Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values of the Renal Parenchyma and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rates on 3-T Diffusion-Weighted Echo-Planar Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of renal parenchyma and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). METHODS Data on 216 patients examined by 3-T magnetic resonance imaging for various reasons were retrospectively collected. RESULTS There was a significant linear correlation between the ADC values and eGFRs (r = 0.254, P < 0.001). The ADC values in patients with an eGFR of less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m were significantly lower than those with an eGFR of 60 mL/min per 1.73 m or greater. The mean ADC value of patients with grouped stage 2 disease was significantly higher than those with grouped stage 3 of chronic kidney disease (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The ADC value of renal parenchyma may be a promising marker for the determination of patients with normal to mild reduction in renal function (eGFR ≥60 mL/min per 1.73 m) versus those with a moderate to severe reduction in renal function (eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m).
Mycorrhizal types differ in ecophysiology and alter plant nutrition and soil processes

Mycorrhizal fungi benefit plants by improved mineral nutrition and protection against stress, yet information about fundamental differences among mycorrhizal types in fungi and trees and their relative importance in biogeochemical processes is only beginning to accumulate. We critically review and synthesize the ecophysiological differences in ectomycorrhizal, ericoid mycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses and the effect of these mycorrhizal types on soil processes from local to global scales. We demonstrate that guilds of mycorrhizal fungi display substantial differences in genome‐encoded capacity for mineral nutrition, particularly acquisition of nitrogen and phosphorus from organic material. Mycorrhizal associations alter the trade‐off between allocation to roots or mycelium, ecophysiological traits such as root exudation, weathering, enzyme production, plant protection, and community assembly as well as response to climate change. Mycorrhizal types exhibit differential effects on ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling that affect global elemental fluxes and may mediate biome shifts in response to global change. We also note that most studies performed to date have not been properly replicated and collectively suffer from strong geographical sampling bias towards temperate biomes. We advocate that combining carefully replicated field experiments and controlled laboratory experiments with isotope labelling and ‐omics techniques offers great promise towards understanding differences in ecophysiology and ecosystem services among mycorrhizal types.
Influence of submacular fluid on recovery of retinal function and structure after successful rhegmatogenous retinal reattachment

Purpose To determine the influence of residual submacular fluid (SMF) on the recovery of function and structure of the retina after successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) reattachment. Methods We reviewed the medical records of all patients who had undergone successful RRD repair by scleral buckling (SB) surgery or by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) from March 2011 to August 2014. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic images of the macular regions were used at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following the surgery. The best-corrected visual acuities (BCVA) were evaluated at the same times. Results The eyes with a macula-off RRD that were treated by SB surgery had a significant higher incidence of residual SMF (52%) than those treated by PPV (6.8%; P <0.001). Nevertheless, the postoperative BCVA was significantly improved in the eyes that had undergone SB surgery (P = 0.007). The postoperative BCVAs were not significantly different between the groups in which the SMF was absorbed (12 eyes) and not absorbed (13 eyes) within 1 month after the SB surgery. The photoreceptor outer segment length and the presence of a foveal bulge were not significantly different between these two groups at 12 months. Multiple regression analyses showed that the presence of a foveal bulge (β = 0.531, P = 0.001) and the duration of the retinal detachment before surgery (β = 0.465, P = 0.002) but not the duration of the SMF were independent factors significantly correlated with the final BCVA. Conclusions These results suggest that the postoperative residual SMF does not significantly disrupt the functional and structural recovery of eyes with macula-off RRD treated by SB surgery.
Availability of EuroQol-5-Dimensions-5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) as health-related QOL assessment for Japanese systemic sclerosis patients

Abstract Objective: To assess the functional disability in Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) using the EuroQol-5-Domain-5-Level health questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), which was developed in Europe to demonstrate the cost utility of treatments for non-specific diseases. Methods: The EQ-5D-5L and Disability Index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-DI), which is a questionnaire for the quality of life for rheumatic diseases, were completed by 109 Japanese patients with SSc, and the clinical findings and laboratory data were collected at the same time. Results: There was a correlation between the EQ-5D-5L score and HAQ-DI score. The EQ-5D-5L index score was affected by the % of predicted vital capacity (%VC), pulmonary arterial hypertension, and renal crisis. The %VC and renal crisis were also indicated as factors reducing the quality of life in the HAQ-DI. There was no difference in the EQ-5D-5L score between the SSc subtypes or among autoantibodies. Conclusion: Our single-center study demonstrated the EQ-5D-5L to be a valuable assessment tool for functional disability in Japanese SSc patients, similarly to the disease specific HAQ-DI.
Characterization of a Surface-Active Protein Extracted from a Marine Strain of Penicillium chrysogenum

Marine microorganisms represent a reservoir of new promising secondary metabolites. Surface-active proteins with good emulsification activity can be isolated from fungal species that inhabit the marine environment and can be promising candidates for different biotechnological applications. In this study a novel surface-active protein, named Sap-Pc, was purified from a marine strain of Penicillium chrysogenum. The effect of salt concentration and temperature on protein production was analyzed, and a purification method was set up. The purified protein, identified as Pc13g06930, was annotated as a hypothetical protein. It was able to form emulsions, which were stable for at least one month, with an emulsification index comparable to that of other known surface-active proteins. The surface tension reduction was analyzed as function of protein concentration and a critical micellar concentration of 2 μM was determined. At neutral or alkaline pH, secondary structure changes were monitored over time, concurrently with the appearance of protein precipitation. Formation of amyloid-like fibrils of SAP-Pc was demonstrated by spectroscopic and microscopic analyses. Moreover, the effect of protein concentration, a parameter affecting kinetics of fibril formation, was investigated and an on-pathway involvement of micellar aggregates during the fibril formation process was suggested.
Defining subgroups of patients with a stiff and painful shoulder: an analytical model using cluster analysis

Abstract Purpose The primary purpose of this research was to develop a classification system for patients with stiff and painful shoulders using hierarchical cluster analysis. Methods Medical charts of 52 patients treated for stiff and painful shoulders were reviewed for descriptive and clinical data after completion of their rehabilitation. A clinician-reported outcome was derived from ratings of three members of the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists. Data were subjected to cluster analysis using the hierarchical method. Analysis of difference tests was performed to determine if differences between clusters could be found with either initial examination or outcome data. Results Two clusters emerged from the clustering process: a healthy, strong, and mobile group of 32 patients, and an unhealthy, weak, and immobile groups consisting of 20 patients. Significant differences in initial examination measures between clusters were found for the presence of co-morbidities, range of motion for shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation, and strength of the shoulder external rotators and in the empty can position. Significant differences between clusters were found for shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation range of motion, and clinician-reported outcome at the time of patient discharge. Conclusion Patients with stiff and painful shoulders in this study were classified into two distinct subgroups using hierarchical cluster analysis based on demographic attributes and initial examination findings. The findings from this study also suggest that patients who may be at risk for a poorer outcome can be identified based on initial examination measures. By identifying these patients early in rehabilitation who have a poorer prognosis, improved patient education, alternative interventions or diagnostic tests may be utilized on their behalf. Implications for rehabilitation Patients with stiff and painful shoulders were classified into two subgroups using hierarchical cluster analysis based on demographic attributes and initial examination findings. Significant differences in mean clinician-reported outcome was also noted between clusters, with the patients who were healthier, stronger, and more mobile having a significantly better outcome than those patients who were more unhealthy, weak, and immobile. The findings from this study suggest that patients can be identified on initial examination who may be at risk for a poorer outcome. By identifying these patients early in rehabilitation who have a poorer prognosis, improved patient education, alternative interventions, or diagnostic tests may be utilized on their behalf sooner in the course of care.
The value of introducing cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) versus umbilical artery (UA) Doppler alone for the prediction of neonatal small for gestational age (SGA) and short-term adverse outcomes

Abstract Objective To compare the role of umbilical artery (UA) Doppler versus CPR in the prediction of neonatal SGA and short-term adverse neonatal outcome in a high-risk population. Study design We conducted a prospective study on women referred for fetal growth ultrasounds between 26 and 36 weeks of gestation and with an EFW <20th percentile by Hadlock standard. UA and middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler assessments were performed. Abnormal UA Doppler was defined as: pulsatility index (PI) above the 95th percentile and absent or reverse end-diastolic flow. The CPR, calculated as a ratio of the MCA PI by the UA PI, was defined as low if <1.08. The primary outcome was the sensitivity and specificity of the two Doppler assessments to predict neonatal SGA, defined as birthweight <10th percentile by using Alexander curves. The secondary outcomes included umbilical cord arterial pH <7.10, Apgars at 5 minutes <7, NICU admission, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), hypoglycemia or a composite including any of these secondary outcomes. Chi-square was performed for statistical analysis. Results Of the 199 women meeting inclusion criteria, 94 (47.2%) had SGA and 68 (34.2%) had a composite adverse outcome. A total of seven pregnancies with FGR had a low CPR. Abnormal UA Doppler showed a better sensitivity for predicting SGA and adverse neonatal outcomes with comparable specificity to low CPR. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) using abnormal UA Doppler for predicting SGA was 0.54, 95% CI 0.50–0.58; and 0.51, 95% CI 0.48–0.53 for low CPR. The AUC for predicting a composite adverse neonatal outcome are: 0.60, 95% CI 0.51–0.68 for abnormal UA Doppler; and 0.54, 95% CI 0.47–0.84 for low CPR. Conclusion The CPR did not improve our ability to predict neonatal SGA or other short-term adverse outcomes.
Toxicity of TiO2, ZnO, and SiO2 Nanoparticles in Human Lung Cells: Safe-by-Design Development of Construction Materials

Rapid progress in the development of highly efficient nanoparticle-based construction technologies has not always been accompanied by a corresponding understanding of their effects on human health and ecosystems. In this study, we compare the toxicological effects of pristine TiO2, ZnO, SiO2, and coated SiO2 nanoparticles, and evaluate their suitability as additives to consolidants of weathered construction materials. First, water soluble tetrazolium 1 (WST-1) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were used to determine the viability of human alveolar A549 cells at various nanoparticle concentrations (0–250 μg mL−1). While the pristine TiO2 and coated SiO2 nanoparticles did not exhibit any cytotoxic effects up to the highest tested concentration, the pristine SiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles significantly reduced cell viability. Second, as all developed nanoparticle-modified consolidants increased the mechanical strength of weathered sandstone, the decisive criterion for the selection of the most suitable nanoparticle additive was as low toxicity as possible. We believe that this approach would be of high importance in the industry, to identify materials representing top functional properties and low toxicity, at an early stage of the product development.
Effects of Switching to a Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Product on Biologically Relevant Biomarkers to Assess a Candidate Modified Risk Tobacco Product: A Randomized Trial

Background: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of chronic diseases; heating instead of burning tobacco can lower these risks, contributing to tobacco harm reduction. This study (with 984 adult American smokers) examined whether favorable changes occur in 8 co-primary endpoints (HDL-C, WBC, FEV1%pred, COHb, Total NNAL, sICAM-1, 11-DTX-B2, 8-epi-PGF2α) indicative of biological and functional effects when cigarette smokers switch to the heat-not-burn Tobacco Heating System 2.2 (THS). Additionally, these biomarkers of exposure (BoExp) were quantified: MHBMA, 3-HPMA, Total NNN, CEMA, 3-OH-B[a]P, HMPMA, Total 1-OHP, NEQ, and CO exhaled. Methods: Participants were randomized to continued smoking of their preferred cigarette brand (n = 496) or to using THS (IQOS brand; n = 488) for 6 months. THS has a maximum heating temperature of 350°C, delivering 1.21 mg nicotine/stick and 3.94 mg glycerin/stick under the Health Canada Intense smoking regimen. Results: The main outcome was a favorable change 6 months after baseline, with statistically significant improvements in 5 of 8 biomarkers of effect (HDL-C, WBC, FEV1%pred, COHb, Total NNAL) when smokers switched to THS compared with those who continued to smoke cigarettes. Likewise, BoExp were markedly reduced. Conclusions: All endpoints showed favorable changes in the same direction as with smoking cessation and improved biological effects were observed in smokers who predominantly used THS compared with continued cigarette smoking, with similar nicotine levels in both groups. Impact: Improvements in 5 of 8 biomarkers of effect are supportive of the research hypothesis, suggestive of disease risk reduction potential for smokers switching to THS instead of continuing to smoke cigarettes.
A comparison of in vivo MRI based cortical myelin mapping using T1w/T2w and R1 mapping at 3T

In this manuscript, we compare two commonly used methods to perform cortical mapping based on myelination of the human neocortex. T1w/T2w and R1 maps with matched total acquisition times were obtained from a young cohort in randomized order and using a test–retest design. Both methodologies showed cortical myelin maps that enhanced similar anatomical features, namely primary sensory regions known to be myelin rich. T1w/T2w maps showed increased robustness to movement artifacts in comparison to R1 maps, while the test re-test reproducibility of both methods was comparable. Based on Brodmann parcellation, both methods showed comparable variability within each region. Having parcellated cortical myelin maps into VDG11b areas of 4a, 4p, 3a, 3b, 1, 2, V2, and MT, both methods behave identically with R1 showing an increased variability between subjects. In combination with the test re-test evaluation, we concluded that this increased variability between subjects reflects relevant tissue variability. A high level of correlation was found between the R1 and T1w/T2w regions with regions of higher deviations being co-localized with those where the transmit RF field deviated most from its nominal value. We conclude that R1 mapping strategies might be preferable when studying different population cohorts where cortical properties are expected to be altered while T1w/T2w mapping will have advantages when performing cortical based segmentation.
Forensic Analysis of Databases by Combining Multiple Evidences

The information security for securing enterprise databases from internal and external attacks and violations of mutual policy is an interminable struggle. With the growing number of attacks and frauds, the organizations are finding it difficult to meet various regulatory compliance requirements such as SOX, HIPAA, and state privacy laws. The aim here is to develop a methodology which monitors the database transactions on continuous basis and to make a decision whether the database transactions are legitimate or suspicious by combining multiple evidences gathered. The suspicious transactions can then be used for forensic analysis to reconstruct the illegal activity carried out in an organization. This can be achieved by incorporating information accountability in Database Management System. Information accountability means, the information usage should be transparent so that it is possible to determine whether a use is appropriate under a given set of rules. We focus on effective information accountability of data stored in high-performance databases through database forensics which collects and analyses database transactions collected through various sources and artifacts like data cache, log files, error logs etc. having volatile or non-volatile characteristics within high performance databases. The information and multiple evidences collected are then analyzed using an Extended Dempster-Shafer theory(EDST). It combines multiple such evidences and an initial belief is computed for suspected transactions which can be further used for reconstructing the activity in database forensics process.
Activity within specific enteric neurochemical subtypes is correlated with distinct patterns of gastrointestinal motility in the murine colon.

The enteric nervous system in the large intestine generates two important patterns relating to motility: 1) propagating rhythmic peristaltic smooth muscle contractions referred to as colonic migrating motor complexes, CMMCs, 2) tonic inhibition, during which colonic smooth muscle contractions are suppressed. The precise neurobiological substrates underlying each of these patterns is unclear. Using transgenic animals expressing the genetically-encoded calcium indicator GCaMP3 to monitor activity or the optogenetic actuator channelrhodopsin (ChR2) to drive activity in defined enteric neuronal subpopulations, we provide evidence that cholinergic and nitrergic neurons play significant roles in mediating CMMCs and tonic inhibition, respectively. Nitrergic neurons (neuronal nitric oxide synthase- or nNOS-positive neurons) expressing GCaMP3 exhibited higher levels of activity during periods of tonic inhibition than during CMMCs. Consistent with these findings, optogenetic activation of ChR2 in nitrergic neurons depressed ongoing CMMCs. Conversely, cholinergic neurons (choline acetyltransferase- or ChAT-positive neurons) expressing GCaMP3 markedly increased their activity during the CMMC. Treatment with the NO synthesis inhibitor l-nitro-arginine also augmented the activity of ChAT-GCaMP3 neurons, suggesting that the reciprocal patterns of activity exhibited by nitrergic and cholinergic enteric neurons during distinct phases of colonic motility may be related.
Hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) overexpression diminishes the procatabolic activity of chondrocytes by a mechanism independent of extracellular hyaluronan

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative disease of the joints caused in part by a change in the phenotype of resident chondrocytes within affected joints. This altered phenotype, often termed proinflammatory or procatabolic, features enhanced production of endoproteinases and matrix metallo-proteinases (MMPs) as well as secretion of endogenous inflammatory mediators. Degradation and reduced retention of the proteoglycan aggrecan is an early event in OA. Enhanced turnover of hyaluronan (HA) is closely associated with changes in aggrecan. Here, to determine whether experimentally increased HA production promotes aggrecan retention and generates a positive feedback response, we overexpressed HA synthase-2 (HAS2) in chondrocytes via an inducible adenovirus construct (HA synthase-2 viral overexpression; HAS2-OE). HAS2-OE incrementally increased high-molecular-mass HA >100-fold within the cell-associated and growth medium pools. More importantly, our results indicated that the HAS2-OE expression system inhibits MMP3, MMP13, and other markers of the procatabolic phenotype (such as TNF-stimulated gene 6 protein (TSG6)) and also enhances aggrecan retention. These markers were inhibited in OA-associated chondrocytes and in chondrocytes activated by interleukin-1β (IL1β), but also chondrocytes activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), or HA oligosaccharides. However, the enhanced extracellular HA resulting from HAS2-OE did not reduce the procatabolic phenotype of neighboring nontransduced chondrocytes as we had expected. Rather, HA-mediated inhibition of the phenotype occurred only in transduced cells. In addition, high HA biosynthesis rates, especially in transduced procatabolic chondrocytes, resulted in marked changes in chondrocyte dependence on glycolysis versus oxidative phosphorylation for their metabolic energy needs.
Work experience influences treatment approaches in endodontics: a questionnaire survey among dentists in Western Norway

Abstract Objectives: To collect information on endodontic treatment procedures among dentists in the public dental service (PDS) in Western Norway and relate this information to their work experience. Materials and methods: A survey comprised of 35 questions related to personal information, frequency of endodontic treatment, endodontic procedures and treatment principles was distributed electronically to 187 dentists in PDS in two counties of Western Norway. Results: The response rate was 74%, and 130 dentists participated. Among them, 57.0% had completed their education less than 13 years ago, and almost all were below 39 years old (95%). The majority (81.0%) had graduated in Norway. Stepwise caries excavation in primary and permanent teeth and direct pulp capping in primary teeth were more frequently performed by dentists with less than 13 years from graduation. Routine use of rubber dam was high among the responders (87%). However, use of rubber dam and master-cone radiograph uptakes were more frequent among the younger dentists. The majority used rotary instrumentation systems, and almost all participants followed the current guidelines for use of antibiotics in endodontics. Conclusions: In general, dentists in PDS follow the current endodontic treatment guidelines. However, it seems that the more recently graduated dentists perform more endodontic procedures and tend to adhere more to the taught principles regarding rubber dam use and radiograph uptakes.