Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Insights into the Diagnosis and Age Determination of Retinal Hemorrhages from Abusive Head Trauma: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Head trauma represents the first cause of death in abused children, but diagnostic knowledge is still limited. The characteristic findings of abusive head trauma (AHT) are retinal hemorrhages (RH) and additional ocular findings, including optic nerve hemorrhages (ONH). However, etiological diagnosis must be cautious. (2) Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) standards were employed, and the research focus was the current gold standard in the diagnosis and timing of abusive RH. (3) Results: Sixteen articles were included for qualitative synthesis. The importance of an early instrumental ophthalmological assessment emerged in subjects with a high suspicion of AHT, with attention to the localization, laterality, and morphology of the findings. Sometimes it is possible to observe the fundus even in deceased subjects, but the current techniques of choice consist of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography, also useful for the timing of the lesion, the autopsy, and the histological investigation, especially if performed with the use of immunohistochemical reactants against erythrocytes, leukocytes, and ischemic nerve cells. (4) Conclusions: The present review has made it possible to build an operational framework for the diagnosis and timing of cases of abusive retinal damage, but further research in the field is needed.
P53 in Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Pattern-Based Immunohistochemical Framework with Molecular Correlation

Simple Summary Penile squamous cell carcinomas harbouring mutations of TP53 have an increased risk of lymph node metastases and an impaired prognosis, but the mutational analysis of the TP53 gene is not available in many pathology laboratories. Although p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been proposed as an alternative to the molecular analysis, the current method of evaluation of p53 IHC has many inaccuracies. The aim of our study was to determine, in a series of 40 penile tumours, if a recently described pattern-based framework of p53 IHC evaluation correlates better than the classical method with the TP53 mutational status. Our results show that the new method has a very good correlation with TP53 mutations (95% sensitivity; 92% specificity), higher than that of the classical method, and can be considered as a reliable surrogate of the TP53 mutational status. This new framework can help clinicians to better define risk groups and refine treatment strategies. Abstract p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been proposed as a surrogate for TP53 mutations in penile squamous cell carcinomas (PSCC). We aimed to evaluate the performance of a pattern-based evaluation of p53 IHC in PSCC. Human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA testing, p16 and p53 IHC, and whole exome sequencing were performed in a series of 40 PSCC. p53 IHC was evaluated following a pattern-based framework and conventional p53 IHC evaluation. Out of 40 PSCC, 12 (30.0%) were HPV-associated, and 28 (70.0%) were HPV-independent. The agreement between the p53 IHC pattern-based evaluation and TP53 mutational status was almost perfect (k = 0.85). The sensitivity and accuracy of the pattern-based framework for identifying TP53 mutations were 95.5% and 92.5%, respectively, which were higher than the values of conventional p53 IHC interpretation (54.5% and 70.0%, respectively), whereas the specificity was the same (88.9%). In conclusions, the pattern-based framework improves the accuracy of detecting TP53 mutations in PSCC compared to the classical p53 IHC evaluation.
Are There Differences between Methods Used for the Objective Estimation of Boar Sperm Concentration and Motility?

Simple Summary Estimation of seminal quality can be carried out by examining different parameters. Such parameters directly influence the preparation of seminal doses used in artificial insemination in pigs. Sperm motility and concentration are relevant parameters in this context. The precision and accuracy of estimation of these parameters could thus contribute considerably to the productive performance of the pig industry. However, differences between systems could cause variations in estimates. These can be explained by the ability of the evaluator, type of system, or calibration, among others. In this study, we used iSperm®, ISAS® v1, Open CASA v2, and the Accuread® photometer system to compare assessments of motility and sperm concentration. Bayesian analyses were used, and differences were found between the four methods of concentration estimation. Additional analyses revealed differences in estimates of motility using these systems. Abstract Artificial insemination in the swine industry, as in other species, demands adequate semen handling and accurate evaluation for the preparation of seminal doses. Sperm concentration and motility estimates are part of the semen evaluation process and are considered important for maximizing the yield of doses for insemination. In this study, methods were examined for their accuracy in the estimation of boar sperm concentration and motility. Assessments of sperm concentration were carried out using iSperm®, ISAS® v1, Open CASA v2, and the Accuread® photometer. Analyses of sperm motility were performed with iSperm®, ISAS® v1, and Open CASA v2 systems. In this study, boar semen samples were collected from 10 healthy males from two genetic lines. There were no relevant differences between sire lines when sperm concentration was assessed. A Bayesian analysis was applied to the four methods used to assess sperm concentration to examine whether there are relevant differences between them. Results suggested differences in the four methods, with a probability of relevance (PR) of 0.86–1.00. The iSperm® method revealed higher concentration values within the highest posterior density region at 95% confidence interval (HPD95%) = 167.0, 224.2 M/mL, whereas Open CASA v2 showed the lowest values, with HPD95% = 99.3, 155.9 M/mL. The iSperm® demonstrated higher reliability in measuring sperm concentration compared to other methods or devices within the given range of confidence. ANOVAs revealed relevant differences in the three methods of motility estimation. Overall, differences in boar sperm concentration and motility estimates were found using various methods, but further studies are needed for better characterization of these differences.
Beyond conflation patterns: The encoding of motion events in Kiezdeutsch

Abstract In the domain of motion event encoding, many of the world’s languages fall into one of two types: verb-framed (the path is encoded in the verb) or satellite-framed (the path is encoded outside the verb in a prefix, particle or adverbial while the verb contains information about the manner of movement). A number of studies have investigated the language usage of bilingual speakers or language learners to find evidence of a transfer of the typological pattern of the dominant/native language to the non-dominant/foreign language. These studies have largely failed to show evidence of a straightforward transfer, although more subtle effects on usage have occasionally been observed. In this paper, we report the results of a corpus study comparing two groups of speakers of the urban German ethnolect “Kiezdeutsch”: one with a monolingual German background and one with a bilingual Turkish-German background. We find no significant differences in their preference for path or manner verbs, which is consistent with other studies. However, in comparison with the monolingual German group, the Turkish-German group prefer semantically light motion verbs and they avoid the combination of manner verbs with path satellites. This is consistent with the fact that the analogous construction is ungrammatical in verb-framed languages like Turkish. In other words, we find variation within “Kiezdeutsch” that can be explained by a transfer of usage preferences from the background language.
SP-VO: RGB-D Visual Odometry Using Static Parts Toward Dynamic Environments

Estimating visual odometry in dynamic environments is a challenging problem, as features of moving objects prevent accurate image matching. Typical approach to deal with dynamic environments is to remove features of moving objects. However, this results in a lot of information loss and makes it impossible to use static parts of moving objects that could be fully utilized for image matching process. To address this issue, we propose a geometrical inference approach that utilizes the static parts of moving objects and background to achieve accurate feature matching. Moreover, we propose the concept of matching confidence that is calculated by comparing the squared residual motion likelihood with the chi-square distribution. For each frame, the geometric model and the semantic model are selected according to the proposed confidence, so that visual odometry could be estimated more accurately. Our algorithm was evaluated on RGB-D datasets, including dynamic environments. The results show better performance than prior algorithms.
Gamma rays detected from Cygnus X-1 with likely jet origin

Aims. We probe the high-energy (>60 MeV) emission from the black hole X-ray binary system, Cygnus X-1, and investigate its origin. Methods. We analyzed 7.5 yr of data by Fermi -LAT with the latest Pass 8 software version. Results. We report the detection of a signal at ~8 σ statistical significance that is spatially coincident with Cygnus X-1 and has a luminosity of 5.5 × 10 33 erg s -1 , above 60 MeV. The signal is correlated with the hard X-ray flux: the source is observed at high energies only during the hard X-ray spectral state, when the source is known to display persistent, relativistic radio-emitting jets. The energy spectrum, extending up to ~20 GeV without any sign of spectral break, is well fit by a power-law function with a photon index of 2.3 ± 0.2. There is a hint of orbital flux variability, with high-energy emission mostly coming around the superior conjunction. Conclusions. We detected GeV emission from Cygnus X-1 and probed that the emission is most likely associated with the relativistic jets. The evidence of flux orbital variability indicates the anisotropic inverse-Compton on stellar photons as the mechanism at work, thus constraining the emission region to a distance 10 11 –10 13 cm from the black hole.
The reaping and splitting numbers of nice ideals

We examine the splitting number s(B) and the reaping number r(B) of quotient Boolean algebras B = P(ω)/I over Fσ ideals and analytic P-ideals. For instance we prove that under Martin’s axiom s(P(ω)/I) = c for all Fσ ideals and analytic P-ideals with BW property (and one cannot drop the assumption about BW property). On the other hand we prove that under Martin’s axiom r(P(ω)/I) = c for all Fσ ideals and analytic P-ideals (in this case we do not need the assumption about BW property). We also provide applications of these characteristics to the ideal convergence of sequences of real-valued functions defined on reals.
Effect of inm on yield and nutrient uptake by rice in STCR experiment

A field experiment on STCR was carried out at the Experimental Farm, Annamalai University to study the effect of INM on grain yield and nutrients uptake by rice (ADT 36) in Vertisols. This experiment consisted of four strips and four blocks. Each strip was divided into 24 plots, out of which 20 NPK treatment combinations and four controls were super imposed to different plots in each strip in a mixed fractional factorial design. Treatment combinations for chemical fertilizers were 5 levels of N (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha−1), 4 levels of P2O5(0, 30, 60 and 90 Kg ha−1) and 3 levels of K2O (0, 40 and 80 kg ha−1). Organic fertilizers FYM (0, 12.5 ha−1), Azospirillum (0, 2 kg ha−1) were also included into this study. At harvest, grain yield from each plot and from each strip was recorded. Plant samples were also collected, dried, powdered and analysed for N P and K contents and finally uptake were computed. The results indicated that the grain yield, NPK uptake increased from Strip I to IV with the chemical fertilizers along with FYM + Azospirillum.
Emergency use of sugammadex after failure of standard reversal drugs and postoperative pulmonary complications: A retrospective cohort study

Background and Aims: The use of sugammadex instead of neostigmine for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade may decrease postoperative pulmonary complications. It is unclear if this finding is applicable to situations where sugammadex is administered after the administration of neostigmine. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of a composite outcome measure of major postoperative pulmonary complications in patients who received sugammadex as a rescue agent after neostigmine versus those who received sugammadex alone for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Material and Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the medical records of adult patients who underwent elective inpatient noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia and received sugammadex for reversal of neuromuscular blockade, at a tertiary care academic hospital between August 2016 and November 2018. Results: A total of 1,672 patients were included, of whom 1,452 underwent reversal with sugammadex alone and 220 received sugammadex following reversal with neostigmine/glycopyrrolate. The composite primary outcome was diagnosed in 60 (3.6%) patients. Comparing these two groups, and after adjusting for confounding factors, patients who received sugammadex after reversal with neostigmine had more postoperative pulmonary complications than those reversed with sugammadex alone (6.8% vs. 3.1%, odds ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25 to 4.18; P = 0.006). Conclusion: The use of sugammadex following reversal with neostigmine was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications as compared to the use of sugammadex alone. The implications of using sugammadex after the failure of standard reversal drugs should be investigated in prospective studies.
The Sentinel Lymph Node in Treatment Planning: A Narrative Review of Lymph-Flow-Guided Radiotherapy

Simple Summary The sentinel lymph node is a surgical technique developed in oncological surgery to identify and analyze fewer lymph nodes than a conventional lymph node dissection in order to limit the morbidity and mortality of such an extensive procedure without compromising the patients’ outcomes. This concept seems to also be useful in radiation oncology that treats lymph node areas. This may help radiation oncologists to treat their patients more precisely by targeting more accurately pathological sites and sparing healthy tissues. The aim of this review is to highlight the feasibility and level of proof regarding the use of this technique for treatment planning in radiation oncology. Abstract The sentinel lymph node technique is minimally invasive and used routinely by surgeons, reducing the need for morbid extensive lymph node dissections, which is a significant advantage for cancer staging and treatment decisions. The sentinel lymph node could also help radiation oncologists to identify tumor drainage for each of their patients, leading to a more personalized radiotherapy, instead of a probabilistic irradiation based on delineation atlases. The aim is both to avoid recurrence in unexpected areas and to limit the volume of irradiated healthy tissues. The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of sentinel lymph node mapping for radiation oncologists. This concept, relying on sentinel lymph node mapping for treatment planning, is known as lymph-flow-guided radiotherapy. We present an up-to-date narrative literature review showing the potential applications of the sentinel lymph node technique for radiotherapy, as well as the limits that need to be addressed before its routine usage.
Thermohydrodynamic analysis of foil journal bearings using differential quadrature method

The journal foil bearings are used in applications where a light load and a high speed are applied. Based on the internal structure of the foil bearing, various generations of these bearings have been developed. In order to determine the load capacity of the bearing, Reynolds equation and the energy equation are simultaneously solved to have a thermohydrodynamic analysis. Generalized differential quadrature method is used to solve the partial differential equations. Effect of parameters such as load and speed on the temperature of the bearing, the maximum pressure, and the load capacity is investigated. Best weighting coefficients and points’ distribution are determined. Generalized differential quadrature method reduces the number of points of solution up to 80% and it also reduces the execution time. Published experimental and analytical data are used to validate the predicted results.
Phylogenomic Analysis of micro-RNA Involved in Juvenile to Flowering-Stage Transition in Photophilic Rice and Its Sister Species

Vegetative to reproductive phase transition in phototropic plants is an important developmental process and is sequentially mediated by the expression of micro-RNA MIR172. To obtain insight into the evolution, adaptation, and function of MIR172 in photophilic rice and its wild relatives, we analyzed the genescape of a 100 kb segment harboring MIR172 homologs from 11 genomes. The expression analysis of MIR172 revealed its incremental accumulation from the 2-leaf to 10-leaf stage, with maximum expression coinciding with the flag-leaf stage in rice. Nonetheless, the microsynteny analysis of MIR172s revealed collinearity within the genus Oryza, but a loss of synteny was observed in (i) MIR172A in O. barthii (AA) and O. glaberima (AA); (ii) MIR172B in O. brachyantha (FF); and (iii) MIR172C in O. punctata (BB). Phylogenetic analysis of precursor sequences/region of MIR172 revealed a distinct tri-modal clade of evolution. The genomic information generated in this investigation through comparative analysis of MIRNA, suggests mature MIR172s to have evolved in a disruptive and conservative mode amongst all Oryza species with a common origin of descent. Further, the phylogenomic delineation provided an insight into the adaptation and molecular evolution of MIR172 to changing environmental conditions (biotic and abiotic) of phototropic rice through natural selection and the opportunity to harness untapped genomic regions from rice wild relatives (RWR).
Evaluation of Structural Viability of Porcine Tracheal Scaffolds after 3 and 6 Months of Storage under Three Different Protocols

Tracheal replacement with a bioengineered tracheal substitute has been developed for long-segment tracheal diseases. The decellularized tracheal scaffold is an alternative for cell seeding. It is not defined if the storage scaffold produces changes in the scaffold’s biomechanical properties. We tested three protocols for porcine tracheal scaffold preservation immersed in PBS and alcohol 70%, in the fridge and under cryopreservation. Ninety-six porcine tracheas (12 in natura, 84 decellularized) were divided into three groups (PBS, alcohol, and cryopreservation). Twelve tracheas were analyzed after three and six months. The assessment included residual DNA, cytotoxicity, collagen contents, and mechanical properties. Decellularization increased the maximum load and stress in the longitudinal axis and decreased the maximum load in the transverse axis. The decellularization of the porcine trachea produced structurally viable scaffolds, with a preserved collagen matrix suitable for further bioengineering. Despite the cyclic washings, the scaffolds remained cytotoxic. The comparison of the storage protocols (PBS at 4 °C, alcohol at 4 °C, and slow cooling cryopreservation with cryoprotectants) showed no significant differences in the amount of collagen and in the biomechanical properties of the scaffolds. Storage in PBS solution at 4 °C for six months did not change the scaffold mechanics.
TREM2 Expression and Amyloid-Beta Phagocytosis in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia; its key pathological findings include the deposition of extracellular-neurotoxic-plaques composed of amyloid-beta (Ab). AD-pathogenesis involves mechanisms that operate outside the brain, and new researches indicate that peripheral inflammation is an early event in the disease. Herein, we focus on a receptor known as triggering-receptor-expressed-on-myeloid-cells2 (TREM2), which promotes the optimal immune cells function required to attenuate AD-progression and is, therefore, a potential target as peripheral diagnostic and prognostic-biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease. The objective of this exploratory study was to analyze: (1) soluble-TREM2 (sTREM2) plasma and cerebrospinal fluid concentration, (2) TREM2-mRNA, (3) the percentage of TREM2-expressing monocytes, and (4) the concentration of miR-146a-5p and miR-34a-5p suspected to influence TREM2 transcription. Experiments were performed on PBMC collected by 15AD patients and 12age-matched healthy controls that were unstimulated or treated in inflammatory (LPS) conditions and Ab42 for 24 h; Aβ42-phagocytosis was also analyzed by AMNIS FlowSight. Results although preliminary, due to limitations by the small sample-size, showed that in AD compared to HC: TREM2 expressing monocytes were reduced, plasma sTREM2 concentration and TREM2-mRNA were significantly upregulated and Ab42-phagocytosis was diminished (for all p < 0.05). miR-34a-5p expression was reduced (p = 0.02) as well in PBMC of AD, and miR-146 was only observed in AD cells (p = 0.0001).
Skin Thermal Injury Prediction with Strain Energy

A three-dimensional model is presented for the quantitative prediction of skin injury resulting from certain thermal exposure on the surface. The model is based on the skin damage equation proposed by Henriques and Moritz for the process of protein denaturation. Different from the standard Arrhenius model for protein damage rate, in which the activation energy includes chemical reaction only, strain energy of tissue due to thermal stress is also considered in the current model. Skin thermal response is modeled using the bioheat transfer equation by including water diffusion on the skin surface, and the corresponding thermal stress is predicted using the modified Duhamel-Neuman equation. Strain energy is then obtained by the stress-strain relation. The extent of burn injury is computed from the transient temperature solution and the effect of strain energy on skin damage is investigated. The time-dependent partial differential equations (PDEs) are discretized using Crank-Nicholson finite difference scheme and the resulting sparse linear systems are solved iteratively.