Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrode Location in a Microelectrode Recording-Based Model of the Subthalamic Nucleus Can Predict Motor Improvement After Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease

Motor improvement after deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) may vary substantially between Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Research into the relation between improvement and active contact location requires a correction for anatomical variation. We studied the relation between active contact location relative to the neurophysiological STN, estimated by the intraoperative microelectrode recordings (MER-based STN), and contralateral motor improvement after one year. A generic STN shape was transformed to fit onto the stereotactically defined MER sites. The location of 43 electrodes (26 patients), derived from MRI-fused CT images, was expressed relative to this patient-specific MER-based STN. Using regression analyses, the relation between contact location and motor improvement was studied. The regression model that predicts motor improvement based on levodopa effect alone was significantly improved by adding the one-year active contact coordinates (R2 change = 0.176, p = 0.014). In the combined prediction model (adjusted R2 = 0.389, p < 0.001), the largest contribution was made by the mediolateral location of the active contact (standardized beta = 0.490, p = 0.002). With the MER-based STN as a reference, we were able to find a significant relation between active contact location and motor improvement. MER-based STN modeling can be used to complement imaging-based STN models in the application of DBS.
The utility of mRNA analysis in defining SOX11 expression levels in mantle cell lymphoma and reactive lymph nodes

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare, but distinctive, B cell derived non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtype that constitutes approximately 8% of all NHL.369 The higher prevalence of MCL in individuals of advanced age and the frequent relapses and resistance to therapy makes this disease difficult to
An Interesting Observation Regarding Retrograde Vertebral Artery Flow in Patients With Dialysis Access Fistulas

Retrograde vertebral artery flow, the steal phenomenon, is most frequently caused by a flow‐limiting stenosis of the proximal subclavian artery. The reversal of flow can be incomplete, resulting in bidirectional flow: retrograde in systole and antegrade in diastole. Less often, retrograde vertebral artery flow is the consequence of increased subclavian flow, as might occur with a well‐functioning dialysis access fistula. Our objective was to evaluate bidirectional vertebral artery flow associated with dialysis access fistulas.
Maternal prepregnancy waist circumference and BMI in relation to gestational weight gain and breastfeeding behavior: the CARDIA study.

BACKGROUND Studies suggest that gestational weight gain (GWG) and breastfeeding behavior may influence long-term maternal abdominal fat mass. However, this could be confounded by abdominal fat mass before pregnancy because it is unknown whether abdominal fat mass, independently of body size, affects GWG and breastfeeding behavior. OBJECTIVE We investigated how maternal prepregnancy fat distribution, described by waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI), is associated with GWG and breastfeeding behavior. DESIGN We analyzed 1371 live births to 1024 women after enrollment in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study (1985-1996). For each birth, maternal prepregnancy BMI and WC were measured at year 0 (baseline), 2, 5, or 7 examinations. Recalled GWG and breastfeeding behavior were collected at years 7 and 10. GWG was analyzed by using linear regression and breastfeeding behavior by using logistic regression and discrete-time logistic regression. RESULTS Adjusted for potential confounders, a 1-cm larger WC adjusted for BMI was associated with a 0.19-kg (95% CI: -0.29-, -0.10-kg) lower GWG. In contrast, a 1-unit higher BMI adjusted for WC was associated with a 0.27-kg (95% CI: 0.06-, 0.47-kg) higher GWG. The OR for ever breastfeeding compared with never breastfeeding was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.90, 0.97) per 1-cm larger WC after adjustment for BMI, whereas it was 1.10 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.19) per 1-unit higher BMI adjusted for WC. CONCLUSIONS Maternal prepregnancy body size was differently associated with GWG and breastfeeding behavior depending on the location of the fat mass. Thus, maternal fat distribution may be a more important determinant of GWG and breastfeeding behavior than BMI alone.
Complete mitochondrial genome of Rhynchocypris cf. lagowskii (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)

Abstract Rhynchocypris lagowskii sensu lato (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) has been revealed as a species complex including two species, i.e. R. lagowskii sensu stricto and a cryptic species R. cf. lagowskii. We determined the first complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of R. cf. lagowskii by comparing with a published mitogenome of R. lagowskii sensu stricto. The two species displayed similar pattern of mitochondrial gene arrangements and similar base compositions of the heavy strain with a bias in the A + T content. There were the nucleotide sequence similarity of 91.8% for mitogenomes and pairwise p-distance of 6.9% for COI genes between R. cf. lagowskii and R. lagowskii sensu stricto and these results supported the two species as different species.
Stent versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Multi-Vessel and Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials with Subgroups Evaluation

Background Comparison between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using stents and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) remains controversial. Objective To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis of PCI using Stents versus CABG in randomized controlled trials. Methods Electronic databases were searched to identify randomized trials comparing PCI using Stents versus CABG for multi-vessel and unprotected left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD). 15 trials were found and their results were pooled. Differences between trials were considered significant if p < 0.05. Results In the pooled data (n = 12,781), 30 days mortality and stroke were lower with PCI (1% versus 1.7%, p = 0.01 and 0.6% versus 1.7% p < 0.0001); There was no difference in one and two year mortality (3.3% versus 3.7%, p = 0.25; 6.3% versus 6.0%, p = 0.5). Long term mortality favored CABG (10.6% versus 9.4%, p = 0.04), particularly in trials of DES era (10.1% versus 8.5%, p = 0.01). In diabetics (n = 3,274) long term mortality favored CABG (13.7% versus 10.3%; p < 0.0001). In six trials of LMCAD (n = 4,700) there was no difference in 30 day mortality (0.6%versus 1.1%, p = 0.15), one year mortality (3% versus 3.7%, p = 0.18), and long term mortality (8.1% versus 8.1%) between PCI and CABG; the incidence of stroke was lower with PCI (0.3% versus 1.5%; p < 0.001). Diabetes and a high SYNTAX score were the subgroups that influenced more adversely the results of PCI. Conclusion Compared with CABG, PCI using Stents showed lower 30 days mortality, higher late mortality and lower incidence of stroke. Diabetes and a high SYNTAX were the subgroups that influenced more adversely the results of PCI.
An Energy Efficient Localization-Free Routing Protocol for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks

Recently, underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) have attracted much research attention from both academia and industry, in order to explore the vast underwater environment. UWSNs have peculiar characteristics; that is, they have large propagation delay, high error rate, low bandwidth, and limited energy. Therefore, designing network/routing protocols for UWSNs is very challenging. Also, in UWSNs, improving the energy efficiency is one of the most important issues since the replacement of the batteries of underwater sensor nodes is very expensive due to the unpleasant underwater environment. In this paper, we therefore propose an energy efficient routing protocol, named (energy-efficient depth-based routing protocol) EEDBR for UWSNs. EEDBR utilizes the depth of sensor nodes for forwarding data packets. Furthermore, the residual energy of sensor nodes is also taken into account in order to improve the network lifetime. Based on the comprehensive simulation using NS2, we observe that EEDBR contributes to the performance improvements in terms of the network lifetime, energy consumption, and end-to-end delay. A previous version of this paper was accepted in AST-2011 conference.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection of colorectal neoplasms: an audit of its safety and efficacy in a single tertiary centre in Singapore.

INTRODUCTION Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) provides a higher en bloc and R0 resection rate than endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Colorectal ESD is not widely used because of its technical difficulty and risk of complications, especially for right-sided colonic lesions. We audited the clinical outcomes of our initial experience with colorectal ESD. METHODS We reviewed data collected from a prospective registry of patients who underwent colorectal ESD from December 2014 to March 2018. Therapeutic outcomes and procedure-related complications were analysed. RESULTS A total of 41 patients (mean age 67.4 years, 21 male) underwent colorectal ESD. The distribution of the lesions was as follows: rectum (n = 9), sigmoid colon (n = 8), descending colon (n = 6), splenic flexure (n = 1), transverse colon (n = 5), ascending colon (n = 8) and caecum (n = 4). The mean size was 23 (range 12-50) mm. En bloc resection was achieved in 35 (85.4%) out of 41 patients, and R0 resection or clear resection margins was achieved in 33 (94.3%) of the en bloc resection patients. The lesion was upstaged in 14 (34.1%) patients after ESD. Colonic perforation occurred in 3 (7.3%) patients during ESD and was successfully treated with endoscopic clips. There was no procedure-related bleeding. No patient required surgery for management of complications. The median duration of hospitalisation was 1 (range 0-7) day. Four patients with lesions that were upstaged after ESD, from high-grade dysplasia to intramucosal carcinoma with deep submucosal invasion, were referred for colectomy. CONCLUSION Our early outcome data was comparable to that from large published series. ESD is an effective and feasible treatment for colorectal lesions.
Conservation value of small reserves

The importance of large reserves has been long maintained in the scientific literature, often leading to dismissal of the conservation potential of small reserves. However, over half the global protected‐area inventory is composed of protected areas that are <100 ha, and the median size of added protected area is decreasing. Studies of the conservation value of small reserves and fragments of natural area are relatively uncommon in the literature. We reviewed SCOPUS and WOK for studies on small reserve and fragment contributions to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, and fifty‐eight taxon‐specific studies were included in the review. Small reserves harbored substantial portions (upward of 50%) of regional species diversity for many taxa (birds, plants, amphibians, and small mammals) and even some endemic, specialist bird species. Unfortunately, small reserves and fragments almost always harbored more generalist and exotic species than large reserves. Community composition depended on habitat quality, surrounding land use (agricultural vs. urban), and reserve and fragment size, which presents opportunities for management and improvement. Small reserves also provided ecosystem services, such as pollination and biological pest control, and cultural services, such as recreation and improved human health. Limitations associated with small reserves, such as extinction debt and support of area‐sensitive species, necessitate a complement of larger reserves. However, we argue that small reserves can make viable and significant contributions to conservation goals directly as habitat and indirectly by increasing landscape connectivity and quality to the benefit of large reserves. To effectively conserve biodiversity for future generations in landscapes fragmented by human development, small reserves and fragments must be included in conservation planning.
Characterization of Thyroid Disorders in Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibition Therapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitor–induced thyroid disorders were assessed in patients with a variety of cancers. Guidance is provided on monitoring and managing thyroid disorders induced by anti–PD-1 monotherapy or in combination with anti–CTLA-4. Thyroid disorders have emerged as one of the most common immune-related adverse events associated with anti–PD-1 monotherapy or combination anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA-4 therapy. This study characterizes and compares the evolution of monotherapy and combination therapy-related thyroid disorders. We analyzed the dynamic evolution of thyroid disorders in 45 patients who developed thyroid disorders following treatment with either anti–PD-1 monotherapy or anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA-4 combination therapy. The patients presented with thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism as the initial presentation of their thyroid disorder. Thyrotoxicosis as the initial presentation occurred in the majority of patients (93% and 56% of the patients receiving combination therapy and monotherapy, respectively). The onset pattern of the thyroid disorder was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.01). Subsequently, 76% and 90% of the patients with thyrotoxicosis evolved to develop hypothyroidism in the combination and monotherapy groups, respectively. In the combination therapy and monotherapy groups, the median times to onset of thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism after first treatment were 21 and 63 days, and 31 and 68 days, respectively. The median time for transition from thyrotoxicosis to hypothyroidism was 42 days in both groups. Our study demonstrates that most thyroid disorders induced by either anti–PD-1 or combination anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA-4 therapy are thyroiditis. The time to onset of thyrotoxicosis after treatment initiation and evolution of thyrotoxicosis to hypothyroidism was short, emphasizing the importance of close monitoring of thyroid function in these patients. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(12); 1133–40. ©2017 AACR.
Dysregulation of circulating sTie2 and sHER2 in HIV-infected women with preeclampsia

ABSTRACT Objective: This study assesses whether circulating sTie2 and sHER2 are altered in HIV-negative and HIV-positive pregnant normotensive and preeclamptic women. Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 80 pregnant women, stratified into four groups, namely, HIV-negative normotensives (20); HIV-positive normotensives (20); HIV-negative preeclamptics (20); and HIV-positive preeclamptics (20). The concentration of sTie2 and sHER2 was analyzed by Bio-Plex multiplex immunoassay and generated from a standard curve. Results: sTie2 differed significantly by pregnancy type (p = 0.0403) but not by HIV status (p = 0.5214). sHER2 did not show a significant difference between normotensive and preeclampsia (p = 0.3677) and by HIV status (p = 0.5249). Conclusion: Irrespective of HIV status, reduced concentrations of sTie2 were evident in preeclampsia (PE) reflecting a dysregulation of the angiogenic process. sHER2 was similar between pregnancy types, attributable to the oxidative stressed microenvironment which promotes dysregulation of the MAPK and P13K/Akt signaling. HIV status did not influence sTie2 and sHER2 expression, reflecting the immune reconstitution of highly active antiretroviral therapy. sTie2 and sHER2 were not influenced by PE comorbid with HIV infection.
Metal additive manufacturing technologies: literature review of current status and prosthodontic applications.

OBJECTIVES To review the current metal-based additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, namely powder bed fusion (PBF) technologies, and their current prosthodontic applications. The PBF technologies reviewed are selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), and electron beam melting (EBM). MATERIALS AND METHODS The literature on metal AM technologies was considered, and the AM procedures and their current applications in prosthodontics were collated and described. Published articles about AM metal in dental care were searched (MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO, and Web of Science). All studies related to the description, analysis, and evaluation of prosthodontic applications using metal AM technologies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS AM technologies are reliable for many applications in dentistry, including metal frameworks for removable partial dentures (RPDs), overdentures, tooth- and implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs), and metal frameworks for splinting implant impression abutments. However, further studies are needed in future to evaluate the accuracy, reproducibility, and clinical outcome throughout function of AM technologies.
The big warm smile of cheaters: lateral posing biases and emotional expressions in displaying facial trustworthiness

ABSTRACT Cheater detection, which is a prerequisite for the evolution of social cooperation, has been successfully simulated in laboratory settings. However, the process has not been perfect because the detection rate has usually been just above chance. The present study investigated the role of lateral posing biases and emotional expressions in displaying trustworthiness, which plays a crucial role in cheater detection. Participants (N = 30 and 28 in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively) observed facial photographs of cheaters and cooperators in an economic game and evaluated their facial expressions in terms of emotional valence and arousal. The models in the photographs had turned their left or right cheek to the camera to display their trustworthiness in the economic game. The results indicated that cheaters showing their left cheek were rated as more emotionally positive than cheaters showing their right cheek. This lateral difference was not observed for cooperators. A left cheek advantage in emotional arousal was found for both cheaters and cooperators. These results suggest that cheaters use a fake smile on the emotional side of their face (i.e., the left) to conceal their uncooperative attitude.
Pericytes as a Source of Osteogenic Cells in Bone Fracture Healing

Pericytes are mesenchymal cells that surround the endothelial cells of small vessels in various organs. These cells express several markers, such as NG2, CD146, and PDGFRβ, and play an important role in the stabilization and maturation of blood vessels. It was also recently revealed that like mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), pericytes possess multilineage differentiation capacity, especially myogenic, adipogenic, and fibrogenic differentiation capacities. Although some previous studies have reported that pericytes also have osteogenic potential, the osteogenesis of pericytes can still be further elucidated. In the present study, we established novel methods for isolating and culturing primary murine pericytes. An immortalized pericyte line was also established. Multilineage induction of the pericyte line induced osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and chondrogenesis of the cells in vitro. In addition, pericytes that were injected into the fracture site of a bone fracture mouse model contributed to callus formation. Furthermore, in vivo pericyte-lineage-tracing studies demonstrated that endogenous pericytes also differentiate into osteoblasts and osteocytes and contribute to bone fracture healing as a cellular source of osteogenic cells. Pericytes can be a promising therapeutic candidate for treating bone fractures with a delayed union or nonunion as well as bone diseases causing bone defects.
Autoantibody testing in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

The diagnosis and classification of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are based mainly on clinical and histological features. The discovery of myositis-specific and myositis-associated antibodies has simplified the (sub)classification of inflammatory myopathies. Patients suspected of having an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy should undergo routine antibody testing to gain more insight into distinct phenotypes, comorbidities, treatment response and prognosis. Furthermore, autoantibody testing can help in patients with atypical patterns of weakness or with an unresolved limb-girdle myopathic phenotype, or interstitial lung disease. However, some important technical and methodological issues can hamper the interpretation of antibody testing; for example, some antibodies are not included in the widely available line blots. We aim to provide a practical review of the use of autoantibody testing in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies in clinical practice.
Understanding How Consumers Categorise Health Related Claims on Foods: A Consumer-Derived Typology of Health-Related Claims

The Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (NHCR) EC No 1924/2006 aims to provide an appropriate level of consumer protection whilst supporting future innovation and fair competition within the EU food industry. However, consumers’ interpretation of health claims is less well understood. There is a lack of evidence on the extent to which consumers are able to understand claims defined by this regulatory framework. Utilising the Multiple Sort Procedure (MSP), a study was performed (N = 100 participants across five countries: Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom) to facilitate development of a framework of health-related claims encompassing dimensions derived from consumers. Our results provide useful insight into how consumers make sense of these claims and how claims may be optimised to enhance appropriate consumer understanding. They suggest consumers may not consciously differentiate between a nutrition claim and a health claim in the way that regulatory experts do and provide insight into where this might occur. A consumer-derived typology of health-related claims based on three key dimensions is proposed: (1) Familiarity with the nutrient, substance or food stated in the claim; (2) statement type in terms of simplicity/complexity; (3) relevance of the claim, either personally or for a stated population group.
Effects of Varying Intranasal Treatment Regimens in ST266-Mediated Retinal Ganglion Cell Neuroprotection

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that intranasally administered ST266, a novel biological secretome of amnion‐derived multipotent progenitor cells containing multiple growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines, attenuated visual dysfunction and prevented retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss in experimental optic neuritis. Long-term effects and dose escalation studies examined here have not been reported previously. Methods: Optic neuritis was induced in the multiple sclerosis model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE and control mice were treated once or twice daily with intranasal placebo/vehicle or ST266 beginning after onset of optic neuritis for either 15 days or continuously until sacrifice. Visual function was assessed by optokinetic responses (OKRs). RGC survival and optic nerve inflammation and demyelination were measured. Results: Both once and twice daily continuous intranasal ST266 treatment from disease onset to 56 days after EAE induction significantly increased OKR scores, decreased RGC loss, and reduced optic nerve inflammation and demyelination compared with placebo (saline, nonspecific protein solution, or cell culture media)-treated EAE mice. ST266 treatment given for just 15 days after disease onset, then discontinued, only delayed OKR decreases, and had limited effects on RGC survival and optic nerve inflammation 56 days after disease induction. Conclusions: ST266 is a potential neuroprotective therapy to prevent RGC damage, and intranasal delivery warrants further study as a novel mechanism to deliver protein therapies for optic neuropathies. Results suggest that once daily ST266 treatment is sufficient to sustain maximal benefits and demonstrate that neuroprotective effects promoted by ST266 are specific to the combination of factors present in this complex biologic therapy.