Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An initial study of complete 2D shear wave dispersion images using a reverberant shear wave field

Within the field of elastography, a relatively new approach analyzes the limiting case of shear waves established as a reverberant field. In this framework, it is assumed that a distribution of shear waves exists, oriented across all directions in 3D and continuous in time. The simultaneous multi-frequency application of reverberant shear wave fields can be accomplished by applying an array of external sources that can be excited by multiple frequencies within a bandwidth, for example 50, 100, 150, …, 500 Hz, all contributing to the shear wave field produced in the liver or other target organ. This enables the analysis of the dispersion of shear wave speed as it increases with frequency, indicating the viscoelastic and lossy nature of the tissue under study. Furthermore, dispersion images can be created and displayed alongside the shear wave speed images. We report preliminary studies on breast and liver tissues using the multi-frequency reverberant shear wave technique, employing frequencies up to 700 Hz in breast tissue, and robust reverberant patterns of shear waves across the entire liver and kidney in obese patients. Dispersion images are shown to have contrast between tissue types and with quantitative values that align with previous studies.
Differential Diagnosis of Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis

The differential diagnosis of pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) can be broad and pose diagnostic challenges, particularly at initial presentation. Among demyelinating entities, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG-ab) associated disorders, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) are now well-known as unique disease processes and yet continue to overlap with MS in regards to clinical presentation and imaging. In non-inflammatory entities, such as metabolic disorders and leukodystrophies, an erroneous diagnosis of MS can be made even while applying appropriate diagnostic criteria. Knowing the epidemiology, typical clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and ancillary test results in each disease, can aid in making the correct diagnosis by contrasting these features with those of pediatric MS. Determining the correct diagnosis early, allows for efficient and effective treatment as well as appropriate prognostication.
Associations Among Exposure to Potentially Morally Injurious Experiences, Spiritual Injury, and Alcohol Use Among Combat Veterans.

Potentially morally injurious experiences (PMIEs) are events that may violate deeply held values or belief systems. Combat engagement places service members at a heightened risk for PMIE exposure. Exposure to PMIEs may elicit internal conflict between moral beliefs and experiences and, if unresolved, conflict may manifest as feelings of guilt, shame, and spiritual or existential crisis. Further, distress caused by these experiences may promote harmful behaviors (e.g., excessive alcohol use), which may serve as attempts to cope with PMIEs veterans have witnessed or participated in. The present study examined a sequential mediation model in which combat exposure was associated with alcohol use (i.e., alcohol consumption, dependence symptoms, and alcohol-related problems) via PMIE exposure and spiritual injury (e.g., alienation from and/or anger towards respective higher power) in a community sample of 380 recent-era combat veterans. Multiple-group sequential mediation was then used to examine whether the model fit similarly across men and women. Exposure to PMIEs and spiritual injury sequentially mediated the association between combat and alcohol; higher levels of PMIE exposure and spiritual injury were associated with increased alcohol use, R2 = . 17, f2 = 0.07. The multiple-group model showed that these associations significantly varied between genders such that the mediation was only significant among men. The results indicated that PMIEs and spiritual injury were associated with increased alcohol use, but these associations differed as a function of gender. Future research is needed to refine our understanding of moral and spiritual injury and explore possible risk and protective factors.
Biomechanical Effect of Different Graft Heights on Adjacent Segment and Graft Segment Following C4/C5 Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Finite Element Analysis

Background The finite element analysis (FEA) was used to explore the effect of different graft heights on adjacent segment and graft segment stress after C4/5 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Material/Methods A detailed, geometrically accurate 3-dimensional cervical spine model was successfully built from computed tomography (CT) scanning of a healthy adult male. We changed the graft height in C4–C5 to be 90%, 150%, 175%, and 200% of the preoperative disc height and simulated the postoperative scenarios with different bone graft height, respectively. A stress analysis was conducted on the adjacent segment and graft segment. Results The maximum von Mises stress on C3–C4 showed that when the graft height was 200%, the values were 0.99 MPa, 0.85 MPa, 0.91 MPa, and 0.89 MPa in different loading conditions. For C5–C6, the maximum von Mises stress was 0.77 MPa, 0.83 MPa, 0.91 MPa, and 0.81 MPa, observed when the graft height was 175%, except in extension condition. With regard to graft segment (C4–C5), the biggest von Mises stress was 1.25 MPa, 1.77 MPa, 1.75 MPa, and 1.81 MPa observed at 200% graft height. For these 3 segments, the smallest von Mises stress was found at 150% graft height under the 4 loading conditions. Conclusions The graft height makes an important difference on the stress on the adjacent segment and the graft segment after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. A 150% graft height was considered the proper graft height in C4/C5 ACDF, with the lowest stress on the adjacent segment and the graft segment.
Early Clinical Predictors of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Infants with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Results from the EPISTOP Study

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly prevalent in subjects with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), but we are not still able to reliably predict which infants will develop ASD. This study aimed to identify the early clinical markers of ASD and/or developmental delay (DD) in infants with an early diagnosis of TSC. We prospectively evaluated 82 infants with TSC (6–24 months of age), using a detailed neuropsychological assessment (Bayley Scales of Infant Development—BSID, and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule—ADOS), in the context of the EPISTOP (Long-term, prospective study evaluating clinical and molecular biomarkers of EPIleptogenesiS in a genetic model of epilepsy—Tuberous SclerOsis ComPlex) project (NCT02098759). Normal cognitive developmental quotient at 12 months excluded subsequent ASD (negative predictive value 100%). The total score of ADOS at 12 months clearly differentiated children with a future diagnosis of ASD from children without (p = 0.012). Atypical socio-communication behaviors (p < 0.001) were more frequently observed than stereotyped/repetitive behaviors in children with ASD at 24 months. The combined use of BSID and ADOS can reliably identify infants with TSC with a higher risk for ASD at age 6–12 months, allowing for clinicians to target the earliest symptoms of abnormal neurodevelopment with tailored intervention strategies.
Short-term maximal performance, alertness, dietary intake, sleep pattern and mood states of physically active young men before, during and after Ramadan observance

Purpose To assess changes in short-term maximal performance, alertness, dietary intake, sleep pattern and mood states of physically active young men before (BR), during and after Ramadan observance. Methods Twelve physically-active men (age: 21.9±2.4yrs, height:1.77±0.09m, body-mass: 72.6±7.8kg, exercising: ≥3h/week) performed the 5-jump and the digit-cancellation (alertness) tests 15-days BR, on the first (FR) and last 10-days of Ramadan (ER) and 10-days (AR10) and 20-days (AR20) after Ramadan. During each period, sleep pattern (Pittsburgh-Sleep-Quality-Index (PSQI)), mood states (Profile-of-Mood-States (POMS)) and dietary intake were recorded. Results No significant changes in the 5-jump, digit-cancellation test and POMS parameters appeared during and after Ramadan relative to BR. However, the PSQI total score was lower during FR compared to AR10 (p<0.001). Specifically, the subjective sleep quality was lower (i) at BR compared to FR (p<0.05), AR10 (p<0.01) and AR20 (p<0.01) and (ii) at ER and AR20 compared to FR (p<0.05). The sleep duration (i) increased at FR (p<0.05) and (ii) decreased at AR10 (p<0.01) and AR20 (p<0.05) compared to BR. Sleep disturbances were significantly greater (i) at BR compared to FR (p<0.01), ER (p<0.01), AR10 (p<0.05) and AR20 (p<0.05) and (ii) at AR10 and AR20 compared to FR and ER (p<0.05). In terms of diet, the fractional contribution of carbohydrate (%) was lower and the dietary fat content (g) was higher during ER than AR10 and AR20 (p<0.05). Further, the dietary protein (in %) was significantly lower during FR compared to BR (p<0.01), ER (p<0.05), AR10 (p<0.05) and AR20 (p<0.05). Conclusion Ramadan had no-adverse effects on the 5-jump performance, alertness, or mood states in physically active young men. However, the sleep duration was shorter and the sleep quality was improved following compared to during Ramadan. The fractional intake of fat also increased at the expense of carbohydrate during Ramadan, and the protein intake was lower at the beginning of Ramadan than before, at the end of and after Ramadan.
Glucocorticoids: novel agents to stimulate beta-cell neogenesis?

All forms of diabetes lead to impaired glucose homeostasis, and together they exert a significant financial burden on health services worldwide (1). In each case, the exact aetiology of the disease may differ, but, in a similar outcome, insufficient endogenous insulin is produced to manage the body’s metabolic requirements.
Sibling relatedness rather than father absence predicts earlier age at menarche in ELSPAC cohort

Many studies during the past 50 years have found an association between father absence and earlier menarche. In connection with these findings, several evolutionary theories assume that father absence is a causal factor accelerating reproductive development. However, a recent study analysing data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) found that father absence does not predict age at menarche when adjusted for sibling relatedness. In this study, we have replicated these results in the Czech section of the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC), which used the same questionnaires as ALSPAC to study a geographically distinct population. Our results support the conclusion that sibling relatedness rather than father absence predicts age at menarche. Furthermore, our results show that age at menarche in 1990s UK and Czech cohorts is very similar despite socioeconomic differences between the two countries.
Behavioral Interventions to Increase Condom Use Among College Students in the United States: A Systematic Review

Background. Traditional undergraduate college students in the United States are in the age range that experiences the highest rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are vulnerable to contracting STIs. Increasing condom use among college students is a prevention strategy to reduce the spread of STIs. Aim. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature was to identify behavioral interventions that increased condom use behaviors and/or intentions among college students. Method. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed in systematically searching, extracting, appraising, and synthesizing the evidence. A quality assessment was also conducted with the tool provided by the Effective Public Health Practice Project. Results. The initial search yielded 715 records. After critical appraisal, seven articles remained for review. Discussion. Four of the interventions were developed using the three constructs of the information, motivation, and behavioral skills model, and all four found significant increases in condom use or condom use intentions. Additionally, interventions that included modules to increase self-efficacy for condom use, taught participants where to get condoms and how to negotiate condom use with partners, or elicited positive associations (feels) toward condoms saw increased condom use or intention to use condoms.
Diurnal Variation of Proton Density Fat Fraction in the Liver Using Quantitative Chemical Shift Encoded MRI

Whole‐organ, noninvasive techniques for the detection and quantification of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease features have clinical and research applications. However, the effect of time of day, hydration status, and meals are unknown factors with potential to impact bias, precision, reproducibility, and repeatability of chemical shift‐encoded MRI (CSE‐MRI) to quantify liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF).
Interaction between motor vehicles and bicycles at two-lane roundabouts: a driving volatility-based analysis

Abstract Drivers’ instantaneous decisions regarding speed and acceleration/deceleration, as well as the time rate of acceleration change (jerk) can result in a volatility driving behaviour with significant impact on cyclist safety. The contribution of this article is the assessment of driving volatility in motor vehicle (MV)-bicycle interactions at two-lane roundabouts. Traffic flow and bicycle GPS data were collected from two two-lane roundabouts. Then, traffic, emissions and safety models were used to evaluate volatility impacts on safety, pollutant emissions and traffic performance. The findings showed jerk have an impact on driving volatility between MVs and bicycles, regardless of roundabout design with higher amplitude of variation for MVs. However, MVs had higher acceleration–deceleration variation than bicycles.
Recognizing the Causes of Parasite Morphological Variation to Resolve the Status of a Cryptogenic Pentastome

ABSTRACT Exotic species can threaten biodiversity by introducing parasites to native hosts. Thus, it is critical to identify if the same parasite species infects both native and exotic hosts. However, developmental- or environmental-induced morphological variation may render species identification ambiguous. Our study reports a range expansion in the southern United States of the pentastome Raillietiella indica from the Mediterranean gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus, as well as a host expansion into the green anole, Anolis carolinensis, in the anole's native range. Species identification was based on sequence data and male spicule shape. In agreement with a study from Australia, we found that much of the morphological variation in hook measurements, the primary diagnostic traits of raillietiellid pentastomes, was due to development. Here, we explicitly link this developmental variation to instar stage by incorporating experimental infection data obtained from the literature. We also show that the various hook traits are themselves highly correlated and, thus, likely not independent. Taking instar stage and correlated hook variables into account, we directly controlled for development on a composite hook size measurement. Using a large sample size from H. turcicus, we did not find any consistent effects of potential factors (host sex, host snout-vent-length, or parasite intensity) that may result in environmental-induced variation in relative hook size (corrected for body length). However, relative male spicule size tended to be negatively correlated with parasite intensity. In contrast, both pentastome body length and relative hook size significantly varied among host species whereas relative male spicule size was not significantly different among host species. Our study independently supports the conclusions that developmental- and host-induced morphological variations need to be accounted for to accurately identify pentastome species.
Rheumatoid cervical pannus: feasibility of volume and perfusion quantification using dynamic contrast enhanced time resolved MRI

Background Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging has the potential to show disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis even in complex anatomic areas as the atlantodental region. Purpose To demonstrate the technical feasibility of measuring synovial volume and perfusion characteristics with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the atlantodental region in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Material and Methods Ten patients with rheumatoid arthritis and cervical spine involvement underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine at 1.5 T. For each patient, 80 3D datasets were acquired using the commercialized Time Resolved Imaging of Contrast KineticS (TRICKS) sequence. Volumes of synovia with active synovitis on anatomical and parametric images were segmented. Synovial tissue perfusion parameters, namely plasma flow (Fp), relative plasma volume (vp), and the permeability-surface area product (PS), were calculated using a two-compartment uptake model. Statistical analysis included calculation of intra- and inter-reader agreement and a correlation of perfusion parameters with Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) criteria. Results Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging as well as quantification of volume and perfusion characteristics of synovia was successful in most patients (80%). Intra- and inter-reader agreement was excellent (0.89–0.99). There was a positive correlation between OMERACT score and the permeability-surface product. Conclusion Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging using a 4D angiography sequence for the atlantodental region in patients with rheumatoid arthritis for quantitative and qualitative assessment of synovial volume and perfusion characteristics is technically feasible.
Comparison of a custom-made and a thermoplastic oral appliance for the treatment of mild sleep apnea.

RATIONALE The efficacy of immediate adaptation of mandibular advancement devices made of thermoplastic material as a treatment option for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has been demonstrated in clinical studies. To date, there have been no studies comparing the efficacy of such prefabricated devices with custom-made devices. OBJECTIVES Our purpose was to compare the efficacy of both types of devices in patients with SDB. METHODS A randomized controlled cross-over trial, comprising 4 months of treatment with a thermoplastic and a custom-made device, with a 1-month washout interval. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 35 patients (29 males; age, 49 +/- 9 yr; apnea-hypopnea index [AHI], 13 +/- 11 events/h; body mass index, 28 +/- 4 kg/m(2)) completed the protocol. AHI was only reduced with the custom-made device (P = 0.005). In addition, this device reduced snoring to a greater extent than the thermoplastic device. The success rate was higher with the custom-made device (60 vs. 31%; P = 0.02). One-third of the patients demonstrated compliance failure with the thermoplastic device, mainly because of insufficient overnight retention. Total failure rate with the thermoplastic device was 69%, whereas the majority (63%) of these were successfully treated with the custom-made device. At the end of the study, 82% of the patients preferred the custom-made device, and 9% had no preference (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In this study, a custom-made device turned out to be more effective than a thermoplastic device in the treatment of SDB. Our results suggest that the thermoplastic device cannot be recommended as a therapeutic option nor can it be used as a screening tool to find good candidates for mandibular advancement therapy.
Correlates of gut function in children hospitalized for severe acute malnutrition, a cross-sectional study in Uganda.

OBJECTIVE Children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) may have impaired intestinal function which can result in malabsorption, diarrhoea and poor growth. This study evaluated the gut function of children with SAM using fecal and blood biomarkers and assessed their correlates. METHODS A cross-sectional study, nested in a randomized trial (http://www.isrctn.com, ISRCTN 16454889), was conducted at Mulago hospital, Uganda among subgroups of 400 children with complicated SAM and 30 community controls. Gut function was evaluated by five biomarkers: plasma citrulline, fecal myeloperoxidase and fecal neopterin, bacterially derived 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed Spacer region (ITS) specific for Candida in blood. RESULTS Compared to controls, children with SAM had lower median plasma citrulline (5.14 vs. 27.4 μmol/l, p < 0.001), higher median fecal myeloperoxidase (18083 vs 7482 ng/ml, p = 0.001) and fecal neopterin (541 vs 210 nmol/l, p < 0.001). A higher blood concentration of 16S rRNA gene copy numbers was observed among children with SAM (95 vs 28 copies/μl, p = 0.05), while there was no difference in the blood concentration of Candida specific ITS fragment.Among those with SAM, plasma citrulline was lower in children with oedema, diarrhoea, dermatosis, and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) >10 mg/l. Fecal neopterin was positively correlated with symptoms of fever and cough whereas it was negatively correlated with MUAC, WHZ, oedema and dermatosis CONCLUSION:: Children with complicated SAM seem to have impaired gut function characterized by reduced enterocyte mass, intestinal inflammation, and increased bacterial translocation.