Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modifiable risk factors for colorectal neoplasms and hyperplastic polyps.

PURPOSE Obesity, smoking and alcohol are modifiable putative risk factors for colorectal neoplasms (CRN) and hyperplastic polyps (HP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the strength of association between these modifiable risk factors and colorectal polyps. METHODS These risk factors were assessed by using a questionnaire completed by the patient prior to colonoscopy. Eight hundred-seventy consecutive patients satisfying inclusion criteria who had undergone a complete colonoscopy were divided into 4 groups: CRN (n=194), HP (n=132), CRN and HP (n=42) and control (neither CRN nor HP; n=586). Multiple logistic regression was performed. RESULTS The ORs [95%CI] of both CRN and HP for incremental body mass index expressed in 2 categories (>or=22, >or=25) were 2.12 [1.00, 4.50] and 1.41 [0.53, 3.77], respectively. The ORs [95%CI] of CRN and HP for heavy smoking of over 20 pack-years were 1.66 [1.05, 2.64] and 1.67 [1.01, 2.77], respectively. The ORs of CRN and HP for habitual alcohol drinking (median ethanol intake 32 g/day and interquartile range 18-40 g/day) were 1.31 [0.86, 1.98] and 1.91 [1.06, 3.47], respectively. CRN and HP were correlated with each other (p=0.0043, chi-square test). Aging was a significant risk factor for all three groups of colorectal polyps. CONCLUSION These findings are especially important since smoking and alcohol consumption are modifiable risk factors. Heavy smokers should be encouraged to quit to reduce their risk of CRN and HP. Habitual drinkers should be warned of the risk of HP. HP can be a marker of coincidence of CRN.
Candida in Burns: Risk Factors and Outcomes

Sepsis due to Candida is an uncommon but a significant cause of death in burns patients. Colonization is common, but consensus guidelines for prophylaxis and empirical therapy do not specifically include this cohort. Our aim was to define predictive factors for candidaemia in a burns unit, to guide protocols for prevention and early treatment. We conducted a 10-year review (July 1998–December 2007) of patients admitted to the Victorian Adult Burns Service, Melbourne, Australia. Of 1929 patients admitted with acute burn injury, 143 had Candida isolated at any site, most commonly Candida albicans. There were 12 episodes of candidaemia. Prior colonization was an important risk factor for candidaemia, and the risk increased substantially with the number of colonized sites; indeed 43% of patients colonized at more than three sites (and not on antifungals) developed candidaemia. Other risk factors were higher total burn surface area, higher full-thickness surface area, prolonged admission, number and duration of intensive care unit admissions, number of visits to the operating theatre, alcohol as a contributing factor to burn, prior treatment with total parenteral nutrition, or certain antibiotics (ceftriaxone, vancomycin, amikacin, co-trimoxazole). The attributable mortality of candidaemia was 15% (n = 2). Initiation of antifungal therapy was often delayed. Our results support early empirical antifungal therapy in septic burns patients who are colonized, before the results of cultures become known. The role of prophylactic antifungals is less clear, but should be strongly considered for patients colonized at multiple sites.
Longitudinal changes in intraocular pressure and association with systemic factors and refractive error: Lingtou Eye Cohort Study

Objectives To investigate the longitudinal changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and its associations with refractive error and systemic determinants in a Chinese geriatric population. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Guangzhou Government Servant Physical Check-up Center, Guangzhou, China. Participants 4413 government employees aged no less than 40 years (41.9% female) attending annual physical and eye examinations were included in this study. The inclusion criterion was having attended the 2010 follow-up examination. The exclusion criteria include glaucoma or intraocular surgery history, IOP >21 mm Hg at any visit or without available IOP data at all visits from 2010 to 2014. Primary and secondary outcome measures The outcome measure was IOP at each follow-up visit from 2010 to 2014. Mixed-effect model was used to assess the relationship between longitudinal changes in IOP and potential risk factors. Results For the 2653 participants who had available IOP data at both the 2010 and 2014 follow-up visits, the average change in IOP was an increase of 0.43 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.50) mm Hg. For the whole study population and in the optimised mixed model, there was a non-linear increase of IOP with age (P<0.001), with greater changes in younger subjects and in women (P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). Elevations in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), as well as a myopic shift (all with P<0.001), during the follow-up were associated with an increasing trend of IOP, while serum lipids were found to be not significantly associated. Conclusions In this cohort of elderly Chinese adults, IOP increases non-linearly with ageing. People with increasing blood pressure, BMI, FPG and myopic progression are more likely to have IOP elevation over time.
Temperature modulates dengue virus epidemic growth rates through its effects on reproduction numbers and generation intervals

Epidemic growth rate, r, provides a more complete description of the potential for epidemics than the more commonly studied basic reproduction number, R0, yet the former has never been described as a function of temperature for dengue virus or other pathogens with temperature-sensitive transmission. The need to understand the drivers of epidemics of these pathogens is acute, with arthropod-borne virus epidemics becoming increasingly problematic. We addressed this need by developing temperature-dependent descriptions of the two components of r—R0 and the generation interval—to obtain a temperature-dependent description of r. Our results show that the generation interval is highly sensitive to temperature, decreasing twofold between 25 and 35°C and suggesting that dengue virus epidemics may accelerate as temperatures increase, not only because of more infections per generation but also because of faster generations. Under the empirical temperature relationships that we considered, we found that r peaked at a temperature threshold that was robust to uncertainty in model parameters that do not depend on temperature. Although the precise value of this temperature threshold could be refined following future studies of empirical temperature relationships, the framework we present for identifying such temperature thresholds offers a new way to classify regions in which dengue virus epidemic intensity could either increase or decrease under future climate change.
How do I … manage the platelet transfusion–refractory patient?

Platelet transfusion–refractoriness is a challenging and expensive clinical scenario seen most often in patients with hematologic malignancies. Although the majority of platelet transfusion–refractory cases are due to nonimmune causes, a significant minority are caused by alloimmunization against Class I human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) or human platelet antigens (HPAs). Such platelet transfusion–refractory patients can be effectively managed with appropriate antigen‐negative products.
Particulate sulfur in the upper troposphere and lowermost stratosphere – sources and climate forcing

Abstract. This study is based on fine-mode aerosol samples collected in the upper troposphere (UT) and the lowermost stratosphere (LMS) of the Northern Hemisphere extratropics during monthly intercontinental flights at 8.8–12 km altitude of the IAGOS-CARIBIC platform in the time period 1999–2014. The samples were analyzed for a large number of chemical elements using the accelerator-based methods PIXE (particle-induced X-ray emission) and PESA (particle elastic scattering analysis). Here the particulate sulfur concentrations, obtained by PIXE analysis, are investigated. In addition, the satellite-borne lidar aboard CALIPSO is used to study the stratospheric aerosol load. A steep gradient in particulate sulfur concentration extends several kilometers into the LMS, as a result of increasing dilution towards the tropopause of stratospheric, particulate sulfur-rich air. The stratospheric air is diluted with tropospheric air, forming the extratropical transition layer (ExTL). Observed concentrations are related to the distance to the dynamical tropopause. A linear regression methodology handled seasonal variation and impact from volcanism. This was used to convert each data point into stand-alone estimates of a concentration profile and column concentration of particulate sulfur in a 3 km altitude band above the tropopause. We find distinct responses to volcanic eruptions, and that this layer in the LMS has a significant contribution to the stratospheric aerosol optical depth and thus to its radiative forcing. Further, the origin of UT particulate sulfur shows strong seasonal variation. We find that tropospheric sources dominate during the fall as a result of downward transport of the Asian tropopause aerosol layer (ATAL) formed in the Asian monsoon, whereas transport down from the Junge layer is the main source of UT particulate sulfur in the first half of the year. In this latter part of the year, the stratosphere is the clearly dominating source of particulate sulfur in the UT during times of volcanic influence and under background conditions.
Pib2 and the EGO complex are both required for activation of TORC1

ABSTRACT The TORC1 complex is a key regulator of cell growth and metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The vacuole-associated EGO complex couples activation of TORC1 to the availability of amino acids, specifically glutamine and leucine. The EGO complex is also essential for reactivation of TORC1 following rapamycin-induced growth arrest and for its distribution on the vacuolar membrane. Pib2, a FYVE-containing phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P)-binding protein, is a newly discovered and poorly characterized activator of TORC1. Here, we show that Pib2 is required for reactivation of TORC1 following rapamycin-induced growth arrest. Pib2 is required for EGO complex-mediated activation of TORC1 by glutamine and leucine as well as for redistribution of Tor1 on the vacuolar membrane. Therefore, Pib2 and the EGO complex cooperate to activate TORC1 and connect phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling and TORC1 activity. Summary: Pib2 and the EGO complex function in the same molecular pathway that leads to the activation of TORC1, a key regulator of cell growth.
Validation of recent GOCE/GRACE geopotential models over Khartoum state - Sudan

Validation of recent GOCE/GRACE geopotential models over Khartoum state - Sudan This paper evaluates a number of latest releases of GOCE/GRACE global geopotential models (GGMs) using the GPS-levelling geometric geoid heights, terrestrial gravity data and existing local gravimetric models. We investigate each global model at every 5 degree of spherical harmonics. Our analysis shows that the satellite-only models derived by space-wise and time-wise approaches (SPW_R1, SPW_R2 TIM_R1 and TIM_R2), GOCO01S together with EGM08 (combined model) are very distinct and consistent to the local data, which guarantees one of them to be selected as the best of candidate models and then to be utilized in our further geoid studies. One of Satellite-only models will be employed for acquiring the long wavelength geoid component which is one of major steps in the geoid determination. EGM08 will be used to compensate and restore the missing gravity data points in the un-surveyed parts within the target area. We expect further improvements in geoid studies in Sudan due to the improved medium wavelength part of the gravity field from GOCE mission.
Modelling human skull growth: a validated computational model

During the first year of life, the brain grows rapidly and the neurocranium increases to about 65% of its adult size. Our understanding of the relationship between the biomechanical forces, especially from the growing brain, the craniofacial soft tissue structures and the individual bone plates of the skull vault is still limited. This basic knowledge could help in the future planning of craniofacial surgical operations. The aim of this study was to develop a validated computational model of skull growth, based on the finite-element (FE) method, to help understand the biomechanics of skull growth. To do this, a two-step validation study was carried out. First, an in vitro physical three-dimensional printed model and an in silico FE model were created from the same micro-CT scan of an infant skull and loaded with forces from the growing brain from zero to two months of age. The results from the in vitro model validated the FE model before it was further developed to expand from 0 to 12 months of age. This second FE model was compared directly with in vivo clinical CT scans of infants without craniofacial conditions (n = 56). The various models were compared in terms of predicted skull width, length and circumference, while the overall shape was quantified using three-dimensional distance plots. Statistical analysis yielded no significant differences between the male skull models. All size measurements from the FE model versus the in vitro physical model were within 5%, with one exception showing a 7.6% difference. The FE model and in vivo data also correlated well, with the largest percentage difference in size being 8.3%. Overall, the FE model results matched well with both the in vitro and in vivo data. With further development and model refinement, this modelling method could be used to assist in preoperative planning of craniofacial surgery procedures and could help to reduce reoperation rates.
Core‐needle biopsy versus repeat fine‐needle aspiration for thyroid nodules initially read as atypia/follicular lesion of undetermined significance

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of core‐needle biopsy (CNB) by comparing the results of CNB and repeat fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) for thyroid nodules that are initially read as atypia/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) on FNA.
Motion Masking by Stationary Objects: A Study of Simulated Saccades

Saccades are crucial to visual information intake by re-orienting the fovea to regions of interest in the visual scene. However, they cause drastic disruptions of the retinal input by shifting the retinal image at very high speeds. The resulting motion and smear are barely noticed, a phenomenon known as saccadic omission. Here, we studied the perception of motion during simulated saccades while observers fixated, moving naturalistic visual scenes across the retina with saccadic speed profiles using a very high temporal frequency display. We found that the mere presence of static pre- and post-saccadic images significantly reduces the perceived amplitude of motion but does not eliminate it entirely. This masking of motion perception could make the intra-saccadic stimulus much less salient and thus easier to ignore.
Quality of Life of Young Adult Survivors of Pediatric Burns Using World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale II and Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief: A Comparison

The objective was to determine long-term psychological distress and quality of life (QOL) in young adult survivors of pediatric burns using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale II (WHODAS) and the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B). Fifty burn survivors 2.5 to 12.5 years postburn (16–21.5 years old; 56% male, 82% Hispanic) completed the WHODAS and BSHS-B. The WHODAS measures health and disability and the BSHS-B measures psychosocial and physical difficulties. Scores were calculated for each instrument, and then grouped by years postburn, TBSA, sex, burn age, and survey age to compare the effects of each. Next, the instruments were compared with each other. The WHODAS disability score mean was 14.4 ± 2.1. BSHS-B domain scores ranged from 3 to 3.7. In general, as TBSA burned increased, QOL decreased. Female burn survivors, survivors burned prior to school entry, and adolescents who had yet to transition into adulthood reported better QOL than their counterparts. In all domains except Participation, the WHODAS consistently identified more individuals with lower QOL than the BSHS-B. Young adult burn survivors’ QOL features more disability than their nonburned counterparts, but score in the upper 25% for QOL on the BSHS-B. This analysis revealed the need for long-term psychosocial intervention for survivors with larger TBSA, males, those burned after school entry, and those transitioning into adulthood. Both instruments are useful tools for assessing burn survivors’ QOL and both should be given as they discern different individuals. However, the WHODAS is more sensitive than the BSHS-B in identifying QOL issues.
Degradation of nano ZnO‐glass fiber‐unsaturated polyester composites

Degradation behavior of ZnO-glass fiber-unsaturated polyester composite under exposure to a metal halide lamp is investigated by means of DSC and FTIR. The FTIR results show that the UV photons can increase the carbonyl group on the surface, but ZnO can decrease the carbonyl content and further contribute to the breaking of single bond of carbon to oxygen on the surface. All of the results indicate that for pure unsaturated polyester under the UV exposure in air, the major reaction is photo-initiated oxidation, whereas for the composites with ZnO, decarbonylation is the major effect. In addition, when the content of ZnO is not higher than 4 wt %, the composites are still transparent, and its effects on the crosslinking process and thermal stability are insignificant. Thus, ZnO can be used as a stabilizer of unsaturated polyester for the glass fiber reinforced polymer industry. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Targeted habitat restoration can reduce extinction rates in fragmented forests

Significance Most species extinctions after habitat loss are delayed. Thus, there are important, yet insufficiently appreciated, opportunities to conserve species through habitat restoration. Here, we assess the impact of targeted habitat restoration on how long tropical bird species might persist in two tropical biodiversity hotspots—the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Persistence times could be increased up to 56-fold by regenerating forest among the largest and closest forest fragments at these two localities. Given the unusually large numbers of threatened and endemic species that occur in other biodiversity hotspots, opportunities to enhance species persistence through habitat restoration should be explored elsewhere. The Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and the Atlantic Forest of Brazil are two of the most fragmented biodiversity hotspots. Species–area relationships predict that their habitat fragments will experience a substantial loss of species. Most of these extinctions will occur over an extended time, and therefore, reconnecting fragments could prevent species losses and allow locally extinct species to recolonize former habitats. An empirical relaxation half-life vs. area relationship for tropical bird communities estimates the time that it takes to lose one-half of all species that will be eventually lost. We use it to estimate the increase in species persistence by regenerating a forest connection 1 km in width among the largest and closest fragments at 11 locations. In the Eastern Arc Mountains, regenerating 8,134 ha of forest would create >316,000 ha in total of restored contiguous forest. More importantly, it would increase the persistence time for species by a factor of 6.8 per location or ∼2,272 years, on average, relative to individual fragments. In the Atlantic Forest, regenerating 6,452 ha of forest would create >251,000 ha in total of restored contiguous forest and enhance species persistence by a factor of 13.0 per location or ∼5,102 years, on average, relative to individual fragments. Rapidly regenerating forest among fragments is important, because mean time to the first determined extinction across all fragments is 7 years. We estimate the cost of forest regeneration at $21–$49 million dollars. It could provide one of the highest returns on investment for biodiversity conservation worldwide.
Boundary Detailing of Coupled Core Wall System Wall Piers

The seismic provisions of ACI 318–08 permit two different procedures for evaluating the need for “special” boundary elements in structural walls. The first method is based on an approximation of the maximum fiber concrete compressive stresses calculated using wall gross section properties and an assumed linear distribution of stresses over the depth. The second method places a limit on the compression zone depth of the wall. These methods are based on studies of uncoupled continuous walls, and their applicability to coupled walls is unclear. A parametric study consisting of eight coupled core wall buildings with varying geometric dimensions is presented. The states of concrete stress, strain, and compression zone depth in the wall piers at code level forces are investigated. Based on evaluation of the two procedures permitted by ACI 318–08, it is concluded that neither procedure is appropriate for wall piers in coupled core wall systems. Cross-sectional fiber analysis is a more effective evaluation tool.
Solution NMR structure of yeast Rcf1, a protein involved in respiratory supercomplex formation

Significance Mitochondrial respiration is carried out by a chain of protein complexes. Electron transfer through these complexes is coupled to the generation of a proton electrochemical gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane, which is used, e.g., to synthesize ATP. The components of the respiratory chain are assembled into supercomplexes, presumed to provide functional advantages. The respiratory supercomplex factors (Rcfs), were identified to be required for supercomplex formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To understand the mechanism and dynamics of supercomplex formation, structural information about these Rcfs is needed. Here, we report the solution state NMR structure of Rcf1, which forms a dimer in detergent micelles. The study reveals unique structural features of Rcf1 and provides insights into supercomplex formation. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae respiratory supercomplex factor 1 (Rcf1) protein is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane where it is involved in formation of supercomplexes composed of respiratory complexes III and IV. We report the solution structure of Rcf1, which forms a dimer in dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles, where each monomer consists of a bundle of five transmembrane (TM) helices and a short flexible soluble helix (SH). Three TM helices are unusually charged and provide the dimerization interface consisting of 10 putative salt bridges, defining a “charge zipper” motif. The dimer structure is supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in DPC, although the simulations show a more dynamic dimer interface than the NMR data. Furthermore, CD and NMR data indicate that Rcf1 undergoes a structural change when reconstituted in liposomes, which is supported by MD data, suggesting that the dimer structure is unstable in a planar membrane environment. Collectively, these data indicate a dynamic monomer–dimer equilibrium. Furthermore, the Rcf1 dimer interacts with cytochrome c, suggesting a role as an electron-transfer bridge between complexes III and IV. The Rcf1 structure will help in understanding its functional roles at a molecular level.