Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of ditazol on the vascular retinal pattern in experimental diabetes in rats.

Platelets from diabetic patients are hypersensitive to aggregating agents. An imbalance in thromboxane/prostacyclin synthesis has been postulated as an antecedent to the development of diabetic retinopathy. We studied 3-month streptozotocin-diabetic rats (SDR) treated with 200 mg/kg/day p.o. of ditazol, an antiplatelet drug that inhibits thromoboxane formation. Thromboxane B2 (TxB2) production was higher and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha synthesis lower in SDR than nondiabetic rats (NDR). In treated animals, ditazol inhibited platelet aggregation by 66%, and TxB2 production by 58%, and increased vascular 6-keto-PGF 1 alpha by 45%. Furthermore, 13% of the retinal surface was covered by peroxidase-labelled vessels in NDR, 2.1% in nontreated SDR, and 8.9% in SDR treated with ditazol. We postulate that ditazol may prevent or reduce diabetic retinopathy.
Efficacy of Peracetic Acid in Inactivating Foodborne Pathogens on Fresh Produce Surface.

Washing treatment with effective sanitizer is one of the critical steps in ensuring fresh produce safety. This study was to evaluate the efficacy of peracetic acid (PAA; VigorOx® 15 F&V), chlorine-based sanitizers (acidic electrolyzed water [AEO], near neutral electrolyzed water and bleach), lactic acid, and deionized (DI) water to reduce Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 from fresh produce surfaces. A 5-strain cocktail of E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. Typhimurium DT104 was separately prepared and used for surface inoculation on produce samples (E. coli O157:H7 on romaine lettuce, lemons, tomatoes, and blueberries; L. monocytogenes on romaine lettuce and cantaloupe; S. Typhimurium DT104 on lemons, tomatoes, cantaloupe, and blueberries). PAA at 45, 85, and 100 mg/L; AEO, NNEO, and bleach at 100 mg/L of free chlorine; lactic acid at 2%; and DI water were used for washing inoculated produce in an automated produce washer for 5 min. In general, PAA at 100 mg/L achieved the highest microbial inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 (lettuce, lemon, tomato, and blueberry at 2.2, 5.7, 5.5, and 6.7 log CFU/g, respectively), S. Typhimurium DT104 (lemon, tomato, cantaloupe, blueberry at 5.4, 6.8, 4.5, and 5.9 log CFU/g, respectively), and L. monocytogenes (lettuce and cantaloupe at 2.4 and 4.4 log CFU/g, respectively). Efficacy of sanitizers on produce with coarse surface (for example, lettuce and cantaloupe) was lower than produce with smooth texture (lemon, tomato, and blueberry). Cross-contamination of E. coli O157:H7 among romaine lettuce heads during simulated retail crisping process was greatly reduced by the application of PAA and NNEO. PRACTICAL APPLICATION NNEO and PAA showed high efficacy in foodborne pathogen removal from fresh produce. Produce surface texture plays an important role in pathogen removal. NNEO and PAA effectively prevented cross-contamination during the crisping process.
Preparing Patients for Radioiodine Treatment: Increasing Thyroid Cell Uptake and Accelerating the Excretion of Unbound Radioiodine

The therapeutic application of radioiodine 131I in postoperative ablation of the remaining thyroid tissue, as well as in the treatment of recidivism and/or local and remote metastases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma has been a part of the clinical practice for over 50 years. It is a regular segment of the standard therapeutic procedure in differentiated thyroid carcinoma treatment and it comes recommended by a number of authorities in the field (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/Associatione Medici Endocrinologi [AACE/AME], 2006; Cooper et al., 2006; Pacini et al., 2006; Society of Nuclear Medicine [SNM], 2006, British Thyroid Association [BTA], 2007; Dietlein et al., 2007; Luster et al., 2008; National Comprehensive Cancer Network [NCCN], 2010;). Certain differences in opinion on the subject are concerned only with the dose that is applied, as well as with whether radioactive iodine therapy should be utilized in lower risk patients (ȃうаせけぬさая&Шаせてふちへ, 1981; Haq et al., 2004; RingelL Cooper et al., 2006; Pacini et al., 2006; Gheriani, 2006). Several decades of experience have shown indisputable beneficial effects of the administration of 131I as postoperative adjuvant therapy. However, there can be certain adverse effects, beside the beneficial ones, which are a consequence of radiation damage to other tissues and organs. The organs most exposed to the harmful radiation effect of 131I in differentiated thyroid carcinoma treatment are salivary glands, nasolacrimal ducts, stomach epithelium, kidneys, bladder wall, colon, gonads, bone marrow, etc. But, most long-term follow-up studies report a very low risk of secondary malignancies in long-term survivors (Rubino et al., 2003; Brown et al., 2008). Howewer, meta-analysis of two large multicenter studies showed that the risk of second malignancies was significantly increased relative to thyroid cancer survivors not treated with RAI (Sawka et al., 2009). The risk of secondary malignancies is dose related (Rubino et al., 2003), Cumulative 131I activities above 500–600 mCi are associated with a significant increase in risk. There appears to be an increased risk of breast cancer in women with thyroid cancer (Brown et al., 2003; Sandeep et al., 2006; Chen et al., 2001). It is unclear whether this is due to RAI therapy, screening bias or other factors.
A comparative safety review between GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes treatment

ABSTRACT Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are of particular interest in type 2 diabetes treatment strategies, due to their efficacy in reducing HbA1c with a low risk of hypoglycaemia, to their positive effects on body weight and blood pressure and in light of their effects on cardiovascular risk and on nephroprotection emerged from the most recent cardiovascular outcome trials. Since it is therefore very likely that GLP-1RA and SGLT2i use will become more and more common, it is more and more important to gather and discuss information about their safety profile. Area Covered: adverse events and the safety concerns most often emerged in trials with GLP-1RA namely, exenatide long acting release (LAR), dulaglutide, liraglutide, semaglutide, lixisenatide or SGLT2i, namely empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin and SGLT2i with an attempt at comparing the safety profiles of molecules of these two classes. Expert opinion: GLP-1RA and SGLT2i, although each associated with different specific side effects, share a ‘similar’ safety profile and are both drugs relatively easy to handle. The potentially complementary mechanisms of action, the cardio and nephroprotective effects demonstrated by molecules of both classes, make these drugs potentially useful even in add on to each other.
The Impact of Genetics on the Conservation of Malagasy Lemur Species

The enormous destruction of natural habitats in Madagascar by humans forces us to initiate programmes for the conservation of its endangered species, such as the lemurs. At present, our knowledge of the population biology of these species is rather limited and this study has, therefore, been undertaken to learn more about the genetics of lemurs. In the past, conservation biology has been influenced mainly by ecology, but the necessity of genetic approaches has been widely recognized during the last 15 years [1–5]. The structure of natural populations, e.g. the amount of genetic variability, the degree of genetic diversity among local populations and, of course, correlations between local environmental conditions and genetic variability should be known in order to optimize in situ and ex situ conservation programmes. Genetic studies can help to minimize the increase in inbreeding within breeding groups [6] and to preserve the genetic variability found in local natural populations [6, 7]. Of course, these ideas are only important if ex situ conservation is intended to be the basis of in situ programmes. If ex situ conservation is restricted to the breeding of species within zoological gardens in order to illustrate the problem of endangered species to the public, a mixture of populations adapted to different environmental conditions bears no risk, as long as the captive-bred individuals are kept in human care. If ex situ conservation programmes aim to release individuals into natural habitats, maladaptation of hybrid individuals can occur under natural conditions.
Ubiquity of collective irregular dynamics in balanced networks of spiking neurons

We revisit the dynamics of a prototypical model of balanced activity in networks of spiking neurons. A detailed investigation of the thermodynamic limit for fixed density of connections (massive coupling) shows that, when inhibition prevails, the asymptotic regime is not asynchronous but rather characterized by a self-sustained irregular, macroscopic (collective) dynamics. So long as the connectivity is massive, this regime is found in many different setups: leaky as well as quadratic integrate-and-fire neurons; large and small coupling strength; weak and strong external currents.
Functional network integrity presages cognitive decline in preclinical Alzheimer disease

Objective: To examine the utility of resting-state functional connectivity MRI (rs-fcMRI) measurements of network integrity as a predictor of future cognitive decline in preclinical Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods: A total of 237 clinically normal older adults (aged 63–90 years, Clinical Dementia Rating 0) underwent baseline β-amyloid (Aβ) imaging with Pittsburgh compound B PET and structural and rs-fcMRI. We identified 7 networks for analysis, including 4 cognitive networks (default, salience, dorsal attention, and frontoparietal control) and 3 noncognitive networks (primary visual, extrastriate visual, motor). Using linear and curvilinear mixed models, we used baseline connectivity in these networks to predict longitudinal changes in preclinical Alzheimer cognitive composite (PACC) performance, both alone and interacting with Aβ burden. Median neuropsychological follow-up was 3 years. Results: Baseline connectivity in the default, salience, and control networks predicted longitudinal PACC decline, unlike connectivity in the dorsal attention and all noncognitive networks. Default, salience, and control network connectivity was also synergistic with Aβ burden in predicting decline, with combined higher Aβ and lower connectivity predicting the steepest curvilinear decline in PACC performance. Conclusions: In clinically normal older adults, lower functional connectivity predicted more rapid decline in PACC scores over time, particularly when coupled with increased Aβ burden. Among examined networks, default, salience, and control networks were the strongest predictors of rate of change in PACC scores, with the inflection point of greatest decline beyond the fourth year of follow-up. These results suggest that rs-fcMRI may be a useful predictor of early, AD-related cognitive decline in clinical research settings.
Prospective evaluation of EUS-guided fine needle biopsy in pancreatic mass lesions

Abstract Background and study aim Due to the scarcity of specific data on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle biopsies (SharkCore) FNB in the evaluation of pancreatic lesions, we performed a prospective study of the diagnostic performance of EUS SharkCore FNB in patients with pancreatic lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy. Patients and methods Single-center prospective study of 41 consecutive patients referred for EUS-FNB from October 2015 to April 2016 at our center. EUS-FNB was obtained in a predefined setting regarding the procedure and pathological evaluation. Data regarding demographics, lesion, technical parameters, and diagnostic accuracy were obtained. Results The study included 41 consecutive patients (22 males (54 %); median age 68 years). The average size of the lesions was 28 mm (median: 30 mm). A diagnostic specimen was identified in 40 (98 %) cases during microscopy with an average of 2.4 passes. The route was trans-duodenal in 20 cases (49 %). The histological diagnosis of the specimens was malignant in 29 cases (71 %), benign in 8 (20 %), suspicious in 2 (5 %), atypical in 1 (2 %) and in 1 (2 %) no material for microscopic evaluation was obtained. This led to a diagnostic accuracy of 93 %, sensitivity of 91 % and a specificity of 100 %. 2 cases (5 %) of self-limiting bleeding were observed. The diagnosis at follow up was malignant in 32 (78 %) of the patients. Conclusions EUS-FNB of pancreatic mass lesions with the SharkCore needle produced specimens with a diagnostic accuracy of 93 %. The procedure was safe and easy to perform, and these data support the use of EUS-FNB in a routine setting.
Towards an Application for Real-Time Travel Mode Detection in Urban Centers

Context-aware applications in intelligent transportation systems have a growing need for travel mode detection systems. However, few applications allow real-time travel mode detection through the use of smartphones. In this paper, we propose a real-time travel mode detection application based on GPS traces using a data mining technique through which these traces are preprocessed, grouped in motion segments and classified by supervised machine learning algorithms. An application prototype was implemented on the Android platform, used by smartphones, for movement data collection and user travel mode detection using the WEKA API in Java. Finally, to evaluate the performance of the application in a real environment, field tests were carried out with dozens of volunteers in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro. Therefore, 1338 travel mode inferences were obtained by four machine learning techniques and the results were evaluated and compared by the indicators of the confusion matrix. Thus, through the performance evaluation carried out, it was possible to verify that the proposed application is useful for real-time travel mode detection in urban centers.
Ultrastructural ‘Fingerprint’ in Cryoprecipitates and Glomerular Deposits: A Clinicopathologic Analysis of Fingerprint Deposits

Organized glomerular electron-dense deposits with a fingerprint pattern are well known in some patients of lupus nephritis or cryoglobulinemia. In general, these two diseases are always discussed separately as the causes of such deposits. However, 3 of our 5 lupus patients with glomerular fingerprint deposits also had cryoglobulinemia. One of the remaining 2 patients died and the other was lost to follow-up. The purpose of our study was to seek an appropriate clinicopathologic assessment of fingerprint deposits. All these patients showed overt proteinuria, active urinary sediment, a high degree of activity of lupus nephritis, and diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (WHO class IV). Their cryoprecipitates and renal biopsy specimens were investigated by means of immunochemistry, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. The ultrastructural ‘fingerprint’ structures were exactly the same in the cryoprecipitates and in the glomerular deposits in 2 of 3 lupus patients with cryoglobulinemia, as were IgG, IgM and IgA. Therefore, these observations furnish emerging morphologic evidence for the glomerular deposition of immune complexes of circulating cryoglobulins in lupus nephritis. In addition, electron microscopic fingerprint deposits on renal biopsy or cryoprecipitate can be regarded as a very sensible marker of concomitant or subsequent development of diffuse lupus nephritis. If the patient is accompanied by nephritic syndrome, an early trial of immunosuppressive therapy may be warranted.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of introducing universal childhood rotavirus vaccination in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Diarrhea is one of the world's leading killers of children, and globally, rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea among under 5 children. In Bangladesh, rotavirus kills nearly 6,000 under 5 children in each year. To reduce the burden of childhood rotavirus diseases, universal rotavirus vaccination is recommended by World Health Organization. The objective of this study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of introducing universal childhood rotavirus vaccination with the newly developed ROTAVAC vaccine in national Expanded Programme of Immunization in Bangladesh. We developed a decision model to examine the potential impact of vaccination in Bangladesh and to examine the effect if the vaccination is applied in the nationwide immunization program schedule. Introduction of childhood universal rotavirus vaccination in Bangladesh scenario appears as highly cost-effective and would offer substantial future benefits for the young population if vaccinated today. The cost per DALY averted of introducing the rotavirus vaccine compared with status quo is approximately US$ 740.27 and US$ 728.67 per DALY averted from the health system and societal perspective respectively which is “very cost-effective” using GDP threshold level according to World Health Organization definition. The results of this analysis seek to contribute to an evidence-based recommendation about the introduction of universal rotavirus vaccination in national Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) in Bangladesh.
The Effect of Intermittent Oxytocin Pretreatment on Oxytocin-Induced Contractility of Human Myometrium In Vitro

BACKGROUND: Prolonged continuous oxytocin administration during labor may induce oxytocin receptor desensitization, which attenuates the response of the myometrium to further oxytocin, increasing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. The literature comparing pulsatile (intermittent) versus continuous oxytocin administration for induction and augmentation of labor is inconsistent with regard to maternal outcomes. We aimed to determine the effect of intermittent versus continuous oxytocin preexposure on myometrial responsiveness to subsequent oxytocin. We hypothesized that intermittent oxytocin pretreatment would result in superior subsequent oxytocin-induced contractility than continuous oxytocin pretreatment. METHODS: This in vitro study was undertaken using myometrium obtained from women undergoing elective cesarean deliveries. Each myometrial strip was mounted in an individual organ bath with physiological salt solution under homeostatic conditions and allocated to one of 3 groups: (1) control (no pretreatment); (2) continuous (pretreatment with oxytocin 10−5 M for 2 hours); or (3) intermittent (pretreatment with alternating oxytocin 10−5 M and physiological salt solution every 15 minutes, for 2 hours). After pretreatment, dose–response testing to oxytocin 10−10 to 10−5 M was performed and contractile parameters were measured. The primary outcome was motility index (MI, amplitude × frequency) of contractions. RESULTS: Eighteen women were recruited, and 86 successful experiments were performed (control n = 29, continuous n = 28, intermittent n = 29). The means (standard errors) of MI (√g·contractions/10 min) in the control, continuous, and intermittent groups were 2.34 (0.09), 1.78 (0.09), and 2.13 (0.11), respectively. The MI was significantly reduced in the continuous group when compared to the control (estimated difference [95% confidence interval {CI}], −0.56 [−0.81 to −0.31]; P < .01) and intermittent group (estimated difference [95% CI], −0.35 [−0.62 to −0.08]; P = .01). There was no significant difference in MI between the intermittent and control group (estimated difference [95% CI], −0.21 [−0.51 to 0.09]; P = .17). CONCLUSIONS: Human myometrium remains more responsive to subsequent oxytocin after intermittent compared to continuous exposure to oxytocin, most likely due to reduction in oxytocin receptor desensitization, or facilitation of receptor resensitization in the intermittent group. Hence, intermittent oxytocin administration during labor warrants further investigation as a technique to preserve uterine oxytocin responsiveness.
Genetic diversity in Svaneti and its implications for the human settlement of the Highland Caucasus.

OBJECTIVES In this study, we characterized genetic diversity in the Svans from northwestern Georgia to better understand the phylogeography of their genetic lineages, determine whether genetic diversity in the highland South Caucasus has been shaped by language or geography, and assess whether Svan genetic diversity was structured by regional residence patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed mtDNA and Y-chromosome variation in 184 individuals from 13 village districts and townlets located throughout the region. For all individuals, we analyzed mtDNA diversity through control region sequencing, and, for males, we analyzed Y-chromosome diversity through SNP and STR genotyping. The resulting data were compared with those for populations from the Caucasus and Middle East. RESULTS We observed significant mtDNA heterogeneity in Svans, with haplogroups U1-U7, H, K, and W6 being common there. By contrast, ∼78% of Svan males belonged to haplogroup G2a, with the remainder falling into four other haplogroups (J2a1, I2, N, and R1a). While showing a distinct genetic profile, Svans also clustered with Caucasus populations speaking languages from different families, suggesting a deep common ancestry for all of them. The mtDNA data were not structured by geography or linguistic affiliation, whereas the NRY data were influenced only by geography. DISCUSSION These patterns of genetic variation confirm a complex set of geographic sources and settlement phases for the Caucasus highlands. Such patterns may also reflect social and cultural practices in the region. The high frequency and antiquity of Y-chromosome haplogroup G2a in this region further points to its emergence there.
Associations Between Bicycling for Transportation and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Among Minneapolis–Saint Paul Area Commuters: A Cross-Sectional Study in Working-Age Adults

Purpose: This study describes the association between frequency of bicycling for active transportation and modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) metropolitan area. Design: We conducted an online survey from a convenience sample of likely bicycle commuters. Setting: Participants were e-mailed invitations including a link to the online survey. Participants: Participants (n = 1450, 15.6% response rate) were residents of the 7-county MSP metropolitan area aged 20 to 64 years. Measures: Participants reported frequency of commute and destination cycling from April to September and October to March, prevalent cardiometabolic risk factors, and demographic covariates. Analysis: We performed logistic regressions for associations between average weekly transportation bicycling and self-reported prevalent obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high triglycerides. We used Poisson regression for the count of cardiometabolic risk factors. All models were adjusted for age, sex, race, smoking, alcohol consumption, and other physical activity, with random intercepts by zip code. Results: Self-reported bicycling frequency is associated with significantly lower odds of prevalent obesity, hypertension, and high triglycerides. Three bicycling trips per week is associated with 20% fewer (95% confidence interval: 12%-28%) cardiometabolic risk factors. Conclusion: Bicycling frequency is inversely associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. These results provide empirical support for the promotion of active transportation as public health policy.