Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Small population size and low genomic diversity have no effect on fitness in experimental translocations of a wild fish

Little empirical work in nature has quantified how wild populations with varying effective population sizes and genetic diversity perform when exposed to a gradient of ecologically important environmental conditions. To achieve this, juvenile brook trout from 12 isolated populations or closed metapopulations that differ substantially in population size and genetic diversity were transplanted to previously fishless ponds spanning a wide gradient of ecologically important variables. We evaluated the effect of genome-wide variation, effective population size (Ne), pond habitat, and initial body size on two fitness correlates (survival and growth). Genetic variables had no effect on either fitness correlate, which was determined primarily by habitat (pond temperature, depth, and pH) and initial body size. These results suggest that some vertebrate populations with low genomic diversity, low Ne, and long-term isolation can represent important sources of variation and are capable of maintaining fitness in, and ultimately persisting and adapting to, changing environments. Our results also reinforce the paramount importance of improving available habitat and slowing habitat degradation for species conservation.
Hypoglycemia and levofloxacin: a case report.

likely to have a diagnosis of meningitis (88% vs. 57%; OR, 5.5; ), less P ! 001 likely to have a diagnosis of meningococcemia (12% vs. 32%; OR, 0.3; ), P p . 016 and equally likely to have a fatal outcome (9% vs. 10%; OR, 0.90; ). P p . 862 Our findings demonstrate that rapid, centralized PCR testing increased laboratory detection of invasive meningococcal disease, especially among patients with suspected cases who received antibiotics before collection of blood or CSF specimens. Although use of PCR did not appear to improve patient outcome, it increased the sensitivity of disease surveillance in California and assisted in timely public health management of case patients and contacts.
Heat conduction in porcine muscle and blood: experiments and time-fractional telegraph equation model

This paper presents experimental evidence for the damped-hyperbolic nature of transient heat conduction in porcine muscle tissue and blood. An examination of integer order and Maxwell–Cattaneo heat conduction models indicates that the latter, in effect resulting in a time-fractional telegraph (TFT) equation, provides the best fit to transient heat phenomena in such materials. The numerical method is verified on Dirichlet and Neumann initial boundary value problems using existing analytical results. Overall, the TFT equation captures the wave-like nature of heat conduction and temperature profiles obtained in experiments, while reducing the need for further tunable parameters.
Comparing Spatial Contrast Sensitivity Functions Measured With Digit and Grating Stimuli

Purpose The contrast sensitivity function (CSF) is measured traditionally with grating stimuli. Recently, we introduced a new set of digit stimuli to improve the efficiency of CSF tests for people unfamiliar with the Latin alphabet. Given the significant differences between grating and digit stimuli, we conducted this study to evaluate whether the estimated CSFs from the digit test are equivalent to those from the grating test. Methods The CSFs of five young (with Psi) and five older (with quick CSF [qCSF]) participants were measured with a two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) grating orientation identification task and a 10-digit identification task. The CSFs obtained from the two tasks were compared. Results The estimated CSFs from the two tasks matched well after controlling for stimulus types and performance levels. The root mean square error (RMSE) between the CSFs from the two tasks was 0.093 ± 0.029 (300 trials) and 0.131 ± 0.016 (100 trials) log10 units for young and older observers, respectively. To reach the same standard deviation (0.1 log10 units), the digit CSF test required fewer trials/less time than the classic grating CSF for young (60 vs. 90 trials) and older (15 vs. 21 trials) observers. The complicated behavioral responses of the observer in the 10-AFC digit identification task can be accounted by a model that consists of digit similarity and one single parameter of sensory noise (χ2[99] = 3.42, P = 0.999). Conclusions The estimated CSFs from the digit test highly matched those obtained from the grating test; however, the digit test is much more efficient. Translational Relevance The digit CSF test provides a compatible assessment of the CSF as the traditional grating CSF test with more efficiency.
Repeatability of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Uveitic Eyes

Purpose To investigate the intravisit repeatability of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in a cohort of uveitis patients. Methods One hundred ten patients were imaged twice per eye, per visit, using the Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT Model 5000 device. To calculate choriocapillaris flow void area (CC FV) 6 × 6-mm images were used, and 3 × 3-mm images were used to calculate vessel density (VD) and the foveal avascular zone area (FAZ) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP). Repeatability was measured using Bland-Altman analyses and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with associated coefficient of variation (CV). Results The level of intravisit repeatability differed across indices ranging from moderate to excellent. CC FV had the highest intravisit repeatability with an ICC of 0.980 (95%CI, 0.966–0.989), a CV of 15.9% and Bland-Altman limits of agreement from −0.398 to 0.411 mm2. DCP FAZ had the lowest intravisit repeatability with an ICC of 0.677 (95%CI, 0.510–0.796), a CV of 17.4% and Bland-Altman limits of agreement from −0.395 to −0.355 mm2. Intraoperator repeatability was excellent across all indices. Conclusions This study demonstrates that OCTA is a reliable tool to quantitatively assess specific indices of vascular structure in uveitis patients with good intravisit repeatability. However, the range of variability for each index should be taken into account when evaluating clinically meaningful changes. Translational Relevance The repeatability of the metrics we have described has implications in supporting the development of OCTA-derived quantitative assessments of the retinal and choroidal vasculature in uveitis patients as potential imaging biomarkers.
Natural History of Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma Disease - First Multi-State Model Analysis

Background: Pediatric low-grade glioma [PLGG] is often a chronic progressive disease requiring multiple treatments, i.e. surgery, chemotherapy and irradiation. The multi-state model [MSM] allows an extended analysis of disease-states, that patients may undergo, incorporating competing risks over the course of time. Purpose: We studied disease-state-probabilities of the German SIOP-LGG 2004 cohort from the initial state “diagnosis” to the final state “death”. Transient “disease-states” incorporated successive surgical and non-surgical treatments. We evaluated clinical risk factors for highly progressive disease requiring multiple interventions and death. Results: We identified 22 states within 1587 patients (median follow-up 6.3 years). For robust statistical calculation, we reduced the model to 7 states and eventually to three levels of disease-progressiveness: non, low and highly progressive. Five years after diagnosis state-probabilities were: 0.11 no therapy, 0.49 one and 0.11 two or more surgeries only, 0.19 one and 0.06 two or more non-surgical interventions with or without prior surgery. At this time point higher probability for highly progressive disease was found in infants (0.30), supratentorial-midline location (0.17) and diffuse astrocytoma WHO-grade II (0.12). Neurofibromatosis type-1 patients were most likely not to be treated (0.36) or to have received only non-surgical therapy (0.45). Two years after diagnosis 3-year predictions for highly progressive disease and death increased with the number of interventions patients underwent in the first 2 years after diagnosis. Conclusion: In this first MSM analysis we delineated a refined description of PLGG disease course over time, identifying three levels of progressiveness. Growth behavior in the first two years predicted future progressiveness and death.
Wise Pattern Direct Implant Breast Reconstruction: A Review and Improved Outcomes Using Dermal Matrix

Background: The inverted T (Wise pattern) mastectomy for patients with macromastia or significant breast ptosis has evolved along with generalized techniques for breast reconstruction. We present a review of Wise pattern breast reconstruction along with our technique for direct to implant reconstruction using dermal matrix. Methods: The literature was reviewed and an analysis of techniques and complications was performed. We present our series of patients incorporating dermal matrix and relatively large implants in direct to implant reconstruction. Results: Of 18 breasts reconstructed only 2 failed. One caused by flap necrosis secondary to smoking and one as a result of preoperative radiation. Conclusion: Wise pattern breast reconstruction using relatively large implants and dermal matrix in direct to implant reconstruction is a safe technique in selected patients with macromastia.
Expression and potential prognostic value of histone family gene signature in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of malignancy among females worldwide. Histone modifications, which are the major post-translational modifications, have a significant role in cancer development and prognosis. However, whether histone family genes may serve as potential prognostic biomarkers for BC patients has remained elusive. In the present study, RNA-sequencing data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Differentially expressed genes were identified and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway functional enrichment analysis was performed. As histone family genes have been reported to be associated with cervical cancer, the present study hypothesized that histone family genes are associated with gynecological tumors. Histone family genes, including histone cluster 1 H1A family member B (HIST1H1B), HIST1H2AJ, HIST1H2AM, HIST1H2BI, HIST1H2BO, HIST1H3B, HIST1H3F, HIST1H3H, HIST1H4C and HIST1H4D, were upregulated and identified as hub genes in the protein-protein interaction network. In addition, Oncomine and the Human Protein Atlas were used to further verify the expression levels of histone gene sets. The PrognoScan database was then used to investigate the association between expression and prognostic value regarding cancer patient survival. The present results indicated that higher expression of histone gene sets was associated with poor overall survival, relapse-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival of BC patients. The differential expression of histone family genes between BC and normal samples was validated by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Finally, to determine the clinical role of histone family genes in BC, the correlations between histone family genes expression and clinical characteristics were investigated through data collected from TCGA. Therefore, the present study indicates that histone gene sets may be used as prognostic factors for survival prediction for BC patients.
Situación de los laboratorios públicos productores de antivenenos en América Latina

RESUMEN Se analiza la situación de los laboratorios públicos productores de antivenenos en América Latina, con base a los resultados de en un taller coordinado por el Centro Panamericano de Fiebre Aftosa (PANAFTOSA) de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS). Nueve países en la región poseen doce laboratorios públicos que producen y distribuyen antivenenos contra venenos de diferentes animales ponzoñosos. Se discutió la situación de cada laboratorio, se analizó el escenario actual caracterizado por las crecientes demandas regulatorias y la heterogeneidad de estos en términos de infraestructura y capacidad productiva y se planteó la necesidad de concertar procesos de cooperación regional dirigidos a mejorar la disponibilidad de antivenenos, incluyendo proyectos de investigación y desarrollo para el mejoramiento de los procesos y las tecnologías; estudios del perfil de la capacidad neutralizante de los antivenenos contra diferentes venenos, y programas de capacitación técnica de profesionales y personal técnico. En el contexto actual, en el que la Organización Mundial de la Salud elaboró una estrategia global para la prevención y el control de los envenenamientos ofídicos, el Centro PANAFTOSA de la OPS ha asumido la coordinación de estas acciones en las Américas, mejorar la disponibilidad de antivenenos es prioritaria. Como resultado de ese taller, se creó la Red de Laboratorios Públicos Productores de Antivenenos de América Latina (RELAPA), con el objetivo de fortalecer estos laboratorios y de aumentar la disponibilidad y accesibilidad de antivenenos eficaces y seguros a toda América Latina.
The Remote Completion Rate of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Forms Before Scheduled Clinic Visits—A Proof-of-Concept Study Using Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Computer Adaptive Test Questionnaires

Introduction: Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) questionnaires are amenable to remote administration. This study sought to determine remote completion rates of PROMIS questionnaires before clinic visits. Methods: Patients were e-mailed a set of PROMIS forms. Completion rates were analyzed by visit type, provider seen, and patient demographics. Results: Seven hundred forty total appointments were included. Sixty-seven percent of encounters had previsit form completion. High completion rates were found for all visit types (74%, 67%, and 64% for new, return, and postoperative visits, respectively). Women had a higher completion rate than men (71% versus 64%; P = 0.031). White patients (72%; P = 0.001) and patients in the third median household income quartile ($53,725 to $83,088; 72%; P = 0.008) had higher completion rates than their respective counterparts. Conclusion: Most patients remotely completed PROMIS forms. The efficiency and accessibility of PROMIS forms may help improve ease of collection of patient-reported outcomes.
Management of obstructive urolithiasis by tube cystostomy technique in male buffalo calves

The study was conducted on 35 male buffalo calves suffering from obstructive urolithiasis. The common clinical signs recorded were anuria, dull anxious look, kicking at the ventral abdomen, persistent efforts for micturition, which may be accompanied by rectal prolapse and pulsating urethra with contraction and relaxation of preputial orifice in cases with intact urinary bladder whereas bilateral distension of abdomen with fluid thrill, sunken eyes and no effort for micturation in cases of ruptured urinary bladder. The heart rate and respiratory rate were mildly elevated. The haematological parameters showed no significant changes. There was a significant increase in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and plasma potassium which returned to near normal level in 48 h post-operatively. The pH of urine changed from alkaline to slightly acidic during the course of treatment. Ultrasonography was very effective tool for examining the status of urinary system in affected animals. Tube cystostomy had a high success rate in treating cases of obstructive urolithiasis in buffalo calves.
Epidemiology and Comorbidity Burden of Organ Donor Referrals in Australia: Cohort Study 2010–2015

Background. Increasing organ donation rates in Australia have been exceeded by a rise in potential donor referrals not proceeding to donate. Referral evaluation is resource-intensive. We sought to characterize organ donor referrals in New South Wales, Australia, and identify predictors of referrals not proceeding to donation. Methods. We performed a cohort study of NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service logs 2010–2015, describing the prevalence and impact of comorbidities on referral outcome. Logistic regression was used to identify comorbidities influencing outcome and predict probability of donation. Results. Of 2977 referrals, 669 (22%) donated and 2308 (78%) did not. Despite increasing donation rates, the proportion proceeding to donate declined 2010–2015. Among referrals, the prevalence of all comorbidities except cerebrovascular disease increased and was higher among nondonors. History of cardiac disease, ≥65 years of age, chronic kidney or liver disease, malignancy, and absence of cerebrovascular disease were all significantly (P < 0.01) associated with non donation. Hypertension and diabetes did not significantly impact outcome. Predicted probability of donation varied from <1% to 54% depending on comorbidity burden of the referral. Conclusions. Comorbidity burden among donor referrals is increasing. The presence of particular comorbidities may significantly impact referral outcome. A better understanding of referral characteristics associated with non donation may improve the efficiency of the referral process in the context of encouraging routine referrals.
Determinants of Health Insurance in rural population of South India

Background and objective: Health is a fundamental human right in India and several other countries. The policy concern in developing countries such as India where 70% of the population lives in rural area is not only to reach the entire population with adequate healthcare services, but also to secure an acceptable level of health for all the people through the application of primary healthcare programs. Health insurance is one of the most important aspects of health care management system. This paper tries to identify the determinants of health insurance in rural India. Methods: A Cross sectional community based study was done with sample size of 290 households estimated by using 25% national coverage according to Public Health Foundation of India. The study was conducted between July 2014 to August 2014. 290 families were covered from two Primary Health Centres which come under field practice area of our medical college. A pretested semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was entered in excel sheet and analysed using SPSS version 17 software. Results and interpretation: In this study 72.5% of respondents were in age group 26-45yrs, 69.4% of respondents were female,82.1% were from below poverty line family,72.4% were from nuclear family, 81% of respondents were aware of health insurance but only 53.1% were actually insured and off the respondents who were not insured 40.9% were not aware of health insurance. The male gender, nuclear family, affordability to pay premium, higher educational status and awareness regarding health insurance was significantly associated with being insured. Conclusions: The main determinants of being insured were male gender, nuclear family, affordability to pay premium and higher education status. In order to bridge this gap in rural India of not being insured is to educate them in order to bring about behavior change among the respondents.
TLR4 polymorphisms may increase susceptibility to periodontitis in Pg-positive individuals

Objective To investigate the correlation between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene and the susceptibility to chronic periodontitis. Design 241 Chinese subjects from the cohort of Beijing Shijingshan Community were recruited. Buccal swab samples, the whole unstimulated saliva and periodontal clinical parameters were collected. Human DNA extracted from buccal swab samples were used for genotyping eight SNPs of the TLR4 gene (rs11536889, rs1927906, rs1927911, rs2149356, rs4986790, rs4986791, rs2737190, rs787384) by the Sequenom MassARRAY system. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) was detected from the deposition of the whole unstimulated saliva through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method based on 16S rRNA. The correlation between SNPs of TLR4 and chronic periodontitis susceptibility in the whole subjects and the patients detected with P. gingivalis was investigated. Results The variants of rs4986790 and rs4986791 were not found in 241 Chinese subjects. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the distribution of theother6 SNPs of TLR4 between groups of none/mild -periodontitis and moderate/severe-periodontitis subjects. When combined with P. gingivalis infection, rs1927911 (TT/CC+CT), rs2149356 (TT/GG+GT) and rs2737190 (GG/AA+AG) were independent risk factors of chronic periodontitis. Conclusion Three SNPs of TLR4, i.e., rs1927911 (TT/CC+CT), rs2149356 (TT/GG+GT) and rs2737190 (GG/AA+AG), were associated with moderate/severe chronic periodontitis in Chinese population infected with P. gingivalis. P. gingivalis, which interacted with TLR4 gene plays an important role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Burnout, Job Dissatisfaction, and Mental Health Outcomes Among Medical Students and Health Care Professionals at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan: Protocol for a Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study

Burnout, a state of vital exhaustion, has frequently been related to work-related stress and job dissatisfaction. Given the emotionally and physically challenging nature of their work, high rates of burnout have been reported among health care professionals. This may put them at a higher risk for of suffering from adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety and stress. In our study, we aim to assess the prevalence i of and associations among burnout and job dissatisfaction and adverse mental health outcomes in a developing country, where the challenges faced by the health care system are unique. Facilities are over-burdened and there is a sharp contrast between doctor to patient ratios in developing and developed countries. We plan to conduct a cross sectional study at the largest tertiary care hospital in Pakistan and its peripheral affiliated health centers. A proportionate sampling technique will be employed to include medical and nursing students, interns, residents and consultants. Previously validated questionnaires, including the Maslach Burnout tool, DASS 21, and Job Satisfaction Survey will be disseminated through Survey Monkey. Statistical analysis will be conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 23 to study the association among burnout, job dissatisfaction, adverse health outcomes and demographic and work-related factors This study may begin laying the foundation for prioritizing the novel concept of physician mental health in the developing world. Further research building on to the results of this study will generate evidence to make recommendations about routine screening for mental illness and policy changes in the health care system.