Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantum Key Distribution Highly Sensitive to Eavesdropping

We introduce a new quantum key distribution protocol that uses d-level quantum systems to encode an alphabet with c letters. It has the property that the error rate introduced by an intercept-and-resend attack tends to one as the numbers c and d increase. In dimension d=2, when the legitimate parties use a complete set of three mutually unbiased bases, the protocol achieves a quantum bit error rate of 57.1%. This represents a significant improvement over the 25% quantum bit error rate achieved in the BB84 protocol or 33% in the six-state protocol.
Intermittent fasting and exercise therapy abates STZ‐induced diabetotoxicity in rats through modulation of adipocytokines hormone, oxidative glucose metabolic, and glycolytic pathway

Diabetes is a global, costly, and growing public health issue. Intermittent fasting (IF) and exercise therapy have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity (IS) in large studies, although the underlying processes are still unknown. The goal of this study, which included both nondiabetic and diabetic rats, was to look at the mechanisms of intermittent fasting and exercise in the management of diabetotoxicity. The effects of starvation and honey on the oral glucose tolerance test, insulin tolerance test, adipocytokines, oxidative glucose metabolic enzymes, glycolytic enzymes, food intake, and body weight in rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes were also investigated. In the nondiabetic phase, rats were administered an oral regimen of distilled water (0.5 ml/rat), honey (1 g/kg body weight), and interventions with IF, and starvation for 4 weeks while in the diabetic phase, after STZ or citrate buffer injections, interventions with IF, exercise, starvation, and honey treatment began for 4 weeks. At all OGTT and ITT points, there was a substantial rise in glucose in the STZ group. Adipocytokines hormone, oxidative glucose metabolic enzymes, glycolytic enzymes, and body weight were all affected by STZ when compared to starvation and honey, however, IF and exercise significantly reduced these alterations. In diabetic rats, intermittent fasting and exercise enhanced serum adipocytokines levels. These findings imply that adipokines modulate glycolytic/nonmitochondrial enzymes and glucose metabolic/mitochondrial dehydrogenase to mediate the antidiabetic effects of intermittent fasting and exercise.
Efficacy of optical coherence tomography in the diagnosing of oral cancerous lesion: systematic review and meta‐analysis

Non‐invasive diagnostic tools that facilitate visualization of potentially malignant oral lesions and cancers have been introduced. Oral lesions detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) were compared to reference results based on histological findings. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), along with summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC), area under SROC, sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values, were the outcomes. The DOR of OCT was 86.9190 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38.7435, 194.9985), and the area under SROC was 0.951. OCT showed good sensitivity (0.9138; 95% CI: 0.8758, 0.9409) and specificity (0.9110; 95% CI: 0.8568, 0.9460), and a high negative predictive value (0.9225; 95% CI: 0.8863, 0.9478). Diagnostic sensitivity was higher when using artificial intelligence and automated algorithms compared to diagnoses made by clinicians. OCT is non‐invasive, provides rapid results without radiation exposure, and can aid in the diagnosis and follow‐up of oral cancer and oral precancerous lesions.
Vortex survival in 3D self-gravitating accretion discs

Large-scale, dust-trapping vortices may account for observations of asymmetric protoplanetary discs. Disc vortices are also potential sites for accelerated planetesimal formation by concentrating dust grains. However, in 3D discs vortices are subject to destructive `elliptic instabilities', which reduces their viability as dust traps. The survival of vortices in 3D accretion discs is thus an important issue to address. In this work, we perform shearing box simulations to show that disc self-gravity enhances the survival of 3D vortices, even when self-gravity is weak in the classic sense (e.g. with a Toomre Q ≃ 5). We find a 3D self-gravitating vortex can grow on secular time-scales in spite of the elliptic instability. The vortex aspect ratio decreases as it strengthens, which feeds the elliptic instability. The result is a 3D vortex with a turbulent core that persists for ˜103 orbits. We find when gravitational and hydrodynamic stresses become comparable, the vortex may undergo episodic bursts, which we interpret as an interaction between elliptic and gravitational instabilities. We estimate the distribution of dust particles in self-gravitating, turbulent vortices. Our results suggest large-scale vortices in protoplanetary discs are more easily observed at large radii.
PVH-Peri5 Pathway for Stress-Coping Oromotor and Anxious Behaviors in Mice

Stressful stimuli can activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Clinically, it has been widely reported that stressful events are often accompanied by teeth clenching and bruxism, while mastication (chewing) can promote coping with stress. Trigeminal motoneurons in the trigeminal motor nucleus supplying the chewing muscles receive direct inputs from interneurons within the peritrigeminal premotor area (Peri5). Previous studies found that the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH) participates in trigeminal activities during stressful events. However, the neural pathway by which the stress-induced oral movements alleviate stress is largely unknown. We hypothesized that paraventricular-trigeminal circuits might be associated with the stress-induced chewing movements and anxiety levels. First, we observed the stress-coping effect of wood gnawing on stress-induced anxiety, with less anxiety-like behaviors seen in the open field test and elevated plus maze, as well as decreased corticosterone and blood glucose levels, in response to stress in mice. We then found that excitotoxic lesions of PVH reduced the effect of gnawing on stress, reflected in more anxiety-like behaviors; this emphasizes the importance of the PVH in stress responses. Anterograde, retrograde, transsynaptic, and nontranssynaptic tracing through central and peripheral injections confirmed monosynaptic projections from PVH to Peri5. We discovered that PVH receives proprioceptive sensory inputs from the jaw muscle and periodontal ligaments, as well as provides motor outputs via the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (Me5) and Peri5. Next, pathway-specific functional manipulation by chemogenetic inhibition was conducted to further explore the role of PVH-Peri5 monosynaptic projections. Remarkably, PVH-Peri5 inhibition decreased gnawing but did not necessarily reduce stress-induced anxiety. Moreover, neuropeptide B (NPB) was expressed in Peri5-projecting PVH neurons, indicating that NPB signaling may mediate the effects of PVH-Peri5. In conclusion, our data revealed a PVH-Peri5 circuit that plays a role in the stress response via its associations with oromotor movements and relative anxiety-like behaviors.
A Reappraisal of the Diagnostic Performance of B-Mode Ultrasonography for Mild Liver Steatosis

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown that ultrasonography has high specificity (80%–100%) but low sensitivity (50%–70%) in diagnosing fatty liver; sensitivity is especially low for mild steatosis. In this study, we aimed to reappraise the diagnostic performance of B-mode ultrasonography (B-USG) for fatty liver disease. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, multinational, multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study (6 referral centers from 3 nations). We included 5,056 participants who underwent both B-USG and magnetic resonance proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) within a 6-month period. The diagnostic performance of B-USG was compared with that of MRI-PDFF as a reference standard for fatty liver diagnosis, using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, diagnostic accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: B-USG showed a sensitivity of 83.4%, specificity of 81.0%, and AUC of 0.822 in diagnosing mild liver steatosis (6.5% ≤MRI-PDFF ≤14%). The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC in diagnosing the presence of fatty liver disease (MRI-PDFF ≥6.5%) were 83.4%, 81.0%, and 0.822, respectively. The mean PDFF of B-USG–diagnosed nonfatty liver differed significantly from that of diagnosed mild liver steatosis (3.5% ± 2.8% vs 8.5% ± 5.0%, P < 0.001). The interinstitutional variability of B-USG in diagnosing fatty liver was similar in diagnostic accuracy among the 6 centers (range, 82.8%–88.6%, P = 0.416). DISCUSSION: B-USG was an effective, objective method to detect mild liver steatosis using MRI-PDFF as comparison, regardless of the etiologies and comorbidities.
Real World Presentation and Treatment Outcomes with a Predominant Induction Chemotherapy Based Approach in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Sixteen Year Report from a Teaching Hospital in India

Abstract Introduction Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy in India except in north-eastern states. We present our institutional experience of 16 years highlighting management, outcomes, responses and toxicities. Materials and Methods NPC patients registered at our center during the period of 2000–2015. The primary objective of the study was to assess the overall survival (OS). Secondary outcome included determinations of response rates, progression free survival (PFS) and to assess treatment-related toxicity (CTCAE v4.0). Institute ethics committee approval was obtained prior to initiation of this study. Results Data was retrieved from complete records of 222 patients out of 390 registered during study period. There were 163 males (73.4%) and 59 females (26.6%) with a male to female ratio of 2.8:1. The median age was 35 years (range 6–73). Only 5.6% (n = 12) presented in early-stage disease (stage I and II) while 89.6% (n = 199) were advanced stage (stage III, IVA, IVB). Five patients (2.2%) presented as metastatic disease. Majority of patients were treated with induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) {76.1%, n = 169}. Relapses were documented in 10.4% patients. 5% patients had loco-regional relapse while distant metastases were seen in 4% patients. The 3-year PFS and OS rates are 60.9% and 68.4%, respectively. Achieving a CR predicted superior OS on multivariate analysis. Conclusions NPC is a rare malignancy and majority presented with advanced stages. This data outlines our experience and outcomes with a predominantly induction chemotherapy followed by definitive CCRT based approach.
Quantitative spatial mapping of tissue water and lipid content using spatial frequency domain imaging in the 900- to 1000-nm wavelength region

Abstract. Significance Water and lipid are key participants of many biological processes, but there are few label-free, non-contact optical methods that can spatially map these components in-vivo. Shortwave infrared meso-patterned imaging (SWIR-MPI) is an emerging technique that successfully addresses this need. However, it requires a dedicated SWIR camera to probe the 900- to 1300-nm wavelength region, which hinders practical translation of the technology. Aim Compared with SWIR-MPI, we aim to develop a new technique that can dramatically reduce the cost in detector while maintaining high accuracy for the quantification of tissue water and lipid content. Approach By utilizing water and lipid absorption features in the 900- to 1000-nm wavelength region as well as optimal wavelength and spatial frequency combinations, we develop a new imaging technique based on spatial frequency domain imaging to quantitatively map tissue water and lipid content using a regular silicon-based camera. Results The proposed method is validated with a phantom study, which shows average error of 0.9 ± 1.2 % for water content estimation, and −0.4 ± 0.7 % for lipid content estimation, respectively. The proposed method is also demonstrated for ex vivo porcine tissue lipid mapping as well as in-vivo longitudinal water content monitoring. Conclusions The proposed technique enables spatial mapping of tissue water and lipid content with the cost in detector reduced by two orders of magnitude compared with SWIR-MPI while maintaining high accuracy. The experimental results highlight the potential of this technique for substantial impact in both scientific and industrial applications.
Child-therapist and parent-therapist alliances and outcome in the treatment of children with oppositional defiant/conduct disorder

Abstract Objective This study examined the quality of therapeutic alliance from different rater perspectives (child, parent, therapist) in cognitive behavioural therapy for children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD), and its association with symptom severity. Further, a panel model with an autoregressive cross-lagged panel design was used to explore whether therapist-rated and parent-rated therapeutic alliance influences change in symptom severity, or vice versa. Methods Sixty boys aged 6–12 years with a principal diagnosis of ODD/CD, and their parents, received individually delivered social competence training for childhood aggressive behaviour problems. Child, therapist, and parent ratings of therapeutic alliance and symptom severity were measured twice. Results Our results indicate good to very good therapeutic alliance that was relatively stable over time. The cross-sectional analyses of the alliance-symptom association revealed moderate correlations. However, effects of early alliance on later treatment outcome or of early symptom severity on later alliance were marginal. The only significant association was found between early parent-rated therapist-parent alliance and later parent-rated symptom severity. Conclusion Our study shows a moderate correlation between simultaneously assessed therapeutic alliance and symptoms. The findings of the panel model indicate that an early good therapeutic alliance is a component of later therapeutic success (parent perspective).
Multi-phase outflows in Mkn 848 observed with SDSS-MaNGA integral field spectroscopy

Aims. The characterisation of galaxy-scale outflows in terms of their multi-phase and multi-scale nature, amount, and effects of flowing material is crucial to place constraints on models of galaxy formation and evolution. This study can proceed only with the detailed investigation of individual targets. Methods. We present a spatially resolved spectroscopic optical data analysis of Mkn 848, a complex system consisting of two merging galaxies at z ∼ 0.04 that are separated by a projected distance of 7.5 kpc. Motivated by the presence of a multi-phase outflow in the north-west system revealed by the SDSS integrated spectrum, we analysed the publicly available MaNGA data, which cover almost the entire merging system, to study the kinematic and physical properties of cool and warm gas in detail. Results. Galaxy-wide outflowing gas in multiple phases is revealed for the first time in the two merging galaxies. We also detect spatially resolved resonant Na ID emission associated with the outflows. The derived outflow energetics (mass rate, and kinetic and momentum power) may be consistent with a scenario in which both winds are accelerated by stellar processes and AGN activity, although we favour an AGN origin given the high outflow velocities and the ionisation conditions observed in the outflow regions. Further deeper multi-wavelength observations are required, however, to better constrain the nature of these multi-phase outflows. Outflow energetics in the North-West system are strongly different between the ionised and atomic gas components, the latter of which is associated with mass outflow rate and kinetic and momentum powers that are one or two dex higher; those associated with the south-east galaxy are instead similar. Conclusions. Strong kiloparsec-scale outflows are revealed in an ongoing merger system, suggesting that feedback can potentially impact the host galaxy even in the early merger phases. The characterisation of the neutral and ionised gas phases has proved to be crucial for a comprehensive study of the outflow phenomena.
SPEED: Single-cell Pan-species atlas in the light of Ecology and Evolution for Development and Diseases

Abstract It is a challenge to efficiently integrate and present the tremendous amounts of single-cell data generated from multiple tissues of various species. Here, we create a new database named SPEED for single-cell pan-species atlas in the light of ecology and evolution for development and diseases (freely accessible at http://8.142.154.29 or http://speedatlas.net). SPEED is an online platform with 4 data modules, 7 function modules and 2 display modules. The ‘Pan’ module is applied for the interactive analysis of single cell sequencing datasets from 127 species, and the ‘Evo’, ‘Devo’, and ‘Diz’ modules provide comprehensive analysis of single-cell atlases on 18 evolution datasets, 28 development datasets, and 85 disease datasets. The ‘C2C’, ‘G2G’ and ‘S2S’ modules explore intercellular communications, genetic regulatory networks, and cross-species molecular evolution. The ‘sSearch’, ‘sMarker’, ‘sUp’, and ‘sDown’ modules allow users to retrieve specific data information, obtain common marker genes for cell types, freely upload, and download single-cell datasets, respectively. Two display modules (‘HOME’ and ‘HELP’) offer easier access to the SPEED database with informative statistics and detailed guidelines. All in all, SPEED is an integrated platform for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell whole-genome sequencing (scWGS) datasets to assist the deep-mining and understanding of heterogeneity among cells, tissues, and species at multi-levels, angles, and orientations, as well as provide new insights into molecular mechanisms of biological development and pathogenesis.
Doctors' views on the impact of the absence of an in-person rheumatology service at a major New Zealand hospital.

AIM To describe the views of doctors in one hospital service about the impact of the lack of an in-person rheumatology consultation service and to identify service improvements informed by those views and services at comparable district health boards (DHB). METHODS Qualitative study using focus groups of resident and senior medical officers (RMOs and SMOs) from the general medical service at Wellington Regional Hospital. A national survey of DHB heads of rheumatology was also used. RESULTS Three major categories emerged from the focus groups with 16 RMOs and 15 SMOs: 1) a negative impact on quality of patient care, which is inequitable to other nearby DHBs; 2) workarounds are found; and 3) doctors' knowledge of rheumatology and education opportunities suffer. Best practice was considered to be an in-person rheumatology consultation service, as offered at the six DHBs surveyed. CONCLUSIONS Lack of an in-person rheumatology consultation service in this large hospital had perceived negative impacts on patient care and doctors' education and competence. Providing an in-person consultation service seems highly desirable but would need more rheumatology capacity regionally. The themes identified may also be relevant to other hospital or specialist services that are not equitably accessible in other parts of the New Zealand health system and thus inform the transformation of the health system required by the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill 2022.
The new uORFdb: integrating literature, sequence, and variation data in a central hub for uORF research

Abstract Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are initiated by AUG or near-cognate start codons and have been identified in the transcript leader sequences of the majority of eukaryotic transcripts. Functionally, uORFs are implicated in downstream translational regulation of the main protein coding sequence and may serve as a source of non-canonical peptides. Genetic defects in uORF sequences have been linked to the development of various diseases, including cancer. To simplify uORF-related research, the initial release of uORFdb in 2014 provided a comprehensive and manually curated collection of uORF-related literature. Here, we present an updated sequence-based version of uORFdb, accessible at https://www.bioinformatics. uni-muenster.de/tools/uorfdb. The new uORFdb enables users to directly access sequence information, graphical displays, and genetic variation data for over 2.4 million human uORFs. It also includes sequence data of >4.2 million uORFs in 12 additional species. Multiple uORFs can be displayed in transcript- and reading-frame-specific models to visualize the translational context. A variety of filters, sequence-related information, and links to external resources (UCSC Genome Browser, dbSNP, ClinVar) facilitate immediate in-depth analysis of individual uORFs. The database also contains uORF-related somatic variation data obtained from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses of 677 cancer samples collected by the TCGA consortium.
Clinical Decision Making by Medical Marijuana Physicians in Florida: A Qualitative Assessment

Abstract Medical marijuana (MMJ) was legalized in November 2016 with the passing of Amendment 2 in the state of Florida. Since the legalization, many studies have been conducted to understand the direct effect medical marijuana has on specific medical conditions. Unlike most allopathic drugs, medical marijuana does not target single ailments or specific conditions and does not follow precise recommending guidelines. There is scarce knowledge on how patient characteristics, including medical conditions, affect a physician’s direct recommendations and registry limits. To obtain insight on the effect patient characteristics have on the clinical decision-making process, we conducted ten qualitative interviews of medical marijuana physicians who are certified to order medical marijuana for patients in Florida. Interview topics ranged from typical daily practice to specific recommendations for patient histories. Each interview was transcribed and thematically analyzed. Five major patient characteristics that influence a physician’s recommendation emerged from the interviews: patient medical history, co-medications, lifestyle, marijuana experience level and counter-indications. Each category was analyzed further to understand how the characteristics influenced the practice of recommending and ordering product. Physicians emphasized the equivalent importance of reviewing a patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and past marijuana experiences while also expressing the need to look holistically at the individual patient. Instead of the characteristics determining what the physician recommends for the patient and orders through the registry, the characteristics dictate the education given to the patient so that the patient may lead and determine their own individual care.