Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictive analysis of coronary plaque morphology and composition on a one year timescale

Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death in the Western world. Symptoms present only late in the progression of the disease, limiting treatment options; moreover, the inability to biopsy arterial tissue in a living patient makes it di cult to study the pathology e ectively. 89 patients were imaged twice at a one year interval using x-ray angiography (the traditional modality for assessment of arterial stenosis) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), which yields a detailed image of the structure of the vessel wall. 32 of these 89 patients were made available for analysis in this study. The Volcano Corp. IVUS acquisition systems include software that provides a virtual histology (VH) characterization of plaque composition that provides information otherwise only available by biopsy. Using a geometric reconstruction method described in previous work, a full working model of wall shear stresses (WSS) produced by blood ow and vessel wall composition is created. Using these, the morphologic structural information gleaned from the 3-D reconstruction, and some additional composite indices, combined with demographic information collected at enrollment and serum biomarkers collected from each patient during imaging, a detailed portrait of each patient's disease state is created, with the objective of predicting disease evolution over a 1 year timescale. We have, in the course of this study, accomplished the following 5 aims towards the goal of predicting localized changes in disease state on a 1 year timescale: Aim 1: Develop and validate a method of compensating for rotational motion of the catheter within the vessel and its e ect upon the 3-D orientation of the reconstruction. Aim 2: Develop and validate a method of registering the reconstructed vessels that permits identi cation of a point-to-point correspondence on all quantitative indices. Aim 3: Successfully reconstruct, register, and analyze image sets for each of as many patients as possible for analysis. Aim 4: Identify statistically signi cant indices in the data
The High Cost of Caring: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Grandparents over the age of 65 who are raising grandchildren are a small but extremely vulnerable population in California. These older adults usually become the primary caregivers of their grandchildren after an unexpected event. They are further faced with the financial challenge of having an additional dependent without additional income. This policy brief documents that the actual income needed to support a basic standard of living for older adults with grandchildren in California is about twice the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), depending on the county. Using 200% FPL as an approximate measure, about two-fifths of older grandparents who are responsible for their grandchildren in the state do not have enough income to make ends meet. The Elder Economic Security Standard™ Index (Elder Index) for California calculates that the costs of housing, food, and the older adults' health care account for more than two-thirds of total household expenses for grandparents and the grandchildren they are raising. Despite the high cost of basic needs, public assistance for low-income older adults and children continues to be squeezed. If they are to efficiently serve members of this fragile population, the existing programs that serve them need to maximize and streamline their impact through better coordination and collaboration.
Self-organised symmetry breaking in zebrafish reveals feedback from morphogenesis to pattern formation

A fundamental question in developmental biology is how the early embryo breaks initial symmetry to establish the spatial coordinate system later important for the organisation of the embryonic body plan. In zebrafish, this is thought to depend on the inheritance of maternal mRNAs [1–3], cortical rotation to generate a dorsal pole of beta-catenin activity [4–8] and the release of Nodal signals from the yolk syncytial layer (YSL) [9–12]. Recent work aggregating mouse embryonic stem cells has shown that symmetry breaking can occur in the absence of extra-embryonic tissue [19,20]. To test whether this is also true in zebrafish, we separated embryonic cells from the yolk and allowed them to develop as aggregates. These aggregates break symmetry autonomously to form elongated structures with an anterior-posterior pattern. Extensive cell mixing shows that any pre-existing asymmetry is lost prior to the breaking morphological symmetry, revealing that the maternal pre-pattern is not strictly required for early embryo patterning. Following early signalling events after isolation of embryonic cells reveals that a pole of Nodal activity precedes and is required for elongation. The blocking of PCP-dependent convergence and extension movements disrupts the establishment of opposing poles of BMP and Wnt/TCF activity and the patterning of anterior-posterior neural tissue. These results lead us to suggest that convergence and extension plays a causal role in the establishment of morphogen gradients and pattern formation during zebrafish gastrulation.
Mitochondrial phylogeography of the Mediterranean horseshoe bat on the Balkan Peninsula

The Balkan Peninsula is identified as one of the major glacial refugia in Europe during the Pleistocene, and it has served as a genetic source for post-glacial recolonization for many temperate species. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity and phylogeographic patterns of the Mediterranean horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus euryale Blasius 1853, on the Balkan Peninsula. We also analyzed its demographic history and tested the hypothesis that this region was a glacial refugium for this species. We collected 82 samples from 20 localities in the Balkans and Italy and sequenced the mitochondrial D-loop region. Our results revealed low nucleotide but high haplotype diversity, with 20 out of 24 haplotypes reported for the first time. All Balkan and Italian samples belonged to a single genetic clade in the phylogenetic reconstruction, where they clustered together with previously published samples from Turkey, southern France and North Africa. The haplotype network had a star-like pattern that is indicative of recent population expansion. Both mismatch distribution and shallow genetic differentiation also supported the scenario of a sudden demographic expansion. We estimated that expansion within this lineage commenced in the Late Pleistocene. We suggest that the Balkan Peninsula was a glacial refugium for R. euryale.
Genome and community-level interaction insights on wide carbon utilizing and element cycling function of Hydrothermarchaeota from hydrothermal sediment

Hydrothermal vents release reduced compounds and small organic carbons into surrounding seawaters, providing essential substrates for microbial-derived biosynthesis and bioenergy transformations. Despite the wide distribution of Marine Benthic Group-E archaea (referred to as Hydrothermarchaeota) in hydrothermal environments, little is known on their genome blueprints and ecofunctions. Here, we studied four relatively high-completeness (> 80%) metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from a black smoker chimney and surrounding sulfide sediments in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge of the South Atlantic Ocean (BSmoChi-MAR) as well as publicly available datasets. Comparative genomics suggest that Hydrothermarchaeota members have versatile carbon metabolism, including assimilating proteins, lactate and acetate, degrading aromatics anaerobically, oxidizing C1 compounds (CO, formate, and formaldehyde), utilizing methyl-compounds, and incorporating CO2 by tetrahydromethanopterin-based Wood–Ljungdahl (WL) pathway and Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle with type III Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO). They could oxidize sulfur, arsenic, and hydrogen, and respire anaerobically via sulfate reduction and denitrification based on genomic evidence. The redundancy of carbon utilizing and element cycling functions, and the interactive processes of syntrophic and sequential utilization of substrates from community-level metabolic prediction, enable wide accessibility of carbon and energy sources to microorganisms. Hydrothermarchaeota members derived important functional components from the community through lateral gene transfer, and became clade-distinctive on genome content, which might serve as a niche-adaptive strategy to metabolize potential heavy metals, C1 compounds, and reduced sulfur compounds. Importance This study provides comprehensive metabolic insights on Hydrothermarchaeota from comparative genomics, evolution and community-level aspects. Hydrothermarchaeota synergistically participates in a wide range of carbon utilizing and element cycling processes with other microbes in the community. We expand the current understanding of community interactions within hydrothermal sediment environments, suggesting that microbial interactions driven by functions are essential to nutrient and element cycling.
Isolation and evaluation of endophytic bacteria from root nodules of Glycine max L. (Merr.) and their potential use as biofertilizers

Aim of study: To isolate and characterize endophytic bacteria inhabiting soybean root nodules collected from two tropical cropping systems in Mexico, and to evaluate the bacterial effects in soybean plants under controlled conditions.Area of study: The study was carried out at two locations (San Antonio Cayal and Nuevo Progreso municipalities) of Campeche State, Mexico.Material and methods: Two experimental stages were performed: 1) isolation, morphological and biochemical characterization, and molecular identification of endophytic bacteria from root-nodules of four soybean varieties grown at field conditions; and 2) evaluation of the effects of endophytic isolates on soybean growth and nodule development, and the effects of bacterial co-inoculation on soybean plants, under controlled conditions.Main results: Twenty-three endophytic bacteria were isolated from root nodules, and identified as Agrobacterium, Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobium, Ensifer, Massilia, Chryseobacterium, Enterobacter, Microbacterium, Serratia, and Xanthomonas. Under controlled conditions, Rhizobium sp. CPO4.13C or Agrobacterium tumefaciens CPO4.15C significantly increased the plant height (46% and 41%, respectively), whereas Bradyrhizobium sp. CPO4.24C promoted the nodule formation (36 nodules/plant). The co-inoculation of B. japonicum USDA110 and Bradyrhizobium sp. CPO4.24C enhanced plant growth, height (33.87 cm), root nodulation (69 nodules/plant) and N-fixation (3.10 µmol C2H4 h-1 plant-1) in comparison to the negative control.Research highlights: Results suggest that the native Bradyrhizobium sp. CPO4.24C may be used as a biofertilizer directed to developing sustainable soybean cropping at tropical regions.
The effect of prolongation of luteal support with progesterone following in-vitro fertilisation treatments on pregnancy outcome

Over 5 million babies have been born as a result of IVF procedures. Worldwide, over 1 million cycles of IVF are performed annually. The IVF procedure involves ovarian stimulation with the purpose of developing multiple follicles and maximising the potential oocyte yield. As a consequence of high oestradiol levels produced during treatment and the use of GnRH agonists or antagonists, a luteal phase deficiency results. This phenomenon is associated with reduced implantation potential and suboptimal conditions for maintenance of early pregnancy. Luteal support in the form of progesterone or HCG has been demonstrated to improve pregnancy rates after IVF. A number of luteal support protocols have been investigated with progesterone the most commonly used drug. The optimum duration of luteal support has yet to be defined. With no agreement in clinical practice evident, the reported use of progesterone ranges from withdrawing luteal support at confirmation of biochemical pregnancy to continuation beyond 12 weeks gestation. Whilst luteal support is considered a very important aspect of IVF treatment, there is very little evidence to support an optimum duration of use. The DOLS trial is a prospective randomised double blind placebo controlled trial investigating the effect of additional luteal support beyond confirmation of pregnancy test after assisted conception. Four hundred and sixty seven patients were randomised after confirmation of biochemical pregnancy to receive a further 8 weeks of vaginal progesterone or 8 weeks of placebo. Summary results were to include a primary outcome defined as viable pregnancy at 12 weeks gestation, whilst secondary outcomes were to report on live birth rates, pregnancy associated complications, neonatal outcomes, effect on first trimester serum screening and effect on uterine artery Doppler velocity. The DOLS trial reported no difference in pregnancy outcome at 12 weeks gestation, with 167/228 (73.3%) women randomised to the extended luteal support treatment arm having a confirmed viable intrauterine pregnancy compared with 167/233 (71.7%) women randomised to the placebo arm of the trial; adjusted risk ratio 0.97 (95%CI 0.87 to 1.09). Similarly live birth rates were not different between the treatment groups; 71.1% versus 70.4% respectively. No effect of extending luteal support beyond positive pregnancy test was observed in reference to complications of pregnancy, neonatal outcome, uterine artery Doppler velocity or antenatal screening outcome. In conclusion, we have confirmed that continuing luteal support using progesterone beyond confirmation of biochemical pregnancy offers no benefit in terms of pregnancy outcomes. However the extended use of progesterone until 12 weeks gestation does not confer harm. We suggest that all clinics worldwide should consider offering luteal support no further than positive pregnancy test, at which point it can be safely withdrawn without compromising live birth rates and reducing treatment burden.
Intravenous Administration of Perfluorocarbon Emulsions as a Non-Recompression Therapy for Decompression Sickness

INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION OF PERFLUOROCARBON EMULSIONS AS A NON-RECOMPRESSION THERAPY FOR DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS By Cameron Reid Smith, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2008 Major Director: Bruce D. Spiess, M.D. Professor, Departments of Anesthesiology and Emergency Medicine Director, Virginia Commonwealth University Reanimation Engineering Shock Center (VCURES) Decompression sickness (DCS) results from a sudden decrease in ambient pressure leading to super-saturation of tissues with inert gas and subsequent bubble formation within both tissues and blood. Perfluorocarbons (PFC) are able to dissolve vast amounts of non-polar gases. The administration of intravenous (I.V.) PFC emulsions reduce both
PREDICTION OF VO2MAX FROM AN INDIVIDUALIZED SUBMAXIMAL CYCLE ERGOMETER PROTOCOL

We hypothesized that a large proportion of the error of VO 2 max prediction comes from individual differences in heart rate responses to submaximal exercise, and that if these differences could be decreased the accuracy of VO 2 max prediction would increase. Eighty (43 male, 37 female) sedentary to highly trained, healthy volunteers first completed a self-report physical activity assessment (Lo-Par), and then performed a modified YMCA protocol with 4-minute stages, a second submaximal test involving an individualized ramp submaximal protocol that was terminated at 80 of their cycle ergometer age-predicted maximum heart rate. Exercise and five-minute recovery heart rate data were collected. A ramp cycle ergometer protocol with expired gas analysis was used to measure actual VO 2 max. Multiple regression analysis produced a model resulting in an *R²* = 0.867 and SEE = 4.23 mL/kg/min, with a prediction equation as follows: `VO₂ max (mL/kg/min) = 46.103 + (-0.353*Body Weight) + (0.683*Watts/min) + (-5.995*Gender) + (0.165*Delta Recovery Heart Rate) + (2.816*Recovery Heart Rate Non-Linear K) + (0.0138*Lo-PAR Exercise) + 4.234`. T-test statistics showed no statistically significant differences between observed and predicted VO 2 max. Mean difference between YMCA, ACSM, and Astrand-Ryhming Nomogram estimated VO 2 max and observed VO 2 max were significant. However, the new equation did not decrease the error of prediction to the extent hypothesized.
Statin-Mediated Attenuation of Chemokine Expression in Peripheral Nerve Vascular Endothelial Cells

Pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), an aggressively debilitating autoimmune disorder affecting peripheral nerves and a leading cause of autoimmune neuromuscular paralysis. Recruitment and trafficking of autoreactive leukocytes across the blood-nerve barrier and into peripheral nerves is an early pathological hallmark of GBS. Whereas the mechanism by which cytokines contribute to peripheral nerve injury in GBS remains unclear, localized activation of the peripheral nerve vascular endothelium has been suggested as an initiating pathological insult. In this study, peripheral nerve vascular endothelial cells (PNVECs) harvested from sciatic nerves of naive Lewis rats were immortalized by SV40 large T antigen transduction using a producer cell line (SVU19.5) expressing a replication-deficient SV40 retrovirus with a neomycin resistant gene. Resistant cell lines were isolated by single colony selection. SV40 large T antigen transduction of rat primary PNVECs yielded immortalized clones 32 that retain many phenotypic and morphological characteristics of primary vascular endothelial cells, including monolayer formation, a cobblestone-like morphology, and localized expression of von Willebrand Factor/Factor VIII (vWF) in Weibel-Palade bodies. A clone (4.3) retaining these key morphological and immunocytochemical characteristics exhibited by primary PNVEC cultures was expanded, and TNF-α mediated changes in intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and MCP-1 chemokine expression were determined. TNF-α (0.1-100 ng/ml, 0-24h) elicited a robust doseand timedependent increase in both ICAM-1 and MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression while enhancing secretion of functional MCP-1 into the culture media. Marked increases in ICAM-1 and MCP-1 expression and release in response to TNF-α may facilitate recruitment and trafficking of autoreactive leukocytes across the blood-nerve barrier in autoimmune disorders, including GBS.
Studying the effect of variables on baclofen floating microsponge

The aim of the present work was to develop a microsponge delivery system of baclofen to control its release and thereby reducing dosing frequency and enhancing patient compliance. The microsponge was produced by oil in oil emulsion solvent diffusion method. The effects of drug/polymer ratio, stirring time and type of Eudragit polymer on the physical characteristics of microsponges were investigated. The prepared microsponges was characterized for production yield (PY), loading efficiency (LD), particle size, surface morphology, and in vitro drug release. The results showed that the microsponge formula with Eudragit RS100 had optimum physical properties with PY % equal to 97 %, and LD % equal to 81% and controlled drug release (75% of drug release in 8 hours) when compared with other formulas and pure BFN. Therefore, the non-‎aqueous emulsion solvent diffusion method is a promising method to produce baclofen microsponges. ‎
A retrospective analysis of ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary care centre in South Kerala

Introduction : Ectopic pregnancy means the presence of pregnancy outside the normal uterine cavity. Ectopic pregnancy commonly occurs in the fallopian tube (95 %). Diagnosis can be made by USG, serum hCG, although the ‘gold standard’ is laparoscopy. Management of the cases depends on the clinical presentation, site of the ectopic and need for future reproductive function and can be medical as well as surgical. Objectives : To determine the incidence of ectopic pregnancy, to assess the percentage of ectopic pregnancy diagnosed with each modality, to identify the factors associated with ectopic pregnancy and to calculate the type of management employed whether medical or surgical. Material and methods : This is a retrospective study where all the cases of ectopic pregnancies 1 st January 2008 to 31 st December 2013 were included. The data on each patient was obtained and was duly entered in M S Excel and descriptive statistical measures were used for analysis Results : The incidence of ectopic pregnancy in the present study was 0.7%. 33.3% patients were primigravida. 5.5% had history of recurrent abortions, 11% of the patients took treatment for infertility, 27.7% had history of previous LSCS, D&C was done in 13% patients and 31.5% had undergone sterilization. In 83.3% ectopic gestation was diagnosed by ultrasound whereas rest 16.7% was diagnosed by serial serum hCG estimation. 22.2% underwent medical management rest 89% patients underwent surgical management. Failure of medical therapy and subsequent surgical management was seen in 50% patients. Conclusions : Ectopic pregnancy causes significant morbidity to the mother and hence requires a high index of suspicion so that diagnosis can be made early and also to prevent complications and preserve the future reproductive function of the patient.
The Meaning of Having an Autistic Child in Malay Family Indonesia

The condition of families with autistic children raises many views and judgments both from family and society. This ethnographic study aimed to describe the meaning of families and communities towards families with autistic children. Data were collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Key informants come from families who have autistic children and community members recruited by purposive sampling, while the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. This study results generate two categories of perception of the meaning of having autistic children. The first category was made by the families which comprises four themes such as 1) A test from God, 2) Destiny of God, 3) Autistic children different with other children, and 4) Children who need intensive helping. The second category was the perception made by the community members which consists of two themes, such as 1) Test for family, and 2) An autistic child as a holy child. This study further shows that culture is believed to determine how families and the members of the community perceive and interpret the existence of autistic children in the families so that it is very important for health workers to understand the culture that exists in the community.