Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of feeding management on disease incidence and blood metabolites in dairy herds in Iwate Prefecture, Japan

The objective of the present study was to identify the effect of feeding management on disease incidence and blood metabolite levels in dairy herds in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. A generalized linear model approach was used to identify the risk factors for ketosis and displaced abomasum (DA) in dairy herds (n=30), and metabolic profile test (MPT) results were compared to verify the involvement of the factors. Consequently, the proportion of corn silage (CS) with ≥30% of dry matter (DM) fed to cows during the lactation period was confirmed as the most reliable risk factor for ketosis, while no risk factor was identified for DA. Meanwhile, the incidence rates of ketosis and DA were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the herds that were fed CS (n=20) than in those fed a non-CS diet (n=10). When the MPT results of the herds fed with CS containing ≥30% of DM (HCS group, n=4; 76 cows), with CS containing <30% of DM (LCS group, n=14; 285 cows), and a non-CS diet (NCS group, n=12; 236 cows) were compared, the HCS group showed higher beta-hydroxybutyric and lower blood urea nitrogen concentrations for until 49 days after parturition. Overall, feeding cows with CS diets containing over 30% of DM might increase their risk of developing negative energy and protein balances, thereby resulting in increasing incidences of ketosis in the Iwate Prefecture.
The biological clock in cluster headache: A review and hypothesis

Objective To review and discuss the putative role of light, sleep, and the biological clock in cluster headache. Discussion Cluster headache attacks are believed to be modulated in the hypothalamus; moreover, the severe pain and typical autonomic cranial features associated with cluster headache are caused by abnormal activity of the trigeminal-autonomic reflex. The temporal pattern of cluster headache attacks suggests involvement of the biological clock, and the seasonal pattern is influenced by the number of daylight hours. Although sleep is often reported as a trigger for cluster headache attacks, to date no clear correlation has been established between these attacks and sleep stage. Conclusions We hypothesize that light, sleep, and the biological clock can change the brain’s state, thereby lowering the threshold for activating the trigeminal-autonomic reflex, resulting in a cluster headache attack. Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to the daily and seasonal fluctuations in cluster headache attacks may provide new therapeutic targets.
Meta-analyses of positive psychology interventions: The effects are much smaller than previously reported

For at least four decades, researchers have studied the effectiveness of interventions designed to increase well-being. These interventions have become known as positive psychology interventions (PPIs). Two highly cited meta-analyses examined the effectiveness of PPIs on well-being and depression: Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009) and Bolier et al. (2013). Sin and Lyubomirsky reported larger effects of PPIs on well-being (r = .29) and depression (r = .31) than Bolier et al. reported for subjective well-being (r = .17), psychological well-being (r = .10), and depression (r = .11). A detailed examination of the two meta-analyses reveals that the authors employed different approaches, used different inclusion and exclusion criteria, analyzed different sets of studies, described their methods with insufficient detail to compare them clearly, and did not report or properly account for significant small sample size bias. The first objective of the current study was to reanalyze the studies selected in each of the published meta-analyses, while taking into account small sample size bias. The second objective was to replicate each meta-analysis by extracting relevant effect sizes directly from the primary studies included in the meta-analyses. The present study revealed three key findings: (1) many of the primary studies used a small sample size; (2) small sample size bias was pronounced in many of the analyses; and (3) when small sample size bias was taken into account, the effect of PPIs on well-being were small but significant (approximately r = .10), whereas the effect of PPIs on depression were variable, dependent on outliers, and generally not statistically significant. Future PPI research needs to focus on increasing sample sizes. A future meta-analyses of this research needs to assess cumulative effects from a comprehensive collection of primary studies while being mindful of issues such as small sample size bias.
Fatty liver increases gallstone disease risk in younger Chinese patients

Abstract We investigated possible associations between fatty liver and gallstone disease (GD) in a Chinese population. This cross-sectional study included 897 people who visited the clinical center and underwent ultrasonography at The First Hospital of Jilin University between January 2018 and June 2018. The overall prevalence of GD was 8.8%; the between-sex difference (9.3% in men, 8.4% in women) was not statistically significant. The risk of GD was similar for men and women across all age groups. GD prevalence increased steadily with increasing age, from 2.1% in patients ≤30 years of age to 15.4% in those >70 years of age. Older age (≥50 years) and fatty liver were associated with GD development. Diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.066; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.563–6.013) was associated with GD in female but not in male subjects. In younger patients (<50 years), fatty liver (AOR: 5.268; 95% CI: 1.832–15.147) was associated with GD development. The factors older age and fatty liver predicted GD risk in Chinese individuals. Further studies are required to explore differences in lithogenesis according to sex.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

Plant competitive interactions influence the effect of herbicides, and the effect of competitive interactions on plant responses may be important to include in the ecological risk assessment of herbicides. In the present study the effect of competitive interactions and sublethal doses of 2 herbicides on plant species was investigated in competition experiments and fitted to empirical competition models. Two nontarget species commonly found in agroecosystems (Centaurea cyanus L. and Silene noctiflora L.) and 2 herbicides (glyphosate and metsulfuron methyl) were used in separate experiments. Plants were sprayed at the 6‐ to 8‐leaf stage. Effects of herbicide treatments and plant density were modeled by generalization of a discrete hyperbolic competition model. The 10% effective dose (ED10) was calculated for C. cyanus. All experiments showed that as density increased, plants were negatively affected. Furthermore, in all cases, C. cyanus remained a better competitor than S. noctiflora. Nevertheless, the density of S. noctiflora (competitor) was an influential element in determining the ED10 of C. cyanus measured at the mature stage. With herbicide exposure, the competitive interactions were further altered; C. cyanus was less affected by glyphosate when S. noctiflora increased to high density. In contrast, at the young stage, conspecific density was important in determining the sensitivity of C. cyanus to metsulfuron methyl, whereas the density of the competitor S. noctiflora had a limited influence. Overall, the results demonstrate the importance of integrating the effect of herbicide and species interactions measured at the reproductive stage into the ecological risk assessments of pesticides. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2053–2064. © 2019 SETAC
Sensory profiles and immune related expression patterns of patients with and without neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve lesion.

In this multicenter cross-sectional study, we determined sensory profiles of patients with (NL-1) and without neuropathic pain (NL-0) after nerve lesion and assessed immune related systemic gene expression. Patients and matched healthy controls filled in questionnaires and underwent neurological examination, neurophysiological studies, quantitative sensory testing (QST), and blood withdrawal. Neuropathic pain was present in 67/95 (71%) patients (NL-1). Tactile hyperalgesia was the most prominent clinical sign in NL-1 patients (p<0.05). Questionnaires showed an association between neuropathic pain and the presence of depression, anxiety, and catastrophizing (p<0.05 to p<0.01). Neuropathic pain was frequently accompanied by other chronic pain (p<0.05). QST showed ipsilateral signs of small and large fiber impairment compared to the respective contralateral side, with elevated thermal and mechanical detection thresholds (p<0.001 to p<0.05) and lowered pressure pain threshold (p<0.05). Also, more loss of function was found in patients with NL-1 compared to NL-0. Pain intensity was associated with mechanical hyperalgesia (p<0.05 to p<0.01). However, QST did not detect or predict neuropathic pain. Gene expression of peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase was higher in NL patients compared to healthy controls (NL-1, p<0.01; NL-0, p<0.001). Also, gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α was higher in NL-1 patients compared to NL-0 (p<0.05), and interleukin-1ß was higher, but IL-10 lower in NL-1 patients compared to healthy controls (p<0.05 each). Our study reveals that nerve lesion presents with small and large nerve fiber dysfunction, which may contribute to the presence and intensity of neuropathic pain and which is associated with a systemic pro-inflammatory pattern.
Rapid divergence, molecular evolution, and morphological diversification of coastal host-parasite systems from southern Brazil

Abstract This study assessed the role of historical processes on the geographic isolation, molecular evolution, and morphological diversification of host-parasite populations from the southern Brazilian coast. Adult specimens of Scleromystax barbatus and Scleromystax macropterus were collected from the sub-basin of the Nhundiaquara River and the sub-basin of the Paranaguá Bay, state of Paraná, Brazil. Four species of Gyrodactylus were recovered from the body surface of both host species. Morphometric analysis of Gyrodactylus spp. and Scleromystax spp. indicated that subpopulations of parasites and hosts could be distinguished from different sub-basins and locations, but the degree of morphological differentiation seems to be little related to geographic distance between subpopulations. Phylogenetic relationships based on DNA sequences of Gyrodactylus spp. and Scleromystax spp. allowed distinguishing lineages of parasites and hosts from different sub-basins. However, the level of genetic structuring of parasites was higher in comparison to host species. Evidence of positive selection in mtDNA sequences is likely associated with local adaptation of lineages of parasites and hosts. A historical demographic analysis revealed that populations of Gyrodactylus and Scleromystax have expanded in the last 250 000 years. The genetic variation of parasites and hosts is consistent with population-specific selection, population expansions, and recent evolutionary co-divergence.
Trends of Nontraumatic Lower-Extremity Amputation in End-Stage Renal Disease and Diabetes: United States, 2000–2015

OBJECTIVE Nontraumatic lower-extremity amputation (NLEA) is a complication of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and diabetes. Although recent data show that NLEA rates in the U.S. ESRD population are declining overall, trends in diabetes and diabetes subgroups remain unclear. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We estimated annual rates of NLEA hospitalizations during 2000–2015 among >2 million adults (≥18 years) with ESRD from the U.S. Renal Data System. Age, sex, and race-adjusted NLEA rates were stratified by diabetes status, age, sex, race, and level of amputation (toe, foot, below the knee, and above the knee). Time trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression with annual percent changes (APC) reported. RESULTS Among adults with diabetes, NLEA rates declined 43.8% between 2000 and 2013 (from 7.5 to 4.2 per 100 person-years; APC −4.9, P < 0.001) and then stabilized. Among adults without diabetes, rates of total NLEAs declined 25.5% between 2000 and 2013 (from 1.6 to 1.1; APC −3.0, P < 0.001) and then stabilized. These trends appear to be driven by a slowing or stagnation in declines of minor NLEAs (toe and foot) in more recent years, while major NLEAs (above the knee) continue to decline. CONCLUSIONS Despite an initial period of decline, this analysis documents a stall in progress in NLEA trends in recent years in a high-risk population with both ESRD and diabetes. Increased attention to preventive foot care in the ESRD population should be considered, particularly for those with diabetes.
Genome-wide SNP Data Reveal an Overestimation of Species Diversity in a Group of Hawkmoths

Abstract The interface between populations and evolving young species continues to generate much contemporary debate in systematics depending on the species concept(s) applied but which ultimately reduces to the fundamental question of “when do nondiscrete entities become distinct, mutually exclusive evolutionary units”? Species are perceived as critical biological entities, and the discovery and naming of new species is perceived by many authors as a major research aim for assessing current biodiversity before much of it becomes extinct. However, less attention is given to determining whether these names represent valid biological entities because this is perceived as both a laborious chore and an undesirable research outcome. The charismatic spurge hawkmoths (Hyles euphorbiae complex, HEC) offer an opportunity to study this less fashionable aspect of systematics. To elucidate this intriguing systematic challenge, we analyzed over 10,000 ddRAD single nucleotide polymorphisms from 62 individuals using coalescent-based and population genomic methodology. These genome-wide data reveal a clear overestimation of (sub)species-level diversity and demonstrate that the HEC taxonomy has been seriously oversplit. We conclude that only one valid species name should be retained for the entire HEC, namely Hyles euphorbiae, and we do not recognize any formal subspecies or other taxonomic subdivisions within it. Although the adoption of genetic tools has frequently revealed morphologically cryptic diversity, the converse, taxonomic oversplitting of species, is generally (and wrongly in our opinion) accepted as rare. Furthermore, taxonomic oversplitting is most likely to have taken place in intensively studied popular and charismatic organisms such as the HEC.
The future of HIV Organ Policy Equity Act is now: the state of HIV positive to HIV+ kidney transplantation in the United States.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW We report the current state of HIV-to-HIV kidney transplantation in the United States and remaining challenges in implementing this practice nationally. RECENT FINDINGS The HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act, which was the first step in unlocking the potential of HIV+ organ donors, mandates clinical research on HIV positive to HIV+ transplantation. As of March 2019, there have been 57 HOPE donors, including both true and false-positive HOPE donors resulting in more than 120 transplants. SUMMARY The HOPE Act, signed in 2013, reversed the federal ban on the transplantation of organs from HIV D+ into HIV R+ . Ongoing national studies are exploring the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of both kidney and liver transplantation in this population. If successfully and fully implemented, HIV positive to HIV+ transplantation could attenuate the organ shortage for everyone waiting, resulting in a far-reaching public health impact.
Hunner lesion versus non‐Hunner lesion interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

Global consensus on the standardization of terminology for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is lacking and is in the formative stages. The Workshop on Hunner lesion versus non‐Hunner lesion at the 2018 International Consultation on Interstitial Cystitis Japan discussed prevalence, performance and outcome of endoscopy, the role of histopathology, and markers.
CpG‐related SNPs in the MS4A region have a dose‐dependent effect on risk of late–onset Alzheimer disease

CpG‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms (CGS) have the potential to perturb DNA methylation; however, their effects on Alzheimer disease (AD) risk have not been evaluated systematically. We conducted a genome‐wide association study using a sliding‐window approach to measure the combined effects of CGSes on AD risk in a discovery sample of 24 European ancestry cohorts (12,181 cases, 12,601 controls) from the Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium (ADGC) and replication sample of seven European ancestry cohorts (7,554 cases, 27,382 controls) from the International Genomics of Alzheimer's Project (IGAP). The potential functional relevance of significant associations was evaluated by analysis of methylation and expression levels in brain tissue of the Religious Orders Study and the Rush Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP), and in whole blood of Framingham Heart Study participants (FHS). Genome‐wide significant (p < 5 × 10−8) associations were identified with 171 1.0 kb‐length windows spanning 932 kb in the APOE region (top p < 2.2 × 10−308), five windows at BIN1 (top p = 1.3 × 10−13), two windows at MS4A6A (top p = 2.7 × 10−10), two windows near MS4A4A (top p = 6.4 × 10−10), and one window at PICALM (p = 6.3 × 10‐9). The total number of CGS‐derived CpG dinucleotides in the window near MS4A4A was associated with AD risk (p = 2.67 × 10−10), brain DNA methylation (p = 2.15 × 10−10), and gene expression in brain (p = 0.03) and blood (p = 2.53 × 10−4). Pathway analysis of the genes responsive to changes in the methylation quantitative trait locus signal at MS4A4A (cg14750746) showed an enrichment of methyltransferase functions. We confirm the importance of CGS in AD and the potential for creating a functional CpG dosage‐derived genetic score to predict AD risk.
Antimicrobial stewardship knowledge and perception among physicians and pharmacists at leading tertiary teaching hospitals in Zambia: implications for future policy and practice

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a key strategy promoting rational antimicrobial use. In Zambia, information on health professionals’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of AMS is limited. This study was undertaken to address this at Zambia’s leading specialized teaching hospitals. Descriptive, cross-sectional study involved 137 physicians and 61 pharmacists. AMS knowledge was relatively low among physicians (51%) and pharmacists (39%). Few physicians (9%) and pharmacists (20%) demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the basic principles of AMS. Physicians’ and pharmacists’ knowledge levels were significantly associated with years of practice, job position or practice rank, and previous AMS training. The majority (95%) perceived AMR as a current problem in their practise. Most physicians (92%) and pharmacists (86%) had not undertaken AMS training before. All indicated the need for context-specific educational interventions to promote AMS in Zambia. Despite positive perceptions, basic knowledge of AMS was relatively low. Context-specific educational interventions and capacity building are needed to address AMS gaps.
Uptake and pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime in rabbits after intravitreal, intracameral, and topical dosing: relevance to human ocular injection of cefuroxime

Abstract Cefuroxime is one of the widely used antibiotics. The objective of this study was to determine pharmacokinetics and disposition in various ocular tissues following topical (TOP), intracameral (IC) and intravitreal (IVT) administration of cefuroxime to rabbits. Following TOP, IC and IVT dosing plasma and various ocular tissues (aqueous humor (AH), vitreous humor (VH), conjunctiva, trabecular mesh (TM), lens and retina-choroid (RC)) were collected and analyzed to understand the disposition of cefuroxime. Postintravenous administration plasma samples were collected to determine the systemic pharmacokinetics. Post-TOP dosing cefuroxime concentrations were observed only in conjunctiva up to 48 h. IC administration showed cefuroxime concentrations in AH up to 8 h; in conjunctiva, TM and plasma, the concentration lasted up to 4 h and in RC and VH till 1 h. IVT administration of cefuroxime showed concentrations in all ocular tissues (up to 8 h) and lasted up to 48 h except in conjunctiva and RC. There was evidence that the mechanism(s) of cefuroxime entry into the eye by via IVT, IC and TOP routes is clearly different. The present ocular tissue data may aid clinicians for considering appropriate choice in the treatment of post-operative ocular complications due to bacterial infections including endophthalmitis.
Postural stability of Parkinson's disease patients is improved by decreasing rigidity

Postural instability has a big impact on the quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) as it often leads to an insecure stance and fall. We investigated if postural stability in these patients improves by decreasing rigidity with a dopaminergic agonist. In our study, we tested eight PD patients with no concomitant diseases. Their age was 61 ± 2 years (mean ± SE) and their Hoehn‐Yahr score was 3 ± 0.1. The patients were evaluated according to the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale for motor function (mUPDRS) and with stabilometric measurements of forward–backward and side‐to‐side body oscillations during free stance with eyes open. Both evaluations were performed in an ‘off’ state and in an apomorphine‐induced ‘on’ state. As expected, the mUPDRS score was significantly decreased in the ‘on’ state with posture being improved in six patients, gait in eight patients and postural stability in seven of eight patients. In addition, apomorphine caused a significant reduction of the relative amplitude of lower frequencies and an increase of the relative amplitude of higher frequencies of forward–backward body oscillations. The results of stabilometry and mUPDRS evaluations are in agreement with the effect of apomorphine on rigidity, indicating that postural stability of PD patients is improved by decreasing rigidity.
Imaging of the Temporomandibular Joint in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is extremely common but frequently asymptomatic. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast remains the gold standard for identifying TMJ arthritis in JIA. A reliable scoring system with published MRI examples of typical acute and chronic TMJ arthritis changes will be invaluable for future prospective treatment trials of TMJ arthritis in JIA.
Management of pseudohypoparathyroidism

Purpose of review This review is timely given the 2018 publication of the first international Consensus Statement for the diagnosis and management of pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) and related disorders. The purpose of this review is to provide the knowledge needed to recognize and manage PHP1A, pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP) and PHP1B – the most common of the subtypes – with an overview of the entire spectrum and to provide a concise summary of management for clinical use. This review will draw from recent literature as well as personal experience in evaluating hundreds of children and adults with PHP. Recent findings Progress is continually being made in understanding the mechanisms underlying the PHP spectrum. Every year, through clinical and laboratory studies, the phenotypes are elucidated in more detail, as are clinical issues such as short stature, brachydactyly, subcutaneous ossifications, cognitive/behavioural impairments, obesity and metabolic disturbances. Headed by a European PHP consortium, experts worldwide published the first international Consensus that provides detailed guidance in a systematic manner and will lead to exponential progress in understanding and managing these disorders. Summary As more knowledge is gained from clinical and laboratory investigations, the mechanisms underlying the abnormalities associated with PHP are being uncovered as are improvements in management.