Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association Between Preterm Birth and Arrested Cardiac Growth in Adolescents and Young Adults.

Importance Premature birth is associated with substantially higher lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease, including arrhythmia, ischemic disease, and heart failure, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Objective To characterize cardiac structure and function in adolescents and young adults born preterm using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional cohort study at an academic medical center included adolescents and young adults born moderately to extremely premature (20 in the adolescent cohort born from 2003 to 2004 and 38 in the young adult cohort born in the 1980s and 1990s) and 52 age-matched participants who were born at term and underwent cardiac MRI. The dates of analysis were February 2016 to October 2019. Exposures Premature birth (gestational age ≤32 weeks) or birth weight less than 1500 g. Main Outcomes and Measures Main study outcomes included MRI measures of biventricular volume, mass, and strain. Results Of 40 adolescents (24 [60%] girls), the mean (SD) age of participants in the term and preterm groups was 13.3 (0.7) years and 13.0 (0.7) years, respectively. Of 70 adults (43 [61%] women), the mean (SD) age of participants in the term and preterm groups was 25.4 (2.9) years and 26.5 (3.5) years, respectively. Participants from both age cohorts who were born prematurely had statistically significantly smaller biventricular cardiac chamber size compared with participants in the term group: the mean (SD) left ventricular end-diastolic volume index was 72 (7) vs 80 (9) and 80 (10) vs 92 (15) mL/m2 for adolescents and adults in the preterm group compared with age-matched participants in the term group, respectively (P < .001), and the mean (SD) left ventricular end-systolic volume index was 30 (4) vs 34 (6) and 32 (7) vs 38 (8) mL/m2, respectively (P < .001). Stroke volume index was also reduced in adolescent vs adult participants in the preterm group vs age-matched participants in the term group, with a mean (SD) of 42 (7) vs 46 (7) and 48 (7) vs 54 (9) mL/m2, respectively (P < .001), although biventricular ejection fractions were preserved. Biventricular mass was statistically significantly lower in adolescents and adults born preterm: the mean (SD) left ventricular mass index was 39.6 (5.9) vs 44.4 (7.5) and 40.7 (7.3) vs 49.8 (14.0), respectively (P < .001). Cardiac strain analyses demonstrated a hypercontractile heart, primarily in the right ventricle, in adults born prematurely. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study, adolescents and young adults born prematurely had statistically significantly smaller biventricular cardiac chamber size and decreased cardiac mass. Although function was preserved in both age groups, these morphologic differences may be associated with elevated lifetime cardiovascular disease risk after premature birth.
Time course of changes in fatty acid composition in the osmoregulatory organs of the thicklip grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) during acclimation to low salinity

Changes in plasma osmolality haematology, lipid content and fatty acid composition of the gills, intestine and kidney of the Thicklip Grey Mullet (Chelon labrosus) were investigated along a salinity gradient from seawater (SW, 38 p.p.t.) to low salinity water (LSW, 5 p.p.t.). Plasma osmolality has changed as evidenced by the dynamics of the osmoregulatory parameters. These dynamics have revealed two stages during hyperosmotic and hypo-osmotic acclimations: (i) an adaptive period during the first days of acclimation (3–7 days), with important changes in these parameters and (ii) a chronic regulatory period (after 3 days of transfer) where osmotic parameters reached hom0eostasis. From a metabolic point of view, we found that salinity decrease induced mobilization of lipids in the gills, kidney and intestine of C. labrosus. We also observed changes in fatty acid profiles but with differences between tissues. In gills and intestine, SFAs and MUFAs decreased and PUFAs increased in the first day of the transfer. However, in the kidney, PUFAs increased and SFAs and MUFAs decreased at the end of the transfer. We conclude that the changes made during salinity acclimation are followed by a qualitative variation in the lipids and that the decrease in salinity leads to an improvement in the synthesis of PUFAs fatty acid. This suggests that lipids are important in meeting the energetic demands resulting from exposure to salinity.
Comparison of Real-Time PCR, Bacteriologic Culture and Fluorescent Antibody Test for the Detection of Leptospira borgpetersenii in Urine of Naturally Infected Cattle

Cattle are susceptible to infection with multiple serovars of pathogenic leptospires, resulting in abortion, stillbirth, premature birth, reproductive failure and milk drop syndrome. Cattle also act as a reservoir host for L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo which is excreted from renal tubules via urine into the environment where it persists in suitable moist conditions. Our previous work demonstrated that 7% of urine samples from beef cattle were positive for L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo by culture and/or the fluorescent antibody test (FAT). In this study, a real-time PCR (rtPCR) assay was applied to determine the relative performance of rtPCR based detection of L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo compared to previously reported culture and FAT techniques. Of 42 bovine urine samples positive for leptospires by culture and/or FAT, 60% (25/42) were positive by rtPCR. Of 22 culture-positive samples, 91% (20/22) were rtPCR-positive. Of 32 FAT-positive samples, 50% (16/32) were rtPCR-positive. For 10 samples that were culture-positive but FAT-negative, 90% (9/10) were rtPCR-positive. For 20 samples that were FAT-positive but culture-negative, 25% (5/20) were rtPCR-positive. Collectively, these results indicate that no single assay is optimal, and the use of more than one assay to detect leptospires in urine from naturally infected cattle is recommended.
Murinometric measurements and retroperitoneal adipose tissue in young rats exposed to the high-fat diet: Is there correlation?

Aim This study aimed to verify the correlation between murine measurements and retroperitoneal adipose tissue in rats exposed to the high-fat diet. MATERIAL AND METHODS Wistar male adult rats, descendants of mothers who consumed a high-fat diet during pregnancy and lactation and fed the same diet after weaning were used. At 60 days of life, body weight, longitudinal axis and waist circumference (WC) were measured. The Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Lee Index were calculated for a posterior analysis of the correlation with the amount of retroperitoneal adipose tissue dissected on the same day. For analysis of the data, the Pearson correlation test was used, considering statistical significance for p <0.05. RESULTS Body weight had a weak correlation (r= 0.31; p= 0.38) with retroperitoneal adipose tissue. While the longitudinal correlated moderately and negative (r= -0.40; p= 0.25). Abdominal circumference (r= 0.62; p= 0.05), body mass index (r= 0.61; p= 0.03) and Lee (r= 0.69; p= 0.03) correlated moderately and positively with adipose tissue. CONCLUSION Among the measured murine measurements, weight and longitudinal axis were not good indicators to represent accumulation of retroperitoneal adipose tissue in rats. However, Lee's index seems to be the best murine marker to diagnose the accumulation of retroperitoneal fat. BMI, CA and Lee index were murine parameters with higher correlation.
Effects of the consumption of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis EC-12 preparation on microbiota and metabolic activity of the faeces in healthy adults

The effects of the consumption (200 mg/day) of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis EC-12 preparation (EC-12) for 14 days on microbiota and metabolic activity of the faeces were studied in eight healthy volunteers (22–26 years of age). During EC-12 consumption, the counts of bifidobacteria (p<0.05 on day 7 and p<0.01 on day 14) were significantly increased, except for the numbers of bifidobacteria in one volunteer, whereas the counts and the frequency of occurrence of lecithinase-positive clostridia (p<0.05), including Clostridium perfringens, were significantly decreased, when compared with the values before EC-12 consumption and during placebo consumption. The decreased tendency in the counts of Enterobacteriaceae and the increased tendency in the levels of lactobacilli was observed during EC-12 consumption, compared with the values before EC-12 consumption and during placebo consumption. No detectable changes occurred in the counts of other organisms throughout the experimental periods. The total faecal volatile fatty acid and acetic acid (p<0.05 on day 7 and p<0.01 on day 14) during EC-12 consumption, and succinic acid (p<0.05), lactic acid (p<0.05) and propionic acid (p<0.05) on day 14 of EC-12 consumption were significantly increased when compared with the values before EC-12 consumption and during placebo consumption. Faecal concentrations of ammonia, phenol and p-cresol (p<0.05) were significantly decreased on day 14 of EC-12 consumption. Faecal levels of sulfide and indole (p<0.05) were significantly decreased during EC-12 consumption. Faecal values of oxidation-reduction potential (ORP; p<0.05 on day 7 and p<0.01 on day 14) were significantly decreased during EC-12 consumption. Faecal pH values tended to decrease on day 14 of EC-12 consumption. Stool weight and water content were slightly increased during EC-12 consumption. The odour of the faeces was slightly reduced during EC-12 consumption.
Aphid detection of endophyte infection in tall fescue

Abstract The bird-cherry oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi L. avoided tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) plants infected with the endophyte Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones & Gams but settled on tall fescue infected with a Phialophora-like endophyte and on endophyte-free plants. The presence of either Acremonium loliae Latch, Christensen & Samuels or a Gliocladium-like endophyte in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and of Epichloe cf. typhina (Pers.) Tul. in chewings fescue (Festuca rubra L. sens. lat.) did not affect the feeding preferences of R. padi compared with uninfected controls. A method of using R. padi for the detection of A. coenophialum in tall fescue is suggested.
C-arm orbits for metal artifact avoidance (MAA) in cone-beam CT

Metal artifacts present a challenge to cone-beam CT (CBCT) image-guided surgery, obscuring visualization of metal instruments and adjacent anatomy—often in the very region of interest pertinent to the imaging/surgical tasks. We present a method to reduce the influence of metal artifacts by prospectively defining an image acquisition protocol—viz., the C-arm source-detector orbit—that mitigates metal-induced biases in the projection data. The metal artifact avoidance (MAA) method is compatible with simple mobile C-arms, does not require exact prior information on the patient or metal implants, and is consistent with 3D filtered backprojection (FBP), more advanced (e.g. polyenergetic) model-based image reconstruction (MBIR), and metal artifact reduction (MAR) post-processing methods. The MAA method consists of: (i) coarse localization of metal objects in the field-of-view (FOV) via two or more low-dose scout projection views and segmentation (e.g. a simple U-Net) in coarse backprojection; (ii) model-based prediction of metal-induced x-ray spectral shift for all source-detector vertices accessible by the imaging system (e.g. gantry rotation and tilt angles); and (iii) identification of a circular or non-circular orbit that reduces the variation in spectral shift. The method was developed, tested, and evaluated in a series of studies presenting increasing levels of complexity and realism, including digital simulations, phantom experiment, and cadaver experiment in the context of image-guided spine surgery (pedicle screw implants). The MAA method accurately predicted tilted circular and non-circular orbits that reduced the magnitude of metal artifacts in CBCT reconstructions. Realistic distributions of metal instrumentation were successfully localized (0.71 median Dice coefficient) from 2–6 low-dose scout views even in complex anatomical scenes. The MAA-predicted tilted circular orbits reduced root-mean-square error (RMSE) in 3D image reconstructions by 46%–70% and ‘blooming’ artifacts (apparent width of the screw shaft) by 20–45%. Non-circular orbits defined by MAA achieved a further ∼46% reduction in RMSE compared to the best (tilted) circular orbit. The MAA method presents a practical means to predict C-arm orbits that minimize spectral bias from metal instrumentation. Resulting orbits—either simple tilted circular orbits or more complex non-circular orbits that can be executed with a motorized multi-axis C-arm—exhibited substantial reduction of metal artifacts in raw CBCT reconstructions by virtue of higher fidelity projection data, which are in turn compatible with subsequent MAR post-processing and/or polyenergetic MBIR to further reduce artifacts.
Reproducibility of Ablated Volume Measurement Is Higher with Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound than with B-Mode Ultrasound after Benign Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation—A Preliminary Study

The reproducibility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and standard B-mode ultrasound in the assessment of radiofrequency-ablated volume of benign thyroid nodules was compared. A preliminary study was conducted on consecutive patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of benign thyroid nodules between 2014 and 2016, with available CEUS and B-mode post-ablation checks. CEUS and B-mode images were retrospectively evaluated by two radiologists to assess inter- and intra-observer agreement in the assessment of ablated volume (Bland–Altman test). For CEUS, the mean inter-observer difference (95% limits of agreement) was 0.219 mL (-0.372–0.809 mL); for B-mode, the mean difference was 0.880 mL (-1.655–3.414 mL). Reproducibility was significantly higher for CEUS (85%) than for B-mode (27%). Mean intra-observer differences (95% limits of agreement) were 0.013 mL (0.803–4.097 mL) for Reader 1 and 0.031 mL (0.763–3.931 mL) for Reader 2 using CEUS, while they were 0.567 mL (-2.180–4.317 mL, Reader 1) and 0.759 mL (-2.584–4.290 mL, Reader 2) for B-mode. Intra-observer reproducibility was significantly higher for CEUS (96% and 95%, for the two readers) than for B-mode (21% and 23%). In conclusion, CEUS had higher reproducibility and inter- and intra-observer agreement compared to conventional B-mode in the assessment of radiofrequency-ablated volume of benign thyroid nodules.
Linking rainforest ecophysiology and microclimate through fusion of airborne LiDAR and hyperspectral imagery

We develop and validate a high-resolution three-dimensional model of light and air temperature for a tropical forest interior in Hawaii along an elevation gradient varying greatly in structure but maintaining a consistent species composition. Our microclimate models integrate high-resolution airborne waveform light detection and ranging data (LiDAR) and hyperspectral imagery with detailed microclimate measurements. We then use modeled microclimate and forest structural and compositional variables to explain variation in spatially explicit measurements of leaf traits, including gas exchange and structure. Our results highlight the importance of: (1) species differences in leaf traits, with species explaining up to 65% of the variation in some leaf traits; (2) differences between exotic and native species, with exotic species having greater maximum rates of assimilation and foliar δ15N values; (3) structural factors, with foliar %N and light saturation of photosynthesis decreasing in mid-canopy locations; (4) microclimate factors, with foliar %N and light saturation increasing with growth environment illumination; and (5) decreases in mean annual temperature with elevation resulting in closure of the nitrogen cycle, as indicated through decreases in foliar δ15N values. The dominant overstory species (Metrosideros polymorpha) did not show plasticity in photosynthetic capacity, whereas the dominant understory species (Cibotium glaucum) had higher maximum rates of assimilation in more illuminated growth environments. The approach developed in this study highlights the potential of new airborne sensors to quantify forest productivity at spatial and temporal scales not previously possible. Our results provide insight into the function of a Hawaiian forest dominated by native species undergoing simultaneous biological invasion and climatic change.
Moth communities and agri‐environment schemes: Examining the effects of hedgerow cutting regime on diversity, abundance, and parasitism

Hedgerows provide an important habitat for wildlife including invertebrates, representing a large proportion of semi‐natural habitat patches in the modern agricultural landscapes of the UK and Europe. Around 40% of hedgerow length in England is managed under agri‐environment scheme (AES) options, which specify less frequent cutting and advise cutting in winter. Hedgerow management can alter habitat structure and quality, potentially influencing invertebrate community structure. We assessed the impacts of management treatments on moth communities and their parasitoids. Two treatments (‘cutting frequency’: once every 1, 2, or 3 years, and ‘cutting time’: autumn vs. winter) were applied to a long‐running hedgerow experiment, mimicking AES prescriptions. Moth larvae were collected from the hedgerows, identified and reared to determine parasitism. Hedgerow structure and foliar quality were quantified and related to changes in moth abundance, diversity, species richness, and parasitism. Hedgerow management did not significantly affect overall abundance of moth larvae, but did affect the abundance of certain feeding guilds and trophic interactions with parasitoids. Concealed moth larvae (mining, tentiform, and case bearing) were more abundant on hedgerows cut infrequently (every 2 or 3 years vs. annually). Parasitism rates were higher on hedgerows cut less often, when these were cut in autumn. There was a strong trend towards greater moth species richness and diversity on winter cut hedgerows. Agri‐environment scheme management can thus have complex effects on invertebrate communities. The abundance of some moths may be positively affected by AES hedgerow management and this can have knock‐on effects on parasitoid abundance.
Sexual dimorphism of foramen magnum between two different groups of Indian population: A cross-sectional cone-beam computed tomography study

The foramen magnum (FM), being a vital landmark at the base of the skull, includes interests to many fields of medicine. Many authors have recounted the usefulness of the FM in gender determination. The emphasis of this study is to evaluate the shape and dimensions of the FM among males and females and to establish its role in sexual dimorphism using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Furthermore, to evaluate the area and FM index (FMI) among males and females and finally to evaluate the differences in FM measurements if any in two different regions of an Indian population. One hundred and ten CBCT scans (55 males and 55 females; age range, 20–80 years) were selected for this study. The sagittal diameter, transverse diameter, area, FMI, and circumference of FM were measured, and data were subjected to discriminant analysis for the evaluation of sexual dimorphism. The area of FM was the best discriminant parameter which was used to study the sexual dimorphism with an overall accuracy of 90.9%. It can be concluded that the reconstructed CBCT image provides valuable measurements for the FM and could be used for gender determination.
High-dose influenza vaccination and mortality among predominantly male, white, senior veterans, United States, 2012/13 to 2014/15

Introduction It is unclear whether high-dose influenza vaccine (HD) is more effective at reducing mortality among seniors. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) of HD. Methods We linked electronic medical record databases in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Medicare administrative files to examine the rVE of HD vs standard-dose influenza vaccines (SD) in preventing influenza/pneumonia-associated and cardiorespiratory mortality among VHA-enrolled veterans 65 years or older during the 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15 influenza seasons. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was performed on matched recipients of HD vs SD, based on vaccination time, location, age, sex, ethnicity and VHA priority level. Results Among 569,552 person-seasons of observation, 207,574 (36%) were HD recipients and 361,978 (64%) were SD recipients, predominantly male (99%) and white (82%). Pooling findings from all three seasons, the adjusted rVE estimate of HD vs SD during the high influenza periods was 42% (95% confidence interval (CI): 24–59) against influenza/pneumonia-associated mortality and 27% (95% CI: 23–32) against cardiorespiratory mortality. Residual confounding was evident in both early and late influenza periods despite matching and multivariable adjustment. Excluding individuals with high 1-year predicted mortality at baseline reduced the residual confounding and yielded rVE of 36% (95% CI: 10–62) and 25% (95% CI: 12–38) against influenza/pneumonia-associated and cardiorespiratory mortality, respectively. These were confirmed by results from two-stage residual inclusion estimations. Discussion The HD was associated with a lower risk of influenza/pneumonia-associated and cardiorespiratory death in men during the high influenza period.
Effect of Cod Residual Protein Supplementation on Markers of Glucose Regulation in Lean Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind Study

Large quantities of protein-rich cod residuals, which are currently discarded, could be utilized for human consumption. Although fish fillet intake is related to beneficial health effects, little is known about the potential health effects of consuming cod residual protein powder. Fifty lean adults were randomized to consume capsules with 8.1 g/day of cod residual protein (Cod-RP) or placebo capsules (Control group) for eight weeks, in this randomized, double-blind study. The intervention was completed by 40 participants. Fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were unaffected by Cod-RP supplementation, whereas plasma concentrations of α-hydroxybutyrate, β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate all were decreased compared with the Control group. Trimethylamine N-oxide concentration in plasma and urine were increased in the Cod-RP group compared with the Control group. To conclude, the reduction in these potential early markers of impaired glucose metabolism following Cod-RP supplementation may indicate beneficial glucoregulatory effects of cod residual proteins. Trimethylamine N-oxide appears to be an appropriate biomarker of cod residual protein intake in lean adults.