by a directed replication study of 30 previously reported genetic variants. Remarkably, both approaches failed to result in significant findings, suggesting study-specific effects were confounding the present and previous discovery studies. Of note, all studies so far are greatly underpowered, hampering interpretation of genetic findings. In consequence, we highlight the need for an extensive phenotyping study with sample sizes exceeding at least 15,000 to reliably assess anti-VEGF treatment responses in nAMD.
Energy requirement for Kharif maize cultivation in Panchmahal district of Gujarat

A study was carried out to collect farm operations data of Kharif maize cultivation in district Panchmahal of Gujarat and to estimate and analyze the total input energy requirement in Kharif maize crop, both source wise and operation wise along with total output energy. To accomplish this, a survey was conducted through structured questionnaire to 93 randomly selected farmers in four rainfed villages of three talukas Kalol, Godhra and Khanpur of the district. The raw data obtained was analyzed after converting data into energy equivalents. It was concluded that total input energy requirement for Kharif maize cultivation in Panchmahal district was 13205.10 MJ/ha. Out of which direct energy contributed 45.44 per cent and indirect energy contributed 54.56 per cent. Fuel energy was maximum utilizing direct energy source while fertilizer energy was maximum required indirect energy source. Seed bed preparation consumed maximum operation wise direct energy with a value of 2887.78 MJ/ha. Fertilizer application was maximum indirect energy consuming operation with energy consumption of 3702.59 MJ/ha. Total output energy for Kharif maize cultivation was 52873.29 MJ/ha with net energy return of 39668.19 MJ/ha and energy productivity of 0.21 kg/MJ.
FormlSlicer: A Model Slicing Tool for Feature-rich State-machine Models

A model of the feature-oriented requirements of a software system usually contains a large number of non-trivial features; each feature may have unintended interactions with other features. It may be difficult to comprehend or verify such a model. Model slicing is a useful approach to overcome such a challenge by enabling views of models of individual features that preserve feature interactions. Model slicing evolves from traditional program slicing; it is a technique to extract a sub-model from the original model with respect to a slicing criterion. In this thesis we focus on one type of model: state-based models (SBMs). Because of the difference in granularity between programs and SBMs, as well as the difficulty of maintaining well-formedness of a sliced SBM, SBM slicing is much more challenging than program slicing. Among a diverse range of slicing approaches, dependence-based slicing is the most popular; it relies on the computation of dependence relations among states and transitions in order to determine which model elements of the original model must be in the slice and which can be omitted. We present a workflow and tool for automatically constructing a feature-based slice from a feature-oriented state-machine model of the requirements of a software system. Each feature in the model is modeled as a complete state-transition machine called a featureoriented state machine (FOSM). The workflow consists of two tasks—a preprocessing task and a slicing task. The preprocessing task mainly computes three types of dependences: hierarchy dependence (HD), which represents the state hierarchy relation among states in the original model; data dependence (DD), which captures the define-use relationship among transitions with respect to a variable; and control dependence (CD), which captures the notion of whether one state can affect the execution of another state or transition. The slicing task forks off multiple slicing processes; each process considers one of the FOSMs as the feature of interest (FOI)—which is the slicing criterion—and the rest of FOSMs as the rest of the system (ROS)—which is to be sliced. Each slicing process constructs a sliced model to preserve the portion of the ROS that interacts with the FOI. The construction process is multi-staged; it firstly identifies an initial set of transitions in the ROS that directly affect the FOI; it then finds more states and transitions in the transitive closure of dependences; and it eventually restructures the model to further reduce the model size and maintain its well-formedness property. We provide a correctness proof that shows that the resulting sliced models simulate the original model, by proving that an execution step of a given execution trace in the original model can always be projected to an execution step of at least one execution trace in the sliced model.
Genome-Wide RNA Sequencing Analysis in Human Dermal Fibroblasts Exposed to Low-Dose Ultraviolet A Radiation

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation can pass through the epidermis and reach the dermal skin layer, contributing to photoaging, DNA damage, and photocarcinogenesis in dermal fibroblasts. High-dose UVA exposure induces erythema, whereas low-dose, long-term UVA exposure causes skin damage and cell senescence. Biomarkers for evaluating damage caused by low-dose UVA in fibroblasts are lacking, making it difficult to develop therapeutic agents for skin aging and aging-associated diseases. We performed RNA-sequencing to investigate gene and pathway alterations in low-dose UVA-irradiated human skin-derived NB1RGB primary fibroblasts. Differentially expressed genes were identified and subjected to Gene Ontology and reactome pathway analysis, which revealed enrichment in genes in the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, apoptosis, respiratory electron transport, and transcriptional regulation by tumor suppressor p53 pathways. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) showed the lowest p-value in RNA-sequencing analysis and was associated with the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Protein–protein interaction analysis revealed that Fos proto-oncogene had a high-confidence network with IGFBP7 as transcription factor of the IGFBP7 gene among SASP hit genes, which were validated using RT-qPCR. Because of their high sensitivity to low-dose UVA radiation, Fos and IGFBP7 show potential as biomarkers for evaluating the effect of low-dose UVA radiation on dermal fibroblasts.
A novel cone-beam CT scanning technique for measuring periodontal soft tissues in the esthetic area.

PURPOSE This study investigated and tested a novel cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning technique capable of obtaining clear contours of soft tissues in the esthetic area. METHODS Twenty-three periodontally healthy participants underwent this novel CBCT scanning technique. Soft tissue morphological parameters were measured on the CBCT images obtained. Intraoral clinical data were also collected at the same locations, and the accuracy of the CBCT method was tested. RESULTS The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the supracrestal gingival tissue thickness as 0.91 (0.73-1.13) mm, and the thickness of the central incisors was significantly greater than that of the canines (P < 0.05). The median (IQR) of keratinized tissue thickness was 0.73 (0.55-0.91) mm, which also showed a significantly greater thickness in the central incisors than in the canines (P < 0.05). Bland-Altman analysis suggested that CBCT could be accurate for measuring soft tissues in the esthetic area. CONCLUSION The novel CBCT technique described yields clear contours of soft tissues in the esthetic area without the need for auxiliary tools. Moreover, measurements of soft tissue morphological parameters on CBCT appear to be accurate.
A Review of Recent Literature on Systems and Methods for the Control of Thermal Comfort in Buildings

Thermal comfort in indoor environments is perceived as an important factor for the well-being and productivity of the occupants. To practically create a comfortable environment, a combination of models, systems, and procedures must be applied. This systematic review collects recent studies proposing complete thermal-comfort-based control strategies, extracted from a scientific database for the period 2017–2021. The study consists of this paper and of a spreadsheet recording all the 166 reviewed works. After a general introduction, the content of the papers is analyzed in terms of thermal comfort models, indoor environment control strategies, and correlation between these two aspects. Practical considerations on scope, required inputs, level of readiness, and, where available, estimated cost are also given. It was found that the predicted mean vote is the preferred thermal comfort modeling approach, followed by data-driven and adaptive methods. Thermal comfort is controlled mainly through indoor temperature, although a wide range of options are explored, including the comfort-based design of building elements. The most popular field of application of advanced control strategies is office/commercial buildings with air conditioning systems, which can be explained by budget and impact considerations. The analysis showed that few works envisaging practical implementations exist that address the needs of vulnerable people. A section is, therefore, dedicated to this issue.
Biomimetic Incremental Domain Generalization with a Graph Network for Surgical Scene Understanding

Surgical scene understanding is a key barrier for situation-aware robotic surgeries and the associated surgical training. With the presence of domain shifts and the inclusion of new instruments and tissues, learning domain generalization (DG) plays a pivotal role in expanding instrument–tissue interaction detection to new domains in robotic surgery. Mimicking the ability of humans to incrementally learn new skills without forgetting their old skills in a similar domain, we employ incremental DG on scene graphs to predict instrument–tissue interaction during robot-assisted surgery. To achieve incremental DG, incorporate incremental learning (IL) to accommodate new instruments and knowledge-distillation-based student–teacher learning to tackle domain shifts in the new domain. Additionally, we designed an enhanced curriculum by smoothing (E-CBS) based on Laplacian of Gaussian (LoG) and Gaussian kernels, and integrated it with the feature extraction network (FEN) and graph network to improve the instrument–tissue interaction performance. Furthermore, the FEN’s and graph network’s logits are normalized by temperature normalization (T-Norm), and its effect in model calibration was studied. Quantitative and qualitative analysis proved that our incrementally-domain generalized interaction detection model was able to adapt to the target domain (transoral robotic surgery) while retaining its performance in the source domain (nephrectomy surgery). Additionally, the graph model enhanced by E-CBS and T-Norm outperformed other state-of-the-art models, and the incremental DG technique performed better than the naive domain adaption and DG technique.
Microstructural changes in blanched, dehydrated, and rehydrated onion

Abstract This study aims to explore the shrinkage of onion cells, single and multi-layer onion section, and expansion of intercellular pathways during dehydration. For macro and bulk-level studies, moisture analyzer and hot air convective dryer were used, respectively. Shrinkage, size retention, and color changes due to dehydration and rehydration of onion shreds were compared. At micro-level, CaCl2 and water blanched samples dehydrated at 70 °C, citric acid blanched samples dehydrated at 60 and 80 °C showed less shrinkage compared to unblanched samples. On rehydration, single layer section showed comparable cell size and intercellular space retention. Multi-layer section of CaCl2 blanched samples dehydrated at 70 °C retained better structure. At macro-level dehydration, shrinkage of CaCl2 blanched samples was the least. At bulk-level, all blanched samples shrank by 82–90%. Bulk level rehydration at 50 °C achieved better size retention. Blanching resulted a porous structure of onion shreds with an improved rehydration characteristics.