Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Bone Conduction Hearing System May Improve Memory Function in Children with Single Side Hearing loss: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of an adhesive adapter prosthesis (AAP) on memory function in pediatric subjects with single side hearing loss (SSHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Case-control study. 19 pediatric subjects with mild to moderate SSHL treated with AAP and 15 subjects with normal hearing (control group) were included in this study. Working and short-term memory functions were tested in all subjects, in silence and noise conditions. In SSHL subjects, tests were performed before the AAP was applied (T0) and at 1-month (T1) follow-up. The control group was tested once. RESULTS AAP significantly improved working memory function in noise as measured at T1 (p<0.01) compared with T0, but T1 scores in children with SSHL remained significantly different from the ones of the control group (p<0.01). AAP also significantly improved short- term memory function test scores at T1 compared with T0 (p<0.01), but despite being in the normal range for the subjects' age, the scores remained significantly different from those of the control group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION In pediatric subjects with mild, moderate, and moderate-severe SSHL, restoration of bilateral hearing through AAP improved short-term memory function and working memory function in noise, as measured at 1 month follow-up; however, AAP did not seem to lead to a full restoration of such functions as measured by a comparison with healthy controls. Further studies with longer follow-ups might help elucidate whether AAP can elicit further improvements in memory functions.
Construction of Zn(II) Linear Trinuclear Secondary Building Units from A Coordination Polymer Based on α-Acetamidocinnamic Acid and 4-Phenylpyridine

The synthesis and characterization of one coordination polymer and two trinuclear complexes are presented. The coordination polymer [Zn2(µ-O,O’-ACA)2(ACA)2(4-Phpy)2]n (1) has been obtained by the reaction between Zn(OAc)2·2H2O, α-acetamidocinnamic acid (HACA), and 4-phenylpyridine (4-Phpy) using EtOH as solvent. Its recrystallization in CH3CN or EtOH yields two trinuclear complexes, both having pinwheel arrays with formulas [Zn3(µ-ACA)6(4-Phpy)2]·4CH3CN (2·4CH3CN) and [Zn3(µ-ACA)6(EtOH)2]·4EtOH (3·4EtOH), respectively. These trinuclear species, unavoidably lose their solvent co-crystallized molecules at RT yielding the complexes [Zn3(µ-ACA)6(4-Phpy)2] (2) and [Zn3(µ-ACA)6(EtOH)2] (3). In addition, compound 2 has also been obtained reacting Zn(OAc)2·2H2O, HACA, and 4-Phpy in a 1:2:2 ratio using CH3CN as solvent. Compounds 1–3 have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction method for compounds 1, 2·4CH3CN, and 3·4EtOH were obtained and their supramolecular interactions have been studied and discussed, showing 2D supramolecular planes for the trinuclear complexes and a 3D supramolecular network for the coordination polymer. Finally, the supramolecular interactions of 2·4CH3CN and 3·4EtOH have been compared using Hirshfeld surface analysis and electrostatic potential calculations.
FIELD AND LABORATORY STUDIES OF GLUGEA HERTWIGI (MICROSPORIDA) IN THE RAINBOW SMELT OSMERUS MORDAX

Glugea hertwigi-induced microsporidosis is a disease of the smelt, Osnierus mordax. 0. niordax is an anadromous species that has been successfully introduced to temperate freshwater areas. Haley ( 1957) has provided sonie evidence which indicates G. hertwigi was in part responsible for the decline of the smelt fishery in the Atlantic. The incidence of Glugea infection reaches a seasonal peak of nearly 90% in juvenile Lake Erie smelt each summer and fall ; Nepszy, Budd, and Dechtiar ( 1978) estimate vast economic losses in the smelt fishery in the Great Lakes due to mortality of infected juveniles.
Five Year Trends of Particulate Matter Concentrations in Korean Regions (2015–2019): When to Ventilate?

Indoor air quality becomes more critical as people stay indoors longer, particularly children and the elderly who are vulnerable to air pollution. Natural ventilation has been recognized as the most economical and effective means of improving indoor air quality, but its benefit is questionable when the external air quality is unacceptable. Such risk-risk tradeoffs would require evidence-based guidelines for households and policymakers, but there is a lack of research that examines spatiotemporal long-term air quality trends, leaving us unclear on when to ventilate. This study aims to suggest the appropriate time for ventilation by analyzing the hourly and quarterly concentrations of particulate matter (PM)10 and PM2.5 in seven metropolitan cities and Jeju island in South Korea from January 2015 to September 2019. Both areas’ PM levels decreased until 2018 and rebounded in 2019 but are consistently higher in spring and winter. Overall, the average concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 peaked in the morning, declined in the afternoon, and rebounded in the evening, but the second peak was more pronounced for PM2.5. This study may suggest ventilation in the afternoon (2–6pm) instead of the morning or late evening, but substantial differences across the regions by season encourage intervention strategies tailored to regional characteristics.
The Proinflammatory Activity of Structurally Altered Elastic Fibers.

The mechanisms responsible for the increased loss of pulmonary function following acute lung inflammation in COPD remain poorly understood. To investigate this process, our laboratory developed a hamster model that employs a single intratracheal (IT) instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to superimpose an inflammatory response on lungs treated with IT elastase one week earlier. Parameters measured at 2 days post-LPS included total leukocyte content and percent neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and BALF levels of both total and peptide-free elastin-specific crosslinks, desmosine and isodesmosine (DID). Airspace enlargement, measured by the mean linear intercept (MLI) method, and relative interstitial elastic fiber surface area were determined at 1 week post-LPS. Compared to animals only treated with elastase, those receiving elastase/LPS showed statistically significant increases in MLI (156.2 vs 85.5 µm), BALF leukocytes (187 vs 37.3 x 104 cells), neutrophils (39 vs 3.4 percent), and free DID (182 vs 97 percent of controls), which exceeded the sum of the individual effects of the two agents. Despite increased elastin breakdown, the elastase/LPS group had significantly greater elastic fiber surface area than controls (49 vs 26 percent) due to fragmentation and splaying of the fibers. Additional experiments showed that the combination of elastin peptides and LPS significantly enhanced their separate effects on BALF neutrophils and BALF DID in vivo, and leukocyte chemotaxis in vitro. The results suggest that structural changes in elastic fibers have proinflammatory activity and may contribute to the decline in pulmonary function related to COPD exacerbations.
Amygdala-Prefrontal Structural Connectivity Mediates the Relationship between Prenatal Depression and Behavior in Preschool Boys

Prenatal depression is common, underrecognized, and undertreated. It has negative consequences on child behavior and brain development, yet the relationships among prenatal depression, child behavior, and children's brain structure remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether altered brain connectivity mediates relationships between prenatal maternal depressive symptoms and child behavior. This study included 54 human mother-child pairs. Mothers completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and 3 months postpartum. Their children had diffusion MRI at age 4.1 ± 0.8 years, and children's behavior was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist within 6 months of their MRI scan. Structural brain connectivity of the amygdala, fornix, uncinate fasciculus, and cingulum was assessed using fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity and analyzed with maternal prenatal depressive symptoms as well as child behavior. Third trimester maternal Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores were positively associated with mean diffusivity in the amygdala-frontal tract and the cingulum, controlling for postpartum depression. Externalizing behavior had a sex interaction in the amygdala-frontal pathway; weaker connectivity (lower fractional anisotropy, higher mean diffusivity) was associated with worse behavior in boys. Amygdala-frontal connectivity mediated the relationship between third trimester depressive symptoms and child externalizing behavior in males. These findings suggest that altered brain structure is a mechanism via which prenatal depressive symptoms can impact child behavior, highlighting the importance of both recognition and intervention in prenatal depression. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Understanding how prenatal maternal depression impacts child behavior is critical for appropriately treating prenatal maternal mental health problems and improving child outcomes. Here, we show white matter changes in young children exposed to maternal prenatal depressive symptoms. Children of mothers with worse depressive symptoms had weaker white matter connectivity between areas related to emotional processing. Furthermore, connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex mediated the relationship between maternal depressive symptoms and externalizing behavior in boys, showing that altered brain structure is a possible mechanism via which maternal prenatal depression impacts children's behavior. This provides important information for understanding why children of depressed mothers may be more vulnerable to depression themselves and may help shape future guidelines on maternal prenatal care.
Understanding the Attachment Dimension of Human-animal Bond within A Homeless Population: A One-Health Initiative in the Student Health Outreach for Wellness (SHOW) Clinic

ABSTRACT In response to a gap in veterinary care for low-income, under-served populations, the Student Health Outreach for Wellness (SHOW) Clinic in Phoenix, AZ took a One-Health initiative to establish a pilot veterinary care program to serve the veterinary needs of the local homeless pet owners receiving human medical care at the clinic. The study examines the pilot program through the lens of the human-animal bond (HAB) and focuses specifically on the attachment dimension of the bond as measured by the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS). Data was collected from the homeless pet owners, and Rasch modeling was used to investigate the importance of various factors of the owner attachment to pet as described in LAPS items. The results demonstrate the perceptions of the homeless pet owners of ownership. The findings also provide psychometric evidence for revising the LAPS to better serve future research on human-animal relationships. Limitations and possible extensions of the research as related to the HAB and owner attachment to pets are discussed and enhancements proposed for the pilot program to better serve the local homeless people.
Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic artery‐sparing varicocelectomy using indocyanine green fluorescence angiography: Initial experience

We reported our initial experience of robotic‐assisted laparoscopic artery‐sparing varicocelectomy using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography in treatment of varicocele. A total of 45 varicocelectomies in 27 patients were performed. The mean operation time was 49.1 ± 8.5 min for unilateral and 65.6 ± 8.3 min for bilateral repair. 47.2 s after ICG injection, testicular artery (TA) was visualised. After an interval of 31.3 s, fluorescent veins were identified. Of all the 45 spermatic cords, 68.9% had a solitary artery, while 31.1% had 2 arteries. The mean hospital stay was 1.6 ± 0.9 days. Semen concentration and motility were significantly improved 6 months after surgery, no recurrence, hydrocele or testicular atrophy was observed. Our study demonstrated that robotic‐assisted laparoscopic artery‐sparing varicocelectomy using ICG fluorescence angiography is a safe, effective and promising technique in treatment of varicocele.
A comparison of the severity of tinnitus in patients with and without hearing loss using the tinnitus functional index (TFI)

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to compare the severity of tinnitus in tinnitus patients with and without hearing loss. Design and study sample 73 tinnitus patients were included in this study at an audiology clinic in Amman, Jordan. Participants were assigned to two groups according to their hearing status. The severity of tinnitus was evaluated using the Tinnitus Functional Index questionnaire. All participants were interviewed, followed by an otoscopic examination, pure tone audiometry, and tests for admittance and tinnitus matching. Results The normal hearing group included 34 participants (46.6%) whose TFI scores were divided as follows: mild annoyance (17), significant annoyance (14), and severe annoyance (3). The sensorineural loss group included 39 participants (53.4%) with mild annoyance (11), significant annoyance (12), and severe annoyance (16). A statistically significant association was found between hearing status and the severity of tinnitus using a Chi-Squared test (x2 = 0.487, p = 0.007). There was no association between tinnitus severity and age or gender. Conclusion Tinnitus severity was significantly worse in tinnitus patients with a hearing loss than tinnitus patients with normal hearing thresholds. This should be taken into consideration when clinicians are planning counselling and management protocols for individual patients.
Metabolism, Ketosis Treatment and Milk Production after Using Glycerol in Dairy Cows: A Review

Simple Summary Glycerol, as well as being an attractive feed ingredient for cattle, is also a by-product of a wide range of industrial applications. Glycerol has potential value in farming since it improves metabolism, feed efficiency, and can alleviate the symptoms of ketosis. Data indicate that glycerol can be a suitable partial grain replacement in the diet of cows during the transition period and at the beginning of lactation. The impact on milk yield is not significant, but glycerol mostly decreases milk fat content. The inclusion of dietary glycerol in the ration of dairy cows has an affect on ruminal fermentation patterns. Glycerol is rapidly fermented in the rumen into propionate, and it is metabolized to glucose in the liver through the process of glycogenolysis. Additionally, glycerol administration to ruminants can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential benefits and drawbacks related to the use of glycerol in cattle. Abstract The aim of this paper is to review and systematize the current state of knowledge on glycol metabolism in cattle. Glycerol, derived from biodiesel production, must be purified in order to be a useful product for feeding livestock. The use of glycerol in the feeding of ruminants can be justified for several reasons: (i) it is a source of energy in the ration, (ii) it is a glucogenic precursor, and (iii) it may have an effect on milk composition. The high energy value of glycerol provides the opportunity to use this raw material as a partial grain substitute in cattle feed rations. Dietary supplementation of glycerol is associated with increased propionate, butyrate, valerate, and isovalerate concentrations in the rumen. Glycerol can be used at up to 10%–15% of the dietary dry matter (DM) and is well-established as a treatment for ketosis in cows. Glycerol increases plasma glucose and may reduce non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate levels. The use of glycerol does not have a clear effect on DM intake, milk yield, or milk composition. However, some authors have reported an increase in milk yield after glycerol supplementation associated with decreased milk fat concentration. It is also possible that the concentration in the milk of odd-chain fatty acids and cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid may increase after glycerol application.
Supplementation with Tetrahydrocurcumin Enhances the Therapeutic Effects of Dexamethasone in a Murine Model of Allergic Asthma

Background: Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is the major active metabolite of curcumin, which is a dietary factor derived from Curcuma species. Our previous study demonstrated a significant beneficial effect of THC in mice with allergic asthma. Glucocorticosteroids (GCs) are commonly used drugs in asthma. Whether THC supplementation could promote the beneficial effects of GC therapy on asthma has not yet been reported. The current study aimed to investigate the combined efficacy of GC and THC treatment in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Methods: BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: the control group, ovalbumin (OVA)-induced group, and OVA-induced mice treated with dietary THC only, intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone (DEX) only, or THC combined with DEX. The nasal symptoms, histopathological alterations of lung tissues, lung cytokine production, and Th cell subsets were assessed. Results: THC or DEX had beneficial effects on nasal symptoms and pathological lung changes, and the therapeutic effects between THC and DEX treatment were comparable. Importantly, compared to the monotherapy groups (THC or DEX only), the combination of THC and DEX showed a significantly reduced nasal rubbing frequency, lower mucus hyperproduction, lower Th2 and Th17 cell numbers as well as lower related cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-17A). Conclusions: Supplementation with THC can enhance the therapeutic effects of DEX to alleviate airway symptoms, lung inflammation, and the Th2 response. Our findings suggest that dietary administration of THC could act as an add-on therapy for asthma treated with GCs.
Factors Contributing to Extended Hospital Length of Stay in Emergency General Surgery†

Abstract Background Emergency general surgery (EGS) is a field characterized by disproportionately high costs, post-operative mortality, and complications. We attempted to identify independent factors predictive of an increased postoperative length of stay (LOS), a key contributor to economic burden and worse outcomes. Methods The ACS-NSQIP database was queried for data from2005 to 2017. Current procedural terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify the most commonly performed EGS procedures: appendectomy, bowel resection, colectomy, and cholecystectomy. Cohorts above and below 75th percentile LOS were determined, compared by preoperative variables, and evaluated with univariate and multivariate logistic regression to quantify risk. Results Of 267,495 cases, 70,703 cases were above the 75th percentile for LOS. A larger proportion of patients in the extended LOS group were 41 years or older (88.6% vs 45.7%). More Blacks (10.3% vs 6.7%) were observed in the extended LOS group. Age, race, cardiopulmonary, hepatic, and renal disease, diabetes, recent weight loss, steroid use, and sepsis history were significant factors on multivariate analysis but varied in terms of risk proportion by procedure. Age (61+), Black race, hypertension, sepsis, and cancer were significant for all 4 procedures. Conclusions Several factors are independently associated with extended LOS for those undergoing the most common EGS procedures. Five of these were associated with an increased LOS for all four procedures. These included, age (61+), hypertension, sepsis, cancer, and Black race.
Elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract Objective Inflammation is reported to play a substantial role in the pathophysiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are inexpensive and potentially interesting biomarkers of inflammation. In this cross-sectional and retrospective study, we investigated the relationship between NLR, PLR and ADHD. Methods This study consisted of 100 children and adolescents with ADHD (85 of those receiving psychopharmacological treatment), and 99 physically and mentally healthy children. Results The mean NLR and PLR were significantly higher in patients than in controls. There was no significant difference between patients who received psychopharmacological treatment for ADHD and patient that did not with regard to NLR and PLR. No associations were found between NLR and PLR and ADHD symptom severity. The significance of NLR is not influenced by medication use, age and sex. Conclusions Our findings suggest that NLR and PLR may be inflammation biomarkers in children and adolescents with ADHD. Moreover, the significance of NLR is not influenced by medication use, age and sex. Prospective studies that address alterations in NLR and PLR and other pro-inflammatory cytokines following ADHD treatment may provide additional information about the inflammatory mechanisms in ADHD. Key points The mean NLR and PLR were significantly higher in patients than in controls. The significance of NLR is not influenced by medication use, age and sex. No associations were found between NLR and PLR and ADHD symptom severity. Prospective studies that address alterations in NLR and PLR and other pro-inflammatory cytokines following psychopharmacological treatment of ADHD may provide additional information about the inflammatory mechanisms in ADHD
Next‐generation biological control: the need for integrating genetics and genomics

Biological control is widely successful at controlling pests, but effective biocontrol agents are now more difficult to import from countries of origin due to more restrictive international trade laws (the Nagoya Protocol). Coupled with increasing demand, the efficacy of existing and new biocontrol agents needs to be improved with genetic and genomic approaches. Although they have been underutilised in the past, application of genetic and genomic techniques is becoming more feasible from both technological and economic perspectives. We review current methods and provide a framework for using them. First, it is necessary to identify which biocontrol trait to select and in what direction. Next, the genes or markers linked to these traits need be determined, including how to implement this information into a selective breeding program. Choosing a trait can be assisted by modelling to account for the proper agro‐ecological context, and by knowing which traits have sufficiently high heritability values. We provide guidelines for designing genomic strategies in biocontrol programs, which depend on the organism, budget, and desired objective. Genomic approaches start with genome sequencing and assembly. We provide a guide for deciding the most successful sequencing strategy for biocontrol agents. Gene discovery involves quantitative trait loci analyses, transcriptomic and proteomic studies, and gene editing. Improving biocontrol practices includes marker‐assisted selection, genomic selection and microbiome manipulation of biocontrol agents, and monitoring for genetic variation during rearing and post‐release. We conclude by identifying the most promising applications of genetic and genomic methods to improve biological control efficacy.