Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intracortical Bone Mechanics Are Related to Pore Morphology and Remodeling in Human Bone

During aging and in osteoporosis, cortical bone becomes more porous, making it more fragile and susceptible to fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the intracortical compression‐ induced strain energy distribution, and determine whether intracortical pores associated with high strain energy density (SED) in the surrounding bone matrix have a different morphology and distribution, as well as different remodeling characteristics than matrix with normal SED. Fibular diaphyseal specimens from 20 patients undergoing a jaw reconstruction (age range 41 to 75 years; 14 men and 6 women) were studied. Bone specimens were µCT‐scanned, plastic embedded, and sectioned for histology. Three‐dimensional microfinite element models of each specimen were tested in compression, and the SED of the bone immediately surrounding the intracortical pores was calculated within a plane of interest corresponding to the histological sections. The SED of a pore, relative to the distribution of the SED of all pores in each specimen, was used to classify pores as either a high or normal SED pore. Pores with high SED were larger, less circular, and were located closer to the endosteal surface of the cortex than normal SED pores (p < 0.001). Histological analysis of the remodeling events generating the pores revealed that the high SED pores compared with normal SED pores had 13.3‐fold higher odds of being an erosive (70%) or formative (7%) pore versus a quiescent pore (p < 0.001), 5.9‐fold higher odds of resulting from remodeling upon existing pores (type 2 pore) versus remodeling generating new pores (type 1 pore) (p < 0.001), and 3.2‐fold higher odds of being a coalescing type 2 pore versus a noncoalescing type 2 pore (p < 0.001). Overall, the study demonstrates a strong relationship between cortical bone mechanics and pore morphology, distribution, and remodeling characteristics in human fibular bone. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Reorganization of cerebro‐cerebellar circuit in patients with left hemispheric gliomas involving language network: A combined structural and resting‐state functional MRI study

The role of cerebellum and cerebro‐cerebellar system in neural plasticity induced by cerebral gliomas involving language network has long been ignored. Moreover, whether or not the process of reorganization is different in glioma patients with different growth kinetics remains largely unknown. To address this issue, we utilized preoperative structural and resting‐state functional MRI data of 78 patients with left cerebral gliomas involving language network areas, including 46 patients with low‐grade glioma (LGG, WHO grade II), 32 with high‐grade glioma (HGG, WHO grade III/IV), and 44 healthy controls. Spontaneous brain activity, resting‐state functional connectivity and gray matter volume alterations of the cerebellum were examined. We found that both LGG and HGG patients exhibited bidirectional alteration of brain activity in language‐related cerebellar areas. Brain activity in areas with increased alteration was significantly correlated with the language and MMSE scores. Structurally, LGG patients exhibited greater gray matter volume in regions with increased brain activity, suggesting a structure–function coupled alteration in cerebellum. Furthermore, we observed that cerebellar regions with decreased brain activity exhibited increased functional connectivity with contralesional cerebro‐cerebellar system in LGG patients. Together, our findings provide empirical evidence for a vital role of cerebellum and cerebro‐cerebellar circuit in neural plasticity following lesional damage to cerebral language network. Moreover, we highlight the possible different reorganizational mechanisms of brain functional connectivity underlying different levels of behavioral impairments in LGG and HGG patients.
Resting‐state functional connectivity of subcortical locomotor centers explains variance in walking capacity

Walking capacity influences the quality of life and disability in normal aging and neurological disease, but the neural correlates remain unclear and subcortical locomotor regions identified in animals have been more challenging to assess in humans. Here we test whether resting‐state functional MRI connectivity (rsFC) of midbrain and cerebellar locomotor regions (MLR and CLR) is associated with walking capacity among healthy adults. Using phenotypic and MRI data from the Nathan Kline Institute Rockland Sample (n =119, age 18–85), the association between walking capacity (6‐min walk test distance) and rsFC was calculated from subcortical locomotor regions to 81 other gait‐related regions of interest across the brain. Additional analyses assessed the independence and specificity of the results. Walking capacity was associated with higher rsFC between the MLR and superior frontal gyrus adjacent to the anterior cingulate cortex, higher rsFC between the MLR and paravermal cerebellum, and lower rsFC between the CLR and primary motor cortex foot area. These rsFC correlates were more strongly associated with walking capacity than phenotypic variables such as age, and together explained 25% of the variance in walking capacity. Results were specific to locomotor regions compared with the other brain regions. The rsFC of locomotor centers correlates with walking capacity among healthy adults. These locomotion‐related biomarkers may prove useful in future work aimed at helping patients with reduced walking capacity.
Upper airway reconstruction using long‐range optical coherence tomography: Effects of airway curvature on airflow resistance

Adenotonsillectomy (AT) is commonly used to treat upper airway obstruction in children, but selection of patients who will benefit most from AT is challenging. The need for diagnostic evaluation tools without sedation, radiation, or high costs has motivated the development of long‐range optical coherence tomography (LR‐OCT), providing real‐time cross‐sectional airway imaging during endoscopy. Since the endoscope channel location is not tracked in conventional LR‐OCT, airway curvature must be estimated and may affect predicted airway resistance. The study objective was to assess effects of three realistic airway curvatures on predicted airway resistance using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in LR‐OCT reconstructions of the upper airways of pediatric patients, before and after AT.
The lingering impact of stress: brief acute glucocorticoid exposure has sustained, dose-dependent effects on reproduction

Acutely stressful experiences can have profound and persistent effects on phenotype. Across taxa, individuals differ remarkably in their susceptibility to stress. However, the mechanistic causes of enduring stress effects, and of individual differences in stress susceptibility, are poorly understood. Here, we tested whether brief, acute increases in glucocorticoid hormones have persistent effects on phenotype, and whether effects differ according to the magnitude or duration of elevation. We used a novel method to non-invasively manipulate hormone levels on short time scales: the application of corticosterone gel to a model egg secured in the nest. Free-living female tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) exposed to several brief corticosterone increases during incubation showed dose-dependent differences in behaviour throughout the reproductive period. Birds receiving treatments that simulated higher or longer acute stress responses later provisioned larger broods at lower rates; the resulting offspring were smaller in size. Treatment did not influence female body condition, oxidative stress, reproductive success or inter-annual survival, but exposed females maintained higher baseline corticosterone after treatments ceased. Overall, these results indicate that brief, acute elevations in glucocorticoids in adulthood can have long-term consequences. Furthermore, individuals that mount a greater or longer acute stress response may be more likely to experience lingering effects of stress.
Esophageal Retained Lithium Battery in Children Younger than 6 Years

Objectives Disk battery esophageal retention in children younger than 6 years represents an increasing endoscopic emergency, followed by a relevant risk of life-threatening late complications. Surgical removal after a failed endoscopic approach is rarely reported in the literature. We describe our experience in this scenario. Methods Two female asymptomatic patients aged 26 and 29 months presented within 4 hours after a witnessed ingestion of a 2-cm, 3-V lithium battery (CR2032) retained in the cervical esophagus. Both patients underwent a prolonged unsuccessful emergent endoscopic removal with a flexible instrument performed by an adult gastroenterologist. Both batteries fused with the esophageal wall were extracted through a longitudinal left cervical esophagotomy combined with minimal resection of necrotic tissues and repaired over a 12F feeding tube. Results Patients were extubated after 12 and 72 hours, respectively. Contrast study was performed after 20 and 13 days, respectively, before resuming oral feeding. At endoscopy, the first patient developed a 3-cm-long severe esophageal stenosis (35th day), followed by an asymptomatic tracheoesophageal fistula (60th day), which was conservatively treated. After spontaneous resolution of the tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal stenosis progressed, partially responsive to esophageal stenting. Short esophagectomy is under evaluation. The second patient developed an asymptomatic limited stenosis, not requiring dilatation. Conclusions The emergent management of lithium battery ingestion needs a structured timely multidisciplinary approach in the emergency department, an experienced pediatric endoscopist, and a simultaneous engagement of pediatric surgical expertise, even in patients who do not show bleeding, to reduce esophageal exposure time to high-voltage current released by batteries, which represents the main factor conditioning tissue damage and prognosis.
Oral deferiprone administration ameliorates cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Cisplatin is one of the widely used antitumour agents with major clinical side effect, nephrotoxicity. We showed the role of iron in cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity that entrance to the cell via transferrin receptor (TfR) as a gatekeeper for iron uptake. We also examined the effect of iron chelator deferiprone against this toxicity.
Quantum steampunk: Quantum information, thermodynamics, their intersection, and applications thereof across physics

Combining quantum information theory (QIT) with thermodynamics unites 21st-century technology with 19th-century principles. The union elucidates the spread of information, the flow of time, and the leveraging of energy. This thesis contributes to the theory of quantum thermodynamics, particularly to QIT thermodynamics. The thesis also contains applications of the theory, wielded as a toolkit, across physics. Fields touched on include atomic, molecular, and optical physics; nonequilibrium statistical mechanics; condensed matter; high-energy physics; and chemistry. I propose the name quantum steampunk for this program. The term derives from the steampunk genre of literature, art, and cinema that juxtaposes futuristic technologies with 19th-century settings.
Multi-Camera Imaging System for UAV Photogrammetry

In the last few years, it has been possible to observe a considerable increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with compact digital cameras for environment mapping. The next stage in the development of photogrammetry from low altitudes was the development of the imagery data from UAV oblique images. Imagery data was obtained from side-facing directions. As in professional photogrammetric systems, it is possible to record footprints of tree crowns and other forms of the natural environment. The use of a multi-camera system will significantly reduce one of the main UAV photogrammetry limitations (especially in the case of multirotor UAV) which is a reduction of the ground coverage area, while increasing the number of images, increasing the number of flight lines, and reducing the surface imaged during one flight. The approach proposed in this paper is based on using several head cameras to enhance the imaging geometry during one flight of UAV for mapping. As part of the research work, a multi-camera system consisting of several cameras was designed to increase the total Field of View (FOV). Thanks to this, it will be possible to increase the ground coverage area and to acquire image data effectively. The acquired images will be mosaicked in order to limit the total number of images for the mapped area. As part of the research, a set of cameras was calibrated to determine the interior orientation parameters (IOPs). Next, the method of image alignment using the feature image matching algorithms was presented. In the proposed approach, the images are combined in such a way that the final image has a joint centre of projections of component images. The experimental results showed that the proposed solution was reliable and accurate for the mapping purpose. The paper also presents the effectiveness of existing transformation models for images with a large coverage subjected to initial geometric correction due to the influence of distortion.
Structure and function of high Arctic pelagic, particle‐associated and benthic bacterial communities

Arctic marine microbes are affected by environmental changes that may ultimately influence their functions in carbon cycling. Here, we investigated in concert the structure and enzymatic activities of pelagic, particle-associated and benthic bacterial communities in the central Arctic Ocean, and used these data to evaluate microbial structure-function relationships. Our findings showed influences of hydrographic conditions and particle association on community composition, and sharp pelagic-benthic contrasts. In addition to community compositional differences, regional and depth-related patterns in enzymatic activities were observed. Peptide hydrolysis rates were highest in surface waters, especially at ice-free and first year ice-covered regions, and decreased with depth. While the range of hydrolysed polysaccharides showed varying geographic patterns, particles often showed a wider spectrum of polysaccharide hydrolase activities. Summed benthic peptidase rates differed across stations but showed similar proportions of individual enzyme activities. Analysing for potential linkages between structure and function after subtracting the effect of environmental conditions revealed no direct link, indicating functional redundancy to carry out peptide hydrolysis among pelagic microbes. Thus, while community composition and activities are influenced by environmental conditions, bacterial functional redundancy suggests that compositional shifts - in response to the changing Arctic - may have complex and less predictable functional consequences than previously anticipated. © 2018 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Prevalence of β-cell antibodies and associated autoimmune diseases in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) versus type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Qatar

Introduction:Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease with the development of abnormal immune responses to specific β-cell autoantigens in addition to other organ-specific autoimmunity. The most frequent associated disorders are thyroid dysfunctions and celiac disease. There are limited studies in the current literature on the prevalence of associated autoimmunity, especially multiple, in children and adolescents with T1DM and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of autoantibodies and thyroid dysfunctions in a cohort of children and adolescents (aged 0.5-16 years) with T1DM living in Qatar. Research design and methods: The records of all children and adolescents attending the Pediatric Diabetes Center of Hamad Medical Center, for the past 5 years (from January 2012 to December 2016), were reviewed and all clinical and biochemical data, including β-cell autoimmunity [anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies, anti-islet cell and anti-insulin antibodies (IAA)], thyroid function (Free thyroxine: FT4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone: TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) and anti-tissue transglutaminase (ATT) were collected at their first presentation (cross-sectional study). Data for patients with T1DM (n=431) and T2DM (n=59) were recorded analyzed and the prevalence calculated and compared with other studies. Results:The prevalence of anti-GAD antibodies was 75.5 % in T1DM and 29.3% in T2DM. Anti β-islet antibodies (Ab) were detected in 53.4% of T1DM and 29.4% of T2DM. Anti-insulin Ab were detected in 40.4% of T1DM and 58.3% of T2DM. The three antibodies together were detected in 18.4 % of T1DM and none of T2DM. At presentation, hypothyroidism (FT4 <11.5 pmol/L) was detected in 10.6% of T1DM and 10% of T2DM. Subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 3.5% of T1DM and 8% of T2DM. High anti TPO was detected in 27.2% of T1DM and 34.6% of T2DM. High TPO with normal thyroid function were found in 22.7% of T1DM and 23.1% of T2DM. ATT IgA was high in 5% of T1DM and 8.7% of T2DM whereas ATT IgG was high in 4.4 % of T1DM and not detected in any patient with T2DM. Mucosal biopsy proved celiac disease in 9 out of 12 patients (75%) with positive ATT IgA and IgG antibodies. Conclusions:Qatar has a relatively high incidence of T1DM compared to incidences reported worldwide. We report a high prevalence of associated autoimmune abnormalities in our patients with T1DM and T2DM. These data strengthen the argument for routine screening of all children and adolescents with T1DM and T2DM for other autoimmune disorders, particularly the thyroid gland. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Acutely Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Treated with Flow-Diverter Stents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: The implantation of flow-diverter stents for the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms required further investigation. PURPOSE: Our aim was to analyze the outcomes after flow diversion of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of 3 databases was performed for studies published from 2006 to 2018. STUDY SELECTION: According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we included studies (from 2010 to 2018) reporting acutely ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with flow diversion. DATA ANALYSIS: Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the following: aneurysm occlusion rate, complications, rebleeding, and factors influencing the studied outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: We included 20 studies evaluating 223 patients with acutely ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with flow-diverter stents. Immediate angiographic occlusion was obtained in 32% (29/86; 95% CI, 15.4%–48%; I2 = 79.6%) of aneurysms, whereas long-term complete/near-complete aneurysm occlusion was 88.9% (162/189; 95% CI, 84%–93.5%; I2 = 20.9%) (mean radiologic follow-up of 9.6 months). The treatment-related complication rate was 17.8% (42/223; 95% CI, 11%–24%; I2 = 52.6%). Complications were higher in the posterior circulation (16/72 = 27%; 95% CI, 14%–40%; I2 = 66% versus 18/149 = 11.7%; 95% CI, 7%–16%; I2 = 0%) (P = .004) and after treatment with multiple stents (14/52 = 26%; 95% CI, 14%–45%; I2 = 59%) compared with a single stent (20/141 = 10%; 95% CI, 5%–15%; I2 = 0%) (P = .004). Aneurysm rebleeding after treatment was 4% (5/223; 95% CI, 1.8%–7%; I2 = 0%) and was higher in the first 72 hours. LIMITATIONS: Small and retrospective series. CONCLUSIONS: Flow-diversion treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms yields a high rate of long-term angiographic occlusion with a relatively low rate of aneurysm rebleeding. However, treatment is associated with a complication rate of 18%. When coiling or microsurgical clipping are not feasible strategies, anterior circulation ruptured aneurysms can be effectively treated with a flow-diversion technique, minimizing the number of stents deployed. Given the 27% rate of complications, flow diversion for ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms should be considered only in selected cases not amenable to other treatments.
Immunohistochemically Detection of Angiogenesis in Oral Pre-Cancerous Lesions Compared with Oral Invasive Carcinomas

Background Angiogenic activity is an important event in oral carcinogenesis. During transition of normal oral mucosa to different grades of dysplasia and to invasive carcinoma, significant increase of vascularity occurs. Angiogenesis can be determined by immunohistochemical assessment of several endothelial cell markers like Endogelin (CD 105), expressed in activated endothelial cells and associated with neovasculature, and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This study was conducted to evaluate angiogenic activity in oral precancerous lesions compared with oral invasive carcinomas by immunohistochemical staining of VEGF and CD 105 proteins. Methods In the present cross-sectional study, 20 normal, 20 pre-cancerous mucosa and 20 oral invasive carcinoma samples were immunohistochemically stained. Positive cells were counted in each section and micro vessel density (MVD) was determined. The data were statistically analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with a P-value ≤0.05 considered significant. Results The mean expression value for VEGF was 24.6 in oral invasive carcinoma, 16.4 in precancerous mucosa and 15.5 in normal mucosa, with no significant differences between the latter two. Endoglin was negative in all normal mucosa samples, but had scores of 7.58 for precancerous mucosa and 19.4 in oral invasive carcinoma specimens. MVD was significantly higher in SCC than in dysplastic mucosa. Conclusion Oral invasive carcinoma has more angiogenic activity in comparison with pre-cancerous lesions and normal mucosa. Given the high expression of CD105 positive vessels in malignant lesions, we can argue that determination of mean vessel density (MVD) by application of the CD105 marker could be a useful parameter to differentiate cancerous from pre-cancerous lesions.
Why do men stigmatize individuals with eating disorders more than women? Experimental evidence that sex differences in conformity to gender norms, not biological sex, drive eating disorders’ stigmatization

ABSTRACT Previous research has shown that men are more stigmatizing than women toward individuals with eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and muscle dysmorphia. We hypothesized that previously observed sex differences in eating disorders’ stigmatization are driven by sex differences in individuals’ levels of conformity to masculine and feminine gender norms. Young adults (N = 545) completed validated measures of conformity to masculine and feminine norms and were then randomly assigned to read a character description of a male or female individual with anorexia or muscle dysmorphia. Subsequently, participants’ stigmatizing attitudes toward the characters were assessed. Multivariate analyses indicated that participants’ conformity to masculine and feminine norms were superior predictors of stigmatization relative to biological sex (male/female). Further, participants’ conformity to masculine norms, but not feminine norms, was significantly predictive of stigmatization. Specific masculine norms predictive of eating disorders’ stigmatization included self-reliance and heterosexual self-presentation. Our findings argue against the notion that men are intrinsically more stigmatizing of eating disorders than women; rather, sex differences in socialization to masculine gender norms may drive stigmatization. Importantly, our study highlights masculine gender norm conformity as a target for researchers involved in the development of prevention programs for eating disorders’ stigmatization.