Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuropsychological profile of amyloid-positive versus amyloid-negative amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment.

INTRODUCTION Patients diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are at high risk of progressing to dementia. It became possible, through the use of biomarkers, to diagnose those patients with aMCI who have Alzheimer's disease. However, it is presently unfeasible that all patients undergo biomarker testing. Since neuropsychological testing is required to make a formal diagnosis of aMCI, it would be interesting if it could be used to predict the amyloid status of patients with aMCI. METHODS Participants with aMCI, known amyloid status (Aβ+ or Aβ-) and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, were selected from the Cognitive Complaints Cohort database for this study. Neuropsychological tests were compared in Aβ+ and Aβ- aMCI patients. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to model the probability of being amyloid positive. RESULTS Of the 216 aMCI patients studied, 117 were Aβ+ and 99 were Aβ-. Aβ+ aMCI patients performed worse on several memory tests, namely Word Total Recall, Logical Memory Immediate and Delayed Free Recall, and Verbal Paired Associate Learning, as well as on Trail Making Test B, an executive function test. In a binary logistic regression model, only Logical Memory Delayed Free Recall retained significance, so that for each additional score point in this test, the probability of being amyloid positive decreased by 30.6%. The resulting model correctly classified 64.6% of the aMCI cases regarding their amyloid status. CONCLUSIONS The neuropsychological assessment remains an essential step to diagnose and characterize patients with aMCI; however, neuropsychological tests have limited value to distinguish the aMCI patients who have amyloid pathology from those who might suffer from other clinical conditions.
Effects of Bleaching Gel Containing TiO2 and Chitosan on Tooth Surface Roughness, Microhardness and Colour.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an experimental bleaching gel made with TiO2 and chitosan, along with the Opalescence Boost PF and Philips Zoom bleaching agents, on tooth surface roughness, microhardness and colour. MATERIALS AND METHODS The experimental gel, containing 6% hydrogen peroxide (HP), was evaluated against the two existing treatments, which incorporate 40% and 25% HP. For colour evaluation, 36 human premolar teeth were divided into three groups (n=12). For surface roughness and microhardness evaluation, 72 bovine incisor samples were divided into six groups (n=12). Data on colour alteration were analysed with the CIEDE2000 formula. Surface roughness was measured using a profilometer, and microhardness was measured with a Vickers hardness tester. ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences among the groups for surface roughness, microhardness values or colour change after bleaching (p>0.05). The lowest bleaching efficacy was observed for the 40% HP agent, and the highest efficacy was observed for the 25% HP agent (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS An experimental 6% HP gel containing TiO2 and chitosan provided effective bleaching without adverse effects on tooth surface roughness or microhardness. The use of TiO2 with chitosan can provide clinicians with positive results.
High Spatiotemporal Resolution 4D Flow MRI of Intracranial Aneurysms at 7T in 10 Minutes

The authors used pseudospiral Cartesian undersampling with compressed sensing reconstruction to achieve high spatiotemporal resolution (0.5mm isotropic, ∼30 ms) in a scan time of 10 minutes. They analyzed the repeatability of accelerated 4D-flow scans and compared flow rates, stroke volume, and the pulsatility index with 2D-flow and conventional 4D-flow MR imaging in a flow phantom and 15 healthy subjects. Mean flow-rate bias compared with 2D-flow was lower for accelerated than for conventional 4D-flow MR imaging. Pulsatility index bias gave similar results. Stroke volume bias showed no difference from accelerated bias for conventional 4D-flow MR imaging. Repeatability for accelerated 4D-flow was similar to that of 2D-flow MR imaging. They conclude that highly accelerated high-spatiotemporal-resolution 4D-flow MR imaging at 7T in intracranial arteries and aneurysms provides repeatable and accurate quantitative flow values. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with intracranial aneurysms may benefit from 4D flow MR imaging because the derived wall shear stress is considered a useful marker for risk assessment and growth of aneurysms. However, long scan times limit the clinical implementation of 4D flow MR imaging. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether highly accelerated, high resolution, 4D flow MR imaging at 7T provides reliable quantitative blood flow values in intracranial arteries and aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used pseudospiral Cartesian undersampling with compressed sensing reconstruction to achieve high spatiotemporal resolution (0.5 mm isotropic, ∼30 ms) in a scan time of 10 minutes. We analyzed the repeatability of accelerated 4D flow scans and compared flow rates, stroke volume, and the pulsatility index with 2D flow and conventional 4D flow MR imaging in a flow phantom and 15 healthy subjects. Additionally, accelerated 4D flow MR imaging with high spatiotemporal resolution was acquired in 5 patients with aneurysms to derive wall shear stress. RESULTS: Flow-rate bias compared with 2D flow was lower for accelerated than for conventional 4D flow MR imaging (0.31 ± 0.13, P = .22, versus 0.79 ± 0.17 mL/s, P < .01). Pulsatility index bias gave similar results. Stroke volume bias showed no difference for accelerated as well as for conventional 4D flow compared to 2D flow MR imaging. Repeatability for accelerated 4D flow was similar to that of 2D flow MR imaging. Increased temporal resolution for wall shear stress measurements in 5 intracranial aneurysms did not show a consistent effect for the wall shear stress but did show an effect for the oscillatory shear index. CONCLUSIONS: Highly accelerated high spatiotemporal resolution 4D flow MR imaging at 7T in intracranial arteries and aneurysms provides repeatable and accurate quantitative flow values. Flow rate accuracy is significantly increased compared with conventional 4D flow scans.
End of an era of administering erythropoiesis stimulating agents among Veterans Administration cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia

Erythropoisis stimulating agent (ESA) use was addressed in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Oncology Drug Advisory Committee (ODAC) meetings between 2004 and 2008. FDA safety-focused regulatory actions occurred in 2007 and 2008. In 2007, black box warnings advised of early death and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risks with ESAs in oncology. In 2010, a Risk Evaluation Strategies (REMS) was initiated, with cancer patient consent that mortality and VTE risks were noted with ESAs. We report warnings and REMS impacts on ESA utilization among Veterans Administration (VA) cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA). Data were from Veterans Affairs database (2003–2012). Epoetin and darbepoetin use were primary outcomes. Segmented linear regression was used to estimate changes in ESA use levels and trends, clinical appropriateness, and adverse events (VTEs) among chemotherapy-treated cancer patients. To estimate changes in level of drug prescription rate after policy actions, model-specific indicator variables as covariates based on specific actions were included. ESA use fell by 95% and 90% from 2005, for epoetin and darbepoetin, from 22% and 11%, respectively, to 1% and 1%, respectively, among cancer patients with CIA, respectively (p<0.01). Following REMS in 2010, mean hematocrit levels at ESA initiation decreased from 30% to 21% (p<0.01). Black box warnings preceded decreased ESA use among VA cancer patients with CIA. REMS was followed by reduced hematocrit levels at ESA initiation. Our findings contrast with privately- insured and Medicaid insured cancer patient data on chemotherapy-induced anemia where ESA use decreased to 3% to 7% by 2010–2012. By 2012, the era of ESA administration to VA to cancer patients had ended but the warnings remain relevant and significant. In 2019, oncology/hematology national guidelines (ASCO/ASH) recommend that cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia should receive ESAs or red blood cell transfusions after risk-benefit evaluation.
Association of Suicide Prevention Interventions With Subsequent Suicide Attempts, Linkage to Follow-up Care, and Depression Symptoms for Acute Care Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance To prevent suicide deaths, acute care settings need tools to ensure individuals at risk of suicide access mental health care and remain safe until they do so. Objective To examine the association of brief acute care suicide prevention interventions with patients' subsequent suicide attempts, linkage to follow-up care, and depression symptoms at follow-up. Data Sources Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Embase, and references of included studies using concepts of suicide, prevention, and clinical trial to identify relevant articles published January 2000 to May 2019. Study Selection Studies describing clinical trials of single-encounter suicide prevention interventions were included. Two reviewers independently reviewed all articles to determine eligibility for study inclusion. Data Extraction and Synthesis Two reviewers independently abstracted data according to PRISMA guidelines and assessed studies' risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Data were pooled for each outcome using random-effects models. Small study effects including publication bias were assessed using Peter and Egger regression tests. Main Outcomes and Measures Three primary outcomes were examined: subsequent suicide attempts, linkage to follow-up care, and depression symptoms at follow-up. Suicide attempts and linkage to follow-up care were measured using validated patient self-report measures and medical record review; odds ratios and Hedges g standardized mean differences were pooled to estimate effect sizes. Depression symptoms were measured 2 to 3 months after the encounter using validated self-report measures, and pooled Hedges g standardized mean differences were used to estimate effect sizes. Results A total of 14 studies, representing outcomes for 4270 patients, were included. Pooled-effect estimates showed that brief suicide prevention interventions were associated with reduced subsequent suicide attempts (pooled odds ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.53-0.89), increased linkage to follow-up (pooled odds ratio, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.79-5.17) but were not associated with reduced depression symptoms (Hedges g = 0.28 [95% CI, -0.02 to 0.59). Conclusions and Relevance In this meta-analysis, breif suicide prevention interventions were associated with reduced subsequent suicide attempts. Suicide prevention interventions delivered in a single in-person encounter may be effective at reducing subsequent suicide attempts and ensuring that patients engage in follow-up mental health care.
Vitamin D Serum Levels in the UK Population, including a Mathematical Approach to Evaluate the Impact of Vitamin D Fortified Ready-to-Eat Breakfast Cereals: Application of the NDNS Database

Vitamin D status is relatively poor in the general population, potentially leading to various conditions. The present study evaluates the relationship between vitamin D status and intake in the UK population and the impact of vitamin D fortified ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) on this status via data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS: 2008–2012). Four cohorts were addressed: ages 4–10 (n = 803), ages 11–18 (n = 884), ages 19–64 (n = 1655) and ages 65 and higher (n = 428). The impact of fortification by 4.2 μg vitamin D per 100 g of RTEC on vitamin D intake and status was mathematically modelled. Average vitamin D daily intake was age-dependent, ranging from ~2.6 (age range 4–18 years) to ~5.0 μg (older than 64 years). Average 25(OH)D concentration ranged from 43 to 51 nmol/L, the highest in children. The relationship between vitamin D intake and status followed an asymptotic curve with a predicted plateau concentration ranging from 52 in children to 83 nmol/L in elderly. The fortification model showed that serum concentrations increased with ~1.0 in children to ~6.5 nmol/L in the elderly. This study revealed that vitamin D intake in the UK population is low with 25(OH)D concentrations being suboptimal for general health. Fortification of breakfast cereals can contribute to improve overall vitamin D status.
Ecological Interactions between Two Broadly Sympatric, Cryptic Species of Dusky Salamander (Genus Desmognathus)

The competition–predation hypothesis has been widely used for many years to explain the segregation along moisture gradients by species of dusky salamanders (genus Desmognathus) along Appalachian streams. According to this idea, all species originally favored aquatic sites, and large, aggressive species displaced smaller ones to more terrestrial habitats, both ecologically and evolutionarily. We tested this hypothesis by investigating the role of a recently described, previously unsuspected member (D. folkertsi) of this assemblage. This species coexists in widespread sympatry with its larger, cryptic congener, D. quadramaculatus. The competition–predation hypothesis predicts that the smaller D. folkertsi is displaced to more terrestrial habitats by the larger, aggressive D. quadramaculatus. We did not find D. folkertsi farther from water than D. quadramaculatus. However, in streams where they are sympatric, D. folkertsi was more abundant in small tributaries while D. quadramaculatus predominated along the main stem. This pattern is consistent with niche compression associated with interspecific competition. In behavioral trials to test interactions between these two species, neither species from sympatric populations avoided other salamanders or their chemical cues. Salamander–salamander aggression also appeared to be reduced. Each species from allopatric sites avoided other salamanders, regardless of species, and D. quadramaculatus significantly avoided chemical cues of other salamanders. While the general idea of the competition–predation hypothesis held, specific predictions failed. Therefore, we propose the competition–predation hypothesis be modified to account for each species of Desmognathus having a unique fundamental niche that then influences how they interact with sympatric congeners.
The effectiveness of a modified advance care planning programme

Background: Frailty is a natural consequence of the aging process. With the increasing aging population in Mainland China, the quality of life and end-of-life care for frail older people need to be taken into consideration. Advance Care Planning has also been used worldwide in long-term facilities, hospitals and communities to improve the quality of end-of-life care, increase patient and family satisfaction, and reduce healthcare costs and hospital admissions in Western countries. However, it has not been practiced in China. Research objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified Advance Care Planning intervention in certainty of end-of-life care, preferences for end-of-life care, quality of life concerns, and healthcare utilization among frail older people. Research design: This study used a quasi-experimental design, with a single-blind, control group, pretest and repeated posttest approach. Participants and research context: A convenience sample of 74 participates met the eligibility criteria in each nursing home. A total of 148 frail older people were recruited in two nursing homes in Zhejiang Province, China. Ethical considerations: The study received ethical approval from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee, the Faculty of Medicine, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, CREC Ref. No: 2016.059. Findings: The results indicated the Advance Care Planning programme was effective at increasing autonomy in decision making on end-of-life care issues, decreasing decision-making conflicts over end-of-life care issues, and increasing their expression about end-of-life care. Discussion: This study promoted the participants’ autonomy and broke through the inherent custom of avoiding talking about death in China. Conclusion: The modified Advance Care Planning intervention is effective and recommended to support the frail older people in their end-of-life care decision in Chinese society.
Predicting the Potential for Cannabinoids to Precipitate Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions via Reversible Inhibition or Inactivation of Major Cytochromes P450

Cannabis is used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. The most abundant constituents are the cannabinoids - cannabidiol (CBD, nonpsychoactive) and (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, psychoactive). Both have been reported to reversibly inhibit or inactivate cytochrome P450 (CYPs) enzymes. However, the low aqueous solubility, microsomal protein binding, and nonspecific binding to labware were not considered, potentially leading to an underestimation of CYPs inhibition potency. Therefore, the binding-corrected reversible (IC50,u) and irreversible (KI,u) inhibition potency of each cannabinoid toward major CYPs were determined. The fraction unbound of CBD and THC in the incubation mixture was 0.12 ± 0.04 and 0.05 ± 0.02, respectively. The IC50,u for CBD toward CYP1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A was 0.45 ± 0.17, 0.17 ± 0.03, 0.30 ± 0.06, 0.95 ± 0.50, and 0.38 ± 0.11 µM, respectively; the IC50,u for THC was 0.06 ± 0.02, 0.012 ± 0.001, 0.57 ± 0.22, 1.28 ± 0.25, and 1.30 ± 0.34 µM, respectively. Only CBD showed time-dependent inactivation (TDI) of CYP1A2, 2C19, and CYP3A, with inactivation efficiencies (kinact/KI,u) of 0.70 ± 0.34, 0.11 ± 0.06, and 0.14 ± 0.04 minutes−1 µM−1, respectively. A combined (reversible inhibition and TDI) mechanistic static model populated with these data predicted a moderate to strong pharmacokinetic interaction risk between orally administered CBD and drugs extensively metabolized by CYP1A2/2C9/2C19/2D6/3A and between orally administered THC and drugs extensively metabolized by CYP1A2/2C9/3A. These predictions will be extended to a dynamic model using physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation and verified with a well-designed clinical cannabinoid-drug interaction study. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study is the first to consider the impact of limited aqueous solubility, nonspecific binding to labware, or extensive binding to incubation protein shown by cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on their true cytochrome P450 inhibitory potency. A combined mechanistic static model predicted a moderate to strong pharmacokinetic interaction risk between orally administered CBD and drugs extensively metabolized by CYP1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, or 3A and between orally administered THC and drugs extensively metabolized by CYP1A2, 2C9, or 3A.
Lysozyme from rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, as an antibacterial agent against fish pathogens

Abstract. The antibacterial effect of two lysozyme variants purified from rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, kidney was investigated as part of a project directed towards increasing the disease resistance of fish by the transgenic technique. Seven bacterial strains from five Gram-negative species, of which one was considered non-pathogenic, were examined. One of the rainbow trout lysozymes was surprisingly potent, having substantial antibacterial activity on all strains tested. Hen egg-white lysozyme was bactericidal only against the one species considered non-pathogenic. The data suggest that lysozyme does play a role in the disease defence of rainbow trout and that the gene for the most active lysozyme may be suitable for testing the transgenic strategy.
Protein requirements of Coturnix quail to five weeks of age.

Abstract FEW studies of the protein requirement of Coturnix quail have been reported; however, the protein requirements of other experimental birds have been determined. Results of studies on the protein requirement of Bobwhite quail by Norris (1935), Nestler et al. (1942), Nestler (1949), Baldini et al. (1950) and Scott et al. (1963) suggested that a protein level of approximately 28 percent in a practical-type diet gave maximum growth. Lower protein levels of 20 to 24% were adequate for the Bobwhite quail provided supplemental lysine and methionine were fed, Baldini et al. (1953). Studies with young Ringnecked pheasants by Callenbach and Hiller (1953), Norris et al. (1936), Scott and Reynolds (1949) and Scott et al. (1954, 1963) indicated a dietary protein requirement of approximately 27% for maximum growth. The following experiments were designed to determine the dietary protein and energy requirements of immature Coturnix quail to five weeks of age. EXPERIMENTAL Day .
Survivorship and Mortality Patterns of Double-Crested Cormorants at Spider Island, Wisconsin, 1988–2006

Abstract. Banding records were examined to identify changes in mortality causes and locations of Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) in Door County, Wisconsin. In 14 out of 18 years between 1988 and 2005, a total of 22,469 birds were banded (300 to 5,462; average 1,605 per active banding year). Of 649 usable band returns (36.1 ± 5.4 per year), 33% were banding-year recoveries (before 1 May of the first year of life). The yearly rate of banding-year recoveries increased from 0.7% per year before 1996 to 2.2% per year after 1999. The yearly proportion of all band recoveries attributed to animal damage control operations also increased over time. The yearly proportion of band returns from Mississippi Delta states increased over time. Mortality rates, both natural and anthropogenic, of cormorants from these colonies appear to have risen as the population has grown and control activities in southern states have increased. Apparent survival rates were estimated by mark-recapture methods during 2001 to 2006. Birds color-banded as adults had a model-averaged annual survival rate of 0.696. For birds banded as nestlings, the model-averaged survival rates were: 0.305 (first year), 0.774 (second and third year), and 0.633 (adults). Simulations of these measured survival rates combined with previously estimated reproductive rates demonstrated that emigration and immigration rates complicate interpretation of these results. Also, simulations demonstrate the potential efficacy of reproductive controls in reducing local breeding populations.
Probability of Symbiosis Establishment by Giant Clams with Fresh and Cultured Symbiodinium Isolated from Various Host Animals

ABSTRACT Giant clams need to establish a symbiotic relationship with the microalgae Symbiodinium in the environment to survive the juvenile stage. In seed production of giant clams, larvae are presented with Symbiodinium but the probability of symbiosis establishment (symbiosis rate) is low. To determine the characteristics of Symbiodinium that improve the symbiosis rate of giant clams (Tridacna crocea and Tridacna maxima), we conducted experiments simulating a typical Japanese seed production method that rears giant clams in unsterilized seawater with no food or antibiotics. After validating this experimental method, we obtained the following results. First, the symbiosis rate was greater than O for Symbiodinium isolated from giant clams, corals, anemones, and even coastal seawater. It was slightly higher, albeit not significantly, for the giant clam origin Symbiodinium. Second, the symbiosis rate was sometimes better for cultured Symbiodinium than fresh Symbiodinium. In conclusion, Symbiodinium cultured after being isolated from giant clams can promote a symbiotic establishment of giant clam juveniles that are reared in unsterilized seawater with no food or antibiotics.