Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linking Functional Connectivity and Structural Connectivity Quantitatively: A Comparison of Methods

Structural connectivity in the brain is the basis of functional connectivity. Quantitatively linking the two, however, remains a challenge. For a pair of regions of interest (ROIs), anatomical connections derived from diffusion-weighted imaging are often quantified by fractional anisotropy (FA) or edge weight, whereas functional connections, derived from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, can be characterized by non-time-series measures such as zero-lag cross correlation and partial correlation, as well as by time-series measures such as coherence and Granger causality. In this study, we addressed the question of linking structural connectivity and functional connectivity quantitatively by considering two pairs of ROIs, one from the default mode network (DMN) and the other from the central executive network (CEN), using two different data sets. Selecting (1) posterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex of the DMN as the first pair of ROIs and (2) left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex and left inferior parietal lobule of the CEN as the second pair of ROIs, we show that (1) zero-lag cross correlation, partial correlation, and pairwise Granger causality were not significantly correlated with either mean FA or edge weight and (2) conditional Granger causality (CGC) was significantly correlated with edge weight but not with mean FA. These results suggest that (1) edge weight may be a more appropriate measure to quantify the strength of the anatomical connection between ROIs and (2) CGC, which statistically removes common input and the indirect influences between a given ROI pair, may be a more appropriate measure to quantify the strength of the functional interaction enabled by the fibers linking the two ROIs.
The Whole-Brain "Global" Signal from Resting State fMRI as a Potential Biomarker of Quantitative State Changes in Glucose Metabolism

The evolution of functional magnetic resonance imaging to resting state (R-fMRI) allows measurement of changes in brain networks attributed to state changes, such as in neuropsychiatric diseases versus healthy controls. Since these networks are observed by comparing normalized R-fMRI signals, it is difficult to determine the metabolic basis of such group differences. To investigate the metabolic basis of R-fMRI network differences within a normal range, eyes open versus eyes closed in healthy human subjects was used. R-fMRI was recorded simultaneously with fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Higher baseline FDG was observed in the eyes open state. Variance-based metrics calculated from R-fMRI did not match the baseline shift in FDG. Functional connectivity density (FCD)-based metrics showed a shift similar to the baseline shift of FDG, however, this was lost if R-fMRI "nuisance signals" were regressed before FCD calculation. Average correlation with the mean R-fMRI signal across the whole brain, generally regarded as a "nuisance signal," also showed a shift similar to the baseline of FDG. Thus, despite lacking a baseline itself, changes in whole-brain correlation may reflect changes in baseline brain metabolism. Conversely, variance-based metrics may remain similar between states due to inherent region-to-region differences overwhelming the differences between normal physiological states. As most previous studies have excluded the spatial means of R-fMRI metrics from their analysis, this work presents the first evidence of a potential R-fMRI biomarker for baseline shifts in quantifiable metabolism between brain states.
Systematic mapping of the subchondral bone 3D microarchitecture in the human tibial plateau: Variations with joint alignment

Tibial subchondral bone plays an important role in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Microarchitectural characterization of subchondral bone plate (SBP), underlying subchondral trabecular bone (STB) and relationships between these compartments, however, is limited. The aim of this study was to characterize the spatial distribution of SBP thickness, SBP porosity and STB microarchitecture, and relationships among them, in OA tibiae of varying joint alignment. Twenty‐five tibial plateaus from end‐stage knee‐OA patients, with varus (n = 17) or non‐varus (n = 8) alignment were micro‐CT scanned (17 μm/voxel). SBP and STB microarchitecture was quantified via a systematic mapping in 22 volumes of interest per knee (11 medial, 11 lateral). Significant within‐condylar and between‐condylar (medial vs. lateral) differences (p < 0.05) were found. In varus, STB bone volume fraction (BV/TV) was consistently high throughout the medial condyle, whereas in non‐varus, medially, it was more heterogeneously distributed. Regions of high SBP thickness were co‐located with regions of high STB BV/TV underneath. In varus, BV/TV was significantly higher medially than laterally, however, not so in non‐varus. Moreover, region‐specific significant associations between the SBP thickness and SBP porosity and the underlying STB microarchitecture were detected, which in general were not captured when considering the values averaged for each condyle. As subchondral bone changes reflect responses to local mechanical and biochemical factors within the joint, our results suggest that joint alignment influences both the medial‐to‐lateral and the within‐condyle distribution of force across the tibia, generating corresponding local bony responses (adaptation) of both the subchondral bone plate and underlying subchondral trabecular bone microarchitecture. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1927–1941, 2017.
Can a resting-state functional connectivity index identify patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment across multiple sites?

Th is p ap er h as b ee n pe er -re vi ew ed a nd a cc ep te d fo r p ub lic at io n, b ut h as y et to u nd er go c op ye di tin g an d pr oo f c or re ct io n. T he fi na l p ub lis he d ve rs io n m ay d iff er fr om th is pr oo f. Can a resting‐state functional connectivity index identify patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment across multiple sites? Keiichi Onoda, Nobuhiro Yada, Kentaro Ozasa, Shinji Hara, Yasushi Yamamoto, Hajime Kitagaki, Shuhei Yamaguchi, for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative* 1) Department of Neurology, Shimane University, 89‐1, Enya‐cho, Izumo, Shimane, Japan. onodak1@med.shimane‐u.ac. jp, yamagu3n@med.shimane‐u.ac. jp 2) Department of Radiology, Shimane University, 89‐1, Enya‐cho, Izumo, Shimane, Japan. yata@med.shimane‐u.ac. jp, shinjih@med.shimane‐u.ac. jp, yasushi@med.shimane‐u.ac. jp, kitagaki@med.shimane‐u.ac. jp Running head: Alzheimer’s disease identification across sites Corresponding author: Keiichi Onoda, E‐mail: onodak1@med.shimane‐u.ac. jp, Department of Neurology, Shimane University, 89‐1, Enya‐cho, Izumo, Shimane, Japan, 693‐8501, Tel: +81‐853‐20‐2198
Accounting for Non-Gaussian Sources of Spatial Correlation in Parametric Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Paradigms II: A Method to Obtain First-Level Analysis Residuals with Uniform and Gaussian Spatial Autocorrelation Function and Independent and Identically Distributed Time-Series

In a recent study Eklund et al. have shown that cluster-wise family-wise error (FWE) rate-corrected inferences made in parametric statistical method-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies over the past couple of decades may have been invalid, particularly for cluster defining thresholds less stringent than p < 0.001; principally because the spatial autocorrelation functions (sACFs) of fMRI data had been modeled incorrectly to follow a Gaussian form, whereas empirical data suggest otherwise. Hence, the residuals from general linear model (GLM)-based fMRI activation estimates in these studies may not have possessed a homogenously Gaussian sACF. Here we propose a method based on the assumption that heterogeneity and non-Gaussianity of the sACF of the first-level GLM analysis residuals, as well as temporal autocorrelations in the first-level voxel residual time-series, are caused by unmodeled MRI signal from neuronal and physiological processes as well as motion and other artifacts, which can be approximated by appropriate decompositions of the first-level residuals with principal component analysis (PCA), and removed. We show that application of this method yields GLM residuals with significantly reduced spatial correlation, nearly Gaussian sACF and uniform spatial smoothness across the brain, thereby allowing valid cluster-based FWE-corrected inferences based on assumption of Gaussian spatial noise. We further show that application of this method renders the voxel time-series of first-level GLM residuals independent, and identically distributed across time (which is a necessary condition for appropriate voxel-level GLM inference), without having to fit ad hoc stochastic colored noise models. Furthermore, the detection power of individual subject brain activation analysis is enhanced. This method will be especially useful for case studies, which rely on first-level GLM analysis inferences.
Effects of a worksite weight-control programme in obese male workers: A randomized controlled crossover trial

Objective: We conducted a randomized controlled crossover trial to evaluate the effects of a new worksite weight-control programme designed for men with or at risk of obesity using a combination of nutrition education and nutrition environmental interventions. Subjects and methods: Male workers with or at risk of obesity were recruited for this study at five worksites in Niigata City, Japan, of whom 57 were analysed (intervention group, n = 28, mean age 45.5 years; control group, n = 29, 46.0 years). The intervention group received a six-month programme consisting of nutrition education and the provision of healthy cafeteria meals along with nutritional information, which was thereafter repeated in the control group in a crossover design. At six months and one year after programme entry, primary outcome measures including body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, and blood biochemistry were evaluated. Results: At the one-year follow-up, the intervention group had significantly greater reductions in BW, BMI, and alanine aminotransferase than the control group (p = 0.017, p = 0.017, and p = 0.860, respectively). Conclusion: The effects of the six-month weight-control programme incorporating nutrition education and nutrition environmental interventions were maintained to the one-year follow-up, resulting in significant differences in relevant parameters between intervention and control groups.
OBSERVATIONS ON PULSUS PARADOXUS (WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PERICARDIAL EFFUSIONS): I. CLINICAL

The occasional occurrence of a marked respiratory variation in the amplitude of the pulse was first described in 1850,1and since that time many reports concerning its clinical significance have appeared. The opinions expressed in regard to the probable cause and significance of this phenomenon have been manifold, diverse, and often contradictory; so much so, perhaps, that modern writers seem inclined to look on the question of pulsus paradoxus as the remnant of an unfinished polemic. During the routine examination of a large number of patients coming into the hospital, we were impressed by the appearance of pulsus paradoxus in certain types of disease. Observations were therefore made on these patients; and animal experiments were devised to aid in the clinical interpretation of this interesting pulse phenomenon. The first critical exposition of pulsus paradoxus was presented by Kussmaul2in 1874. His polygraphic records were not complete, but his detailed descriptions
Effects of dietary Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis on laying performance, egg quality, blood biochemistry and immune response of organic laying hens.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different probiotic micro-organisms on the performance, egg quality and blood parameters of organically reared hens. A total of 900 16-week-old Hy-Line layer hybrids were randomly assigned to three groups of 300 birds each. The control (CTR) group was fed a corn-soya bean cake-based diet; the L group was fed the same diet supplemented with 0.1% Lactobacillus acidophilus, while the B group was fed the same diet supplemented with 0.05% Bacillus subtilis. Data were recorded at the beginning (weeks 5 and 6: T1) and at the end (weeks 19 and 20: T2) of the experiment, and no differences in hen performance were recorded between dietary groups or sampling times. All of the investigated clinical chemistry parameters, except GGT, were affected by diet (p < 0.05), with the best results recorded for the probiotic-treated groups. The immune-response values showed higher blood bactericidal activity in the B and L groups at T2 (p < 0.05) and a lower lysozime concentration in the B group at T1. Higher antibody production against Newcastle disease virus was observed in the L group compared to the CTR (p = 0.013). No differences in oxidative status were recorded, and no effects of diet on egg quality were observed. Among the physical egg characteristics, only the Roche scale colour was affected by diet (p < 0.05): the egg yolk was paler in the L group. The age of the hen was the most relevant factor affecting physical egg characteristics. The chemical parameters of the egg were almost unaffected by supplementation with probiotics except for the lipid content, which decreased with the L diet (p < 0.05). Both probiotic inclusions had beneficial effects on hen metabolism and welfare, and L. acidophilus induced the best immune response.
Determination of the energy value of corn distillers dried grains with solubles containing different oil levels when fed to growing pigs

This experiment used indirect calorimetry to determine the net energy (NE) content of five corn distillers dried grains with solubles (corn DDGS) containing different oil levels and to compare the NE obtained using indirect calorimetry with that calculated using previously published prediction equations. There were two samples of high-oil DDGS, one sample of medium-oil DDGS and two samples of low-oil DDGS. Twelve barrows (initial BW of 32.8 ± 2.0 kg) were used in a repeated 3 × 6 Youden square design with three periods and six diets. The diets were comprised of a corn-soybean meal basal diet and five diets containing 29.25% of one of the corn DDGS added at the expense of corn and soybean meal. During each period, the pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for 16 days which included 7 days for adaption to feed and environmental conditions. On day 8, the pigs were transferred to respiration chambers and fed one of the six diets at 2300 kJ ME/kg BW0.6 /day. Faeces and urine were collected from day 9 to 13 and heat production (HP) was also measured. From day 14 to 15, the pigs were fed 893 kJ ME/kg BW0.6 /day to allow them to adapt from the fed to the fasted state. On the last day of each period (day 16), the pigs were fasted and fasting HP was measured. The digestible energy value was 16.0, 17.1 and 15.3 MJ/kg DM, the metabolizable energy value was 14.6, 15.5 and 13.7 MJ/kg DM and the NE value was 10.7, 11.0 and 9.4 MJ/kg DM, for the high-oil, medium-oil and low-oil corn DDGS, respectively. The NE obtained with indirect calorimetry in the present study did not differ from values calculated using previously published prediction equations.
Study on some risk factors and effects of bovine ketosis on dairy cows from the Galicia region (Spain)

The study was designed to determine the relation between β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations in milk from dairy cows after calving and the length of the previous lactation, the dry period and the 305-day normalized production, and to assess the influence of BHB concentrations on culling and test-day milk productions and somatic cell counts (SCC) throughout the lactation that followed the BHB measurement. The data used in the study were obtained from 59 187 cows in the Galicia region (Spain). BHB determination was performed using Fourier-transformed infrared spectrometry from the milk samples collected from each cow on the first post-partum test day. For statistical analysis, the following methods were applied: (i) ordinal regression to assess the effect of the length of the previous lactation, the dry period and the 305-day normalized milk production on milk BHB, (ii) a Cox model to estimate the influence of the BHB concentration on risk of culling (overall and for a variety of reasons) and (iii) linear regression to assess the link between BHB and the milk yield and SCC obtained from each of the tests day performed throughout lactation. The probability of having higher BHB concentrations increased when the length of the previous lactation (p = 0.006), the dry period (p = 0.003) and the 305-day normalized milk yield (p = 0.005) increased. However, the slight increase observed (especially for the case of the dry period and the 305-day milk yield) would not justify that measures be implemented to reduce these traits. Higher concentrations of BHB led to an increased risk of culling due to 'death' (p ≤ 0.001) and 'urgent slaughter' (p ≤ 0.002) (both causes of involuntary culling). It also led to a reduction in milk production (p < 0.001) and an increase in SCC (p < 0.001) in the post-partum; from that moment onward (including peak lactation), there were no differences in those two parameters depending on the BHB levels.
Comparative Response to Electroconvulsive Therapy in Medication-Resistant Bipolar I Patients With Depression and Mixed State

Objectives: We compared the response with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) of bipolar I patients resistant to pharmacological treatment, who presented depression or mixed state (MS). Methods: Ninety-six bipolar I patients according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition were included in the study (46 with major depressive episode and 50 with MS). Bilateral ECT was delivered using a brief pulse stimulator Mecta 5000Q (Mecta Corp, Lake Oswego, Ore) on a twice-a-week schedule. The patients were evaluated before ECT (baseline) and a week after the ECT course (final score), using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Mania Rating Scale, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and Clinical Global Improvement (CGI). Results: Global response rate (CGI ≤2) was similar in bipolar depression and MS (67.4% and 76.0%, respectively); no difference was found in global remission rate (CGI ≤1) between depression (41.3%) and MS (34.8%). The response rate of depressive symptoms (HAM-D ≤50% was 69.6% for bipolar depression and 66.0% for MS; remission rate (HAM-D ≤8) was 26.1% and 30.0%, respectively. At the end of the ECT course, CGI-Severity, HAM-D total, Young Mania total, BPRS total, and psychotic cluster scores showed a progressive reduction in both groups. A significant group effect was present for Young mania total score, BPRS total score, and psychotic cluster. Limitations: With the exception of anticonvulsants, concomitant psychotropic medications were permitted during ECT course, based on the physician's decision. Conclusions: Electroconvulsive therapy should be considered a viable treatment alternative in bipolar I patients with depression or MS who do not respond to conventional pharmacologic management. The only difference is that MS may present more residual agitation or psychotic features in comparison with depressive patients.
Use of Continuation and Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy: UK National Trends

Background: Continuation and maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have been used for prophylactic treatment of recurrent depression but are poorly researched and not recommended by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence, UK. Aims: To document the demographic, clinical, and legal characteristics of patients receiving continuation or maintenance ECT, trends in their use, and whether the 2 types could be distinguished by duration and frequency of application. Method: Electroconvulsive therapy specialist psychiatrists completed postal questionnaires about its current use and retrospective use over the past decade. Results: Thirty-five (34%) clinics responded, with 26% currently treating patients with either treatment. Its use has declined over a 5-year period after restrictive guidance by the National Institute for Clinic Excellence. The mean age of patients was 60 years, and more women are treated. Maintenance ECT was given for a longer duration and less frequently than continuation ECT. Conclusions: Use has declined since 2001-2002. Continuation and maintenance ECT can be differentiated according to the frequency and duration of treatment.
Alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use among teenagers in the Isle of Man

Aim: This paper describes the findings from a survey of self‐reported alcohol, tobacco and drug use among 721 school students aged 15 and 16 years living on the Isle of Man. Design: This venture was part of the 2003 European School Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs, an international survey in 35 countries. Setting and participants: School survey of whole population aged 15 years (n = 721) on the Isle of Man. Measurement: Three hundred and eighty core item questionnaire. Findings: Over 95% of all respondents had consumed alcohol at some point during their lifetime and 78% had experienced being drunk. Twenty‐two per cent had smoked cigarettes on more than 40 occasions, with girls much more likely than boys to smoke. Around 40% had tried an illicit drug at some time, mainly cannabis. Conclusions: Binge drinking and tobacco use in Manx teenagers, especially young women, needs careful monitoring and clearly requires a vigorous public health response.
No difference between mechanical perturbation training with compliant surface and manual perturbation training on knee functional performance after ACL rupture

Manual perturbation training improves dynamic knee stability and functional performance after anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACL‐rupture). However, it is limited to static standing position and does not allow time‐specific perturbations at different phase of functional activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether administering mechanical perturbation training including compliant surface provides effects similar to manual perturbation training on knee functional measures after an acute ACL‐rupture. Sixteen level I/II athletes with ACL‐ruptures participated in this preliminary study. Eight patients received mechanical (Mechanical) and eight subjects received manual perturbation training (Manual). All patients completed a functional testing (isometric quadriceps strength, single‐legged hop tests) and patient‐reported measures (Knee Outcome Survey‐Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS‐ADLS), Global Rating Score (GRS), International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 (IKDC 2000) at pre‐ and post‐training. 2 × 2 ANOVA was used for data analysis. No significant group‐by‐time interactions were found for all measures (p > 0.18). Main effects of time were found for single hop (Pre‐testing: 85.14% ± 21.07; Post‐testing: 92.49% ± 17.55), triple hop (Pre‐testing: 84.64% ± 14.17; Post‐testing: 96.64% ± 11.14), KOS‐ADLS (Pre‐testing: 81.13% ± 11.12; Post‐testing: 88.63% ± 12.63), GRS (Pre‐testing: 68.63% ± 15.73; Post‐testing: 78.81% ± 13.85), and IKDC 2000 (Pre‐testing: 66.66% ± 9.85; Post‐testing: 76.05% ± 14.62) (p < 0.032). Administering mechanical perturbation training using compliant surfaces induce effects similar to manual perturbation training on knee functional performance after acute ACL‐rupture. The clinical significance is both modes of training improve patients' functional‐performance and limb‐to‐limb movement symmetry, and enhancing the patients’ self‐reported of knee functional measures after ACL rupture. Mechanical perturbation that provides a compliant surface might be utilized as part of the ACL rehabilitation training. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1391–1397, 2018.