Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and the Risk of Fractures Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

The association between sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and the risk of fractures is controversial. In the Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study (CANVAS), canagliflozin was associated with a significant increased risk of fractures compared with placebo (hazard ratio [HR] 1.26, 95% CI 1.04–1.52) (1). Possible mechanisms may involve elevated serum phosphate levels or reductions in bone mineral density (2). To date, three recent observational studies investigated this association, but these did not observe an increased risk of fractures (3–5). However, these studies had some limitations, including residual confounding, a limited outcome definition, or restriction to a single SGLT2 inhibitor. To address these limitations, we conducted a population-based cohort study using the U.K. Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). We first assembled a base cohort of all individuals, at least 40 years old, newly treated with antidiabetic drugs between 1 January 1988 and 31 December 2017. We excluded individuals with <1 year of medical history, those initially prescribed insulin in monotherapy, and women with polycystic ovary syndrome (alternate metformin indication) at the time of the first-ever prescription of an antidiabetic drug. Using this base cohort, we then assembled a study cohort of individuals who initiated a new antidiabetic drug class as of 2013 (year the first SGLT2 inhibitor was introduced …
A CDMA-slotted ALOHA broadband system for multiservices

CDMA can offer significant advantages in wireless environments, especially when large capacity and wide range of service rates must be supported. This paper proposed a CDMA-slotted ALOHA system, in which all transmitters used the same PN sequence but with different chip phases and packets can be captured and received because of the autocorrelation property of the PN sequence. Then its channel throughput is analyzed. Analysis and simulation results show that the maximum channel throughput of this system is much greater than pure S-ALOHA system and multiservices can be supported with guaranteed QoS.
Factors associated with excessive daytime sleepiness among Brazilian adolescents

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the prevalence and factors associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) among adolescents. In all, 1.132 people participated. They were aged between 14 and 19 years, of both sexes and they came from a city in southern Brazil. Many socio-demographic variables were collected (sex, age group, socioeconomic status, period of study, year of school and work), also variables related to their health (level of physical activity, alcohol intake, smoking, misuse of medicines, stress control, duration of sleep, sedentary behavior and self-rated health) and EDS, through the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS). The prevalence of EDS in general sample was 54.2% and average score in PDSS was 16.0 (5.7). Comparing results between both sexes, female sex presents the higher prevalence of EDS (64.3%) and greatest average PDSS score 17.5 (5.4) compared to male sex (35.7%) with 14.5 (5.6%) score (p < .001). In analysis of the prevalence ratio, using 15 as an EDS cut-off point, prevalence was 35% higher in the female sex (PR = 1.35 CI 95% 1.08–1.69, p = .010). In addition, adolescents which had lower self-rated health (PR = 1.24 CI 95% 1.01–1.52, p = .038), low stress control (PR = 1.28 CI 95% 1.05–1.57, p = .014) and short sleep duration (PR = 1.30 CI 95% 1.02–1.65, p = .029), presented higher prevalence of EDS. High prevalence of EDS was identified, being more common in young women. Adequate sleep, greater stress control and better health perception should be promoted among Brazilian adolescents.
Effects of surface texture and interrelated properties on marine biofouling: a systematic review

Abstract This systematic review examines effects of surface texture on marine biofouling and characterizes key research methodologies. Seventy-five published articles met selection criteria for qualitative analysis; experimental data from 36 underwent quantitative meta-analysis. Most studies investigated fouling mechanisms and antifouling performance only in laboratory assays with one to several test species. Textures were almost exclusively a single layer of regularly arranged geometric features rather than complex hierarchical or irregular designs. Textures in general had no effect or an inconclusive effect on fouling in 46% of cases. However, effective textures more often decreased (35%) rather than increased (19%) fouling. Complex designs were more effective against fouling (51%) than were regular geometric features (32%). Ratios of feature height, width, or pitch to organism body length were significant influences. The authors recommend further research on promising complex and hierarchical texture designs with more test species, as well as field studies to ground-truth laboratory results.
MM-6mAPred: identifying DNA N6-methyladenine sites based on Markov model

MOTIVATION Recent studies have shown that DNA N6-methyladenine (6mA) plays an important role in epigenetic modification of eukaryotic organisms. It has been found that 6mA is closely related to embryonic development, stress response, and so on. Developing a new algorithm to quickly and accurately identify 6mA sites in genomes is important for explore their biological functions. RESULTS In this paper, we proposed a new classification method called MM-6mAPred based on a Markov model which makes use of the transition probability between adjacent nucleotides to identify 6mA site. The sensitivity and specificity of our method are 89.32% and 90.11%, respectively. The overall accuracy of our method is 89.72%, which is 6.59% higher than that of the previous method i6mA-Pred. It indicated that, compared with the 41 nucleotide chemical properties used by i6mA-Pred, the transition probability between adjacent nucleotides can capture more discriminant sequence information. AVAILABILITY The web server of MM-6mAPred is freely accessible at http://www.insect-genome.com/MM-6mAPred/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Usefulness of Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion at L5–S1 Level Compared to Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Objective The use of oblique lateral interbody fusion at the L5–S1 level (OLIF51) is increasing, but no study has directly compared OLIF51 and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) at the L5–S1 level. We evaluated the usefulness of OLIF51 by comparing clinical and radiologic outcomes with those of TLIF at the same L5–S1 level. Methods We retrospectively reviewed and compared 74 patients who underwent OLIF51 (OLIF51 group) and 74 who underwent TLIF at the L5–S1 level (TLIF51 group). Clinical outcomes were assessed with the visual analogue scale for back pain and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index. Mean disc height (MDH), foraminal height (FH), disc angle (DA), fusion rate, and subsidence rate were measured for radiologic outcomes. Results The OLIF51 group used significantly higher, wider, and larger-angled cages than the TLIF51 group (p<0.001). The postoperative MDH and FH were significantly greater in the OLIF51 group than in the TLIF51 group (p<0.001). The postoperative DA was significantly larger in the OLIF51 group than in the TLIF51 group by more than 10º (p<0.001). The fusion rate was 81.1% and 87.8% at postoperative 6 months in the OLIF51 and TLIF51 groups, respectively, and the TLIF51 group showed a higher fusion rate (p<0.05). The subsidence rate was 16.2% and 25.3% in the OLIF51 and TLIF51 groups, respectively, and the OLIF51 group showed a lower subsidence rate (p<0.05). Conclusion OLIF51 was more effective for the indirect decompression of foraminal stenosis, providing strong mechanical support with a larger cage, and making a greater lordotic angle with a high-angle cage than with TLIF.
Molecular hydrogen suppresses free radical-induced cell death by mitigating fatty acid peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Molecular hydrogen (H2) was believed to be an inert and non-functional molecule in mammalian cells; however, we overturned the concept by reporting the therapeutic effects of H2 against oxidative stress. Subsequently, extensive studies revealed multiple functions of H2 by exhibiting the efficacies of H2 in various animal models and clinical studies. Here, we investigated the effect of H2 on free radical-induced cytotoxicity using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) in a human acute monocytic leukemia cell line, THP-1. Cell membrane permeability was determined using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay and Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) staining. Fatty acid peroxidation and mitochondrial viability were measured using two kinds of fluorescent dyes, Liperfluo and C11-BODIPY, and using the alamarBlue assay based on the reduction of resazurin to resorufin by mainly mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase, respectively. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was evaluated using tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester. As a result, H2 protected the cultured cells against the cytotoxic effects induced by TBHP; H2 suppressed cellular fatty acid-peroxidation and cell membrane permeability, H2 mitigated the decline in mitochondrial oxidoreductase activity and MMP, and protected cells against cell death evaluated using PI-staining. These results suggested that H2 suppresses free radical-induced cell death through protection against fatty acid-peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Older Donor Age Is a Risk Factor for Negative Outcomes After Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Using Small‐for‐Size Grafts

Adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT) using small‐for‐size grafts (SFSGs), ie, a graft with a graft‐to‐recipient weight ratio (GRWR) <0.8%, has been a challenge that should be carefully dealt with, and risk factors in this category are unclear. Therefore, we aimed to examine the risk factors and outcomes of ALDLT using SFSGs over a 13‐year period in 121 patients who had undergone their first ALDLT using SFSGs. Small‐for‐size syndrome (SFSS), early graft loss, and 1‐year mortality were encountered in 21.6%, 14.9%, and 18.4% of patients, respectively. By multivariate analysis, older donor age (≥45 years) was an independent risk factor for SFSS (odds ratio [OR], 4.46; P = 0.004), early graft loss (OR, 4.11; P = 0.02), and 1‐year mortality (OR, 3.76; P = 0.02). Child‐Pugh C class recipients were associated with a higher risk of SFSS development (P = 0.013; OR, 7.44). Despite no significant difference between GRWR categories in the multivariate outcome analysis of the whole population, in the survival analysis of the 2 donor age groups, GRWR <0.6% was associated with significantly lower 1‐year survival than the other GRWR categories in the younger donor group. Moreover, in the high final portal venous pressure (PVP) group (>15 mm Hg), younger ABO‐compatible donors showed 100% 1‐year survival with a significant difference from the group of other donors. Older donor age was an independent risk factor for SFSS, early graft loss, and 1‐year mortality after ALDLT using SFSGs. GRWR should not be <0.6%, and PVP modulation is indicated when grafts from older or ABO‐incompatible donors are used.
The quality of child-directed speech depends on the speaker's language proficiency

Abstract Many children learn language, in part, from the speech of non-native speakers who vary in their language proficiency. To investigate the influence of speaker proficiency on the quality of child-directed speech, 29 mothers who were native English speakers and 31 mothers who were native speakers of Spanish and who reported speaking English to their children on a regular basis were recorded interacting with their two-year-old children in English. Of the non-native speakers, 21 described their English proficiency as ‘good’, and eight described their English proficiency as ‘limited’. ANCOVAs, controlling for differences in maternal education and child language level, revealed significant effects of group on lexical and grammatical properties of child-directed speech that the literature has identified as positive predictors of child language development. These results suggest that the child-directed speech of native speakers and non-native speakers with good proficiency provide a richer database for language acquisition than the child-directed speech of speakers with limited proficiency.
Sex hormones and oxidative stress biomarkers of male Wistar rats treated with Moringa oleifera seed fractions

Objective: Aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera seeds have been reported to exert male reproductive toxicity. To elucidate the spermatoxic constituents, methanol and hexane fractions of Moringa seeds were administered to male rats. Methods: Methanol or hexane fractions (50 and 100 mg/kg) of Moringa seeds were administered orally to male rats for six weeks, while a control group concurrently received the vehicle. Thereafter, sperm profiles were examined on a microscope while sex hormones and antioxidants levels were measured from serum samples. Results: The methanol fraction of Moringa seeds significantly decreased testosterone, luteinizing hormone, sperm motility, and sperm count of treated rats when compared with controls. The hexane fraction of Moringa seeds had no effect on sex hormones or sperm profiles. Both methanol and hexane fractions significantly increased superoxide dismutase and catalase levels, while malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly. Conclusion: The methanol fraction - but not the hexane fraction - of Moringa oleifera seeds induced male reproductive toxicity. By its turn, the hexane fraction had a higher antioxidant effect.
Risk Factors for Perceptual-versus-Interpretative Errors in Diagnostic Neuroradiology

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diagnostic errors in radiology are classified as perception or interpretation errors. This study determined whether specific conditions differed when perception or interpretation errors occurred during neuroradiology image interpretation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a sample of 254 clinical error cases in diagnostic neuroradiology, we classified errors as perception or interpretation errors, then characterized imaging technique, interpreting radiologist's experience, anatomic location of the abnormality, disease etiology, time of day, and day of the week. Interpretation and perception errors were compared with hours worked per shift, cases read per shift, average cases read per shift hour, and the order of case during the shift when the error occurred. RESULTS: Perception and interpretation errors were 74.8% (n = 190) and 25.2% (n = 64) of errors, respectively. Logistic regression analyses showed that the odds of an interpretation error were 2 times greater (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.05–4.15; P = .04) for neuroradiology attending physicians with ≤5 years of experience. Interpretation errors were more likely with MR imaging compared with CT (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.09–4.01; P = .03). Infectious/inflammatory/autoimmune diseases were more frequently associated with interpretation errors (P = .04). Perception errors were associated with faster reading rates (6.01 versus 5.03 cases read per hour; P = .004) and occurred later during the shift (24th-versus-18th case; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Among diagnostic neuroradiology error cases, interpretation-versus-perception errors are affected by the neuroradiologist's experience, technique, and the volume and rate of cases read. Recognition of these risk factors may help guide programs for error reduction in clinical neuroradiology services.
Validity of Ultrasound Imaging Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Measuring Anterior Thigh Muscle, Subcutaneous Fat, and Fascia Thickness

The aim of the present study was to determine the validity of ultrasound (US) imaging versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for measuring anterior thigh muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and fascia thickness. Twenty healthy, moderately active participants (aged 49.1 ± 9.74 (36–64) years), underwent imaging of the anterior thigh, using ultrasound and MRI modalities on the same day. Images were analyzed offline to assess the level of agreement between US and MRI measurements. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed an excellent relationship between US imaging and MRI for measuring muscle (r = 0.99, p < 0.01), SAT (r = 0.99, p < 0.01), and non-contractile tissue (SAT combined with perimuscular fascia) thickness (r = 0.99, p < 0.01). Perimuscular fascia thickness measurement showed a poor correlation between modalities (r = 0.39, p < 0.01). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC3,1) also showed excellent correlation of the measurements with ICC = 0.99 for muscle thickness, SAT, and non-contractile tissue, but not for perimuscular fascia, which showed poor agreement ICC = 0.36. Bland and Altman plots demonstrated excellent agreement between US imaging and MRI measurements. Criterion validity was demonstrated for US imaging against MRI, for measuring thickness of muscle and SAT, but not perimuscular fascia alone on the anterior thigh. The US imaging technique is therefore applicable for research and clinical purposes for muscle and SAT.
Neuropsychology in France

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and academic training, and the types of activities engaged in by practicing psychologists specialized in neuropsychology in France. A total of 804 French psychologists specializing in neuropsychology participated in an online-based survey: 90.2% of the participants were women, with a mean age of 32 (range 22–60). In the total sample, 54.2% of the participants worked in the hospital system, 38.2% in the private sector, and 24.9% had a private practice job; and 97.3% engage in evaluation, 74% in rehabilitation, 22.1% in research, and 35.8% in teaching. Clinicians primarily work with individuals with stroke/vascular (56.7%), dementia (53.3%), depression (36.7%), and learning disabilities (34.5%). The top perceived barriers to the field include: lack of willingness to collaborate between professionals (43.7%), lack of professional leaders in the field (40.7%), and lack of clinical training opportunities (24.9%). A total of 68.9% of the clinicians indicate that normative data for their countries do not exist. It is essential for psychologists specialized in neuropsychology in France to establish better-defined guidelines for academic and clinical education, since there is no legal protection of the specialty and given that needs for neuropsychological services are increasing.
Comprehensive in vivo identification of the c-Myc mRNA protein interactome using HyPR-MS

Proteins bind mRNA through their entire life cycle from transcription to degradation. We analyzed c-Myc mRNA protein interactors in vivo using the HyPR-MS method to capture the crosslinked mRNA by hybridization and then analyzed the bound proteins using mass spectrometry proteomics. Using HyPR-MS, 229 c-Myc mRNA-binding proteins were identified, confirming previously proposed interactors, suggesting new interactors, and providing information related to the roles and pathways known to involve c-Myc. We performed structural and functional analysis of these proteins and validated our findings with a combination of RIP-qPCR experiments, in vitro results released in past studies, publicly available RIP- and eCLIP-seq data, and results from software tools for predicting RNA–protein interactions.
Blockchain-Based Scalable and Tamper-Evident Solution for Registering Energy Data

Nowadays, it has been recognized that blockchain can provide the technological infrastructure for developing decentralized, secure, and reliable smart energy grid management systems. However, an open issue that slows the adoption of blockchain technology in the energy sector is the low scalability and high processing overhead when dealing with the real-time energy data collected by smart energy meters. Thus, in this paper, we propose a scalable second tier solution which combines the blockchain ledger with distributed queuing systems and NoSQL (Not Only SQL database) databases to allow the registration of energy transactions less frequently on the chain without losing the tamper-evident benefits brought by the blockchain technology. At the same time, we propose a technique for tamper-evident registration of smart meters’ energy data and associated energy transactions using digital fingerprinting which allows the energy transaction to be linked hashed-back on-chain, while the sensors data is stored off-chain. A prototype was implemented using Ethereum and smart contracts for the on-chain components while for the off-chain components we used Cassandra database and RabbitMQ messaging broker. The prototype proved to be effective in managing a settlement of energy imbalances use-case and during the evaluation conducted in simulated environment shows promising results in terms of scalability, throughput, and tampering of energy data sampled by smart energy meters.
Are temporal trends in colonoscopy among young adults concordant with colorectal cancer incidence?

Objective In the United States, colorectal cancer incidence has increased in adults under age 55. Although debate remains about whether this rise is a result of increased detection because of more colonoscopy utilization, population-based trends in colonoscopy among this age group are unknown. We examined changes in colonoscopy rates, as well as colorectal cancer incidence, among adults aged 40–54, using nationally representative data. Methods Recent (past year) colonoscopy rates were computed among 53,175 respondents aged 40–54 in National Health Interview Survey data from 2000 through 2015 by five-year age group. Colorectal cancer incidence rates and incidence rate ratios were estimated from 18 population-based Surveillance Epidemiology and End Result registries during the same period. Results Among respondents aged 40–44, past-year colonoscopy rates were stable during 2000–2015, and ranged from 2.3% to 3.5% (p-value for trend = 0.771). In contrast, colonoscopy rates increased from 2.5% in 2000 to 5.2% in 2015 among ages 45–49, and from 5.0% to 14.1% in ages 50–54 (test for trend p-values < 0.001). During 2000–2015, colorectal cancer incidence rates increased by 28% in people aged 40–44 (incidence rate ratio = 1.28, 95% CI 1.20, 2.37), 15% in those aged 45–49 (incidence rate ratio = 1.15, 95%CI 1.10, 1.21), and 17% in those aged 50–54 (incidence rate ratio = 1.17, 95%CI 1.13, 1.21), respectively. Conclusion Increases in colonoscopy rates were confined to ages 45–54, whereas colorectal cancer incidence rates rose in those aged 40–44, 45–49, and 50–54. Colonoscopy trends do not fully align with colorectal cancer incidence patterns.