Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatially coherent and topographically organized pathways of the human globus pallidus

Internal and external segments of globus pallidus (GP) exert different functions in basal ganglia circuitry, despite their main connectional systems share the same topographical organization, delineating limbic, associative, and sensorimotor territories. The identification of internal GP sensorimotor territory has therapeutic implications in functional neurosurgery settings. This study is aimed at assessing the spatial coherence of striatopallidal, subthalamopallidal, and pallidothalamic pathways by using tractography‐derived connectivity‐based parcellation (CBP) on high quality diffusion MRI data of 100 unrelated healthy subjects from the Human Connectome Project. A two‐stage hypothesis‐driven CBP approach has been carried out on the internal and external GP. Dice coefficient between functionally homologous pairs of pallidal maps has been computed. In addition, reproducibility of parcellation according to different pathways of interest has been investigated, as well as spatial relations between connectivity maps and existing optimal stimulation points for dystonic patients. The spatial organization of connectivity clusters revealed anterior limbic, intermediate associative and posterior sensorimotor maps within both internal and external GP. Dice coefficients showed high degree of coherence between functionally similar maps derived from the different bundles of interest. Sensorimotor maps derived from the subthalamopallidal pathway resulted to be the nearest to known optimal pallidal stimulation sites for dystonic patients. Our findings suggest that functionally homologous afferent and efferent connections may share similar spatial territory within the GP and that subcortical pallidal connectional systems may have distinct implications in the treatment of movement disorders.
Effects of paratuberculosis on Friesian cattle carcass weight and age at culling

Bovine paratuberculosis (PTB) causes major economic losses to dairy farmers because of decreased milk production, poor body condition, weight loss and early culling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection on carcass weight and age at slaughter in Friesian cattle. A total of 1,014 adult cows slaughtered at two local abattoirs in the Basque Country were included in this study. MAP infection was determined by different methods: indirect ELISA on blood samples, detection of MAP in tissues by culture and real time PCR (rtPCR), and histopathological examination. Serial and parallel interpretations of these methods were also considered for setting the upper and lower infection rates. MAP infection was confirmed by at least one test in 58.9% of animals. Most infected cows were detected by histopathology (46.9%) and rtPCR (29.6%). Overall estimates of carcass mean weight losses ranged from 3.7% for cases identified by the presence of microscopic specific PTB inflammatory lesions to 12.4% for cases with positive results in the paratuberculosis antibody ELISA test. Isolation of high bacterial loads in tissues and occurrence of diffuse granulomatous enteritis were associated with the highest weight loses, 22.2% and 26.0% respectively. The life expectancy of seropositive cows and those showing diffuse lesions was reduced by nearly one year compared to that of non-infected ones. Our results provide consistent evidences of PTB effect on the reduction of slaughter weight and lifespan of dairy cows, which could be considered as surrogates of clinical disease.
Expression of ion-transport genes in ionocytes isolated from larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to acidic or Na+ deficient water.

In zebrafish (Danio rerio), a specific ionocyte subtype, the H+-ATPase-rich (HR) cell, is presumed to be a significant site of transepithelial Na+ uptake/acid-secretion. During acclimation to environments differing in ionic composition or pH, ionic and acid-base regulation are achieved by adjustments to the activity level of HR cell ion transport proteins. In previous studies, the quantitative assessment of mRNA levels for genes involved in ionic and acid-base regulation relied on measurements using homogenates derived from whole body (larvae) or gill (adult). Such studies cannot distinguish whether any differences in gene expression arise from adjustments of ionocyte subtype numbers, or transcriptional regulation specifically within individual ionocytes. The goal of the present study was to use florescence activated cell sorting (FACS) to separate the HR cells from other cellular sub-populations to facilitate the measurement of gene expression of HR cell-specific transporters and enzymes from larvae exposed to low pH (pH 4.0) or low Na+ (5 μM) conditions. The data demonstrate that treatment of larvae with acidic water for 4 days post fertilization caused cell-specific increases in H+ATPase (atp6v1aa), ca17a, ca15a, nhe3b and rhcgb mRNA in addition to increases in mRNA linked to cell proliferation. In fish exposed to low Na+, expression of nhe3b and rhcgb was increased owing to HR cell-specific regulation as well as elevated numbers of HR cells. Thus, the results of this study demonstrate that acclimation to low pH or low Na+ environmental conditions is facilitated by HR cell-specific transcriptional control and by HR cell proliferation.
A Survey of Stochastic Computing Neural Networks for Machine Learning Applications

Neural networks (NNs) are effective machine learning models that require significant hardware and energy consumption in their computing process. To implement NNs, stochastic computing (SC) has been proposed to achieve a tradeoff between hardware efficiency and computing performance. In an SC NN, hardware requirements and power consumption are significantly reduced by moderately sacrificing the inference accuracy and computation speed. With recent developments in SC techniques, however, the performance of SC NNs has substantially been improved, making it comparable with conventional binary designs yet by utilizing less hardware. In this article, we begin with the design of a basic SC neuron and then survey different types of SC NNs, including multilayer perceptrons, deep belief networks, convolutional NNs, and recurrent NNs. Recent progress in SC designs that further improve the hardware efficiency and performance of NNs is subsequently discussed. The generality and versatility of SC NNs are illustrated for both the training and inference processes. Finally, the advantages and challenges of SC NNs are discussed with respect to binary counterparts.
Extracellular phosphate sensing in mammals: what do we know?

The critical role of phosphate (Pi) in countless biological processes requires the ability to control its concentration both intracellularly and extracellularly. At the body level, this concentration is finely regulated by numerous hormones, primarily parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). While this control of the body's Pi homeostasis is now well documented, knowledge of the mechanisms that allow the cell and the body to detect extracellular Pi variations is much less known. These systems are well described in bacteria, yeasts and plants, but as will be discussed in this review, knowledge obtained from these organism is not entirely relevant to the requirements of Pi biology in mammals. In this review, we present the latest findings on extracellular Pi sensing in mammals, and describe the mammalian Pi sensors identified to date such as PiT1/PiT2 heterodimers and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). While there are many questions remaining to be resolved, a clarification of the Pi sensing mechanisms in mammals is critical to understanding the deregulation of Pi balance in certain life-threatening disease states, such as end-stage renal disease and associated vascular calcifications, and to proposing relevant therapeutic approaches.
Can serum ferritin levels predict the severity of dengue early?: an observational study

Background: Dengue infection is a major public health threat; early recognition is crucial to improve the survival in severe dengue. Although there are various biomarkers to predict the severity of dengue, they are not routinely used in clinical practice for prognostication. We analyzed whether serum ferritin can be used to predict the severity at an earlier stage.Methods: A hospital based prospective observational study was done involving 119 dengue cases diagnosed by positive NS1 antigen or dengue specific serology (capture ELISA). Serum ferritin was measured in all at the time of diagnosis. Clinical and platelet count monitoring was done daily; classified as severe and non-severe according to 2009 WHO criteria.Results: Out of 119, 5 developed severe dengue; patients with severe dengue had significantly lower median platelet count (p<0.0001); higher ferritin levels (p=0.03) and hospital stay (p<0.0001) than non-severe group. Age had a significant negative co-relation with platelet count (r= -0.427; p<0.0001); positive correlation with ferritin levels (r=0.16; p=0.08) and hospital stay (r= 0.26; p=0.004) indicating that elderly subjects are at risk of severe disease. Serum ferritin levels negatively correlated with the platelet count (r= -0.51 p<0.001). High ferritin levels in severe cases are noted from day 4 of clinical illness.Conclusions: Elevated serum ferritin levels can be used as a potential early prognostic marker to predict the severity of dengue infection in clinical practice.
Disruption of transverse‐tubular network reduces energy efficiency in cardiac muscle contraction

Altered organization of the transverse‐tubular network is an early pathological event occurring even prior to the onset of heart failure. Such t‐tubular remodelling disturbs the synchrony and signalling between membranous and intracellular ion channels, exchangers, receptors and ATPases essential in the dynamics of excitation‐contraction coupling, leading to ionic abnormality and mechanical dysfunction in heart disease progression. In this study, we investigated whether a disrupted t‐tubular network has a direct effect on cardiac mechano‐energetics. Our aim was to understand the fundamental link between t‐tubular remodelling and impaired energy metabolism, both of which are characteristics of heart failure. We thus studied healthy tissue preparations in which cellular processes are not altered by any disease event.
Sound from spawning cod at their spawning grounds

Sound was recorded at five stations at and near the main spawning grounds of the northeast Arctic cod (Gadus morhua L.) off the Lofoten Islands, Norway. Recordings were carried out during April 1997 when large numbers of cod aggregated to spawn, and were repeated in September when the cod were no longer spawning and, in fact, most had emigrated. The analysis revealed differences between the two time periods with April showing sound of a transient character with 7-18 dB increased sound level between 50 and 500Hz. Sound from single cod in captivity has been reported to be located in this frequency range. We argue that the sound recorded is produced by spawning cod and discuss acoustic communication as a potential mechanism in cod mate assessment.
Frailty prevalence and related factors in older adults from southern Brazil: A cross-sectional observational study

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of frailty and the association of sociodemographic characteristics, clinical aspects, and functional capacity with the frailty status of community-dwelling older adults from Curitiba, Southern Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 1,716 participants aged ≥60 years. Frailty was assessed using the Fried phenotype indicators of weakness, exhaustion, low activity, slowness, and weight loss. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical aspects, and functional capacity and functionality were evaluated and compared between the sexes and the different frailty statuses (non-frail, prefrail, and frail). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to identify associations (p<0.05). RESULTS: A high prevalence of frailty (15.8%) and prefrailty (65.3%) were observed, and both were higher in female than in male individuals. The most predominant frailty criterion was weakness, followed by exhaustion. Compared with the non-frail elderly, the prefrail and frail elderly were older in age and presented more health problems, greater dependency for basic and instrumental activities of daily living, and reduced lower extremity strength performance and functional mobility. The highest proportion of illiterate individuals, individuals with 1-4 years of education, widowed individuals, polypharmacy, and possible cognition problems and diseases were seen in the frail elderly group. Moreover, the risk of being prefrail and frail was higher in those who were older and had more health problems, higher body mass index, and reduced lower extremity strength performance. Greater calf circumference and independence in activities of daily living were protective factors for prefrailty and frailty. Furthermore, lower functional mobility increased the chances of being frail. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of frailty was more pronounced in female than in male individuals, mainly because of a decline in force. Prefrailty was 4 times more prevalent than frailty, and the presence of health problems and reduced functional capacity increased the chances of being prefrail and frail.
Metabology of Helicobacter pylori infection: role of gastrokines

Trillions of bacteria, collectively referred to as the microbiota, reside in gastrointestinal tract. Helicobacter (Campylobacter) pylori (H. pylori) is an Gram negative bacillus which infects about half of the world's population. Its causative role in gastroduodenal disease is well known. Recent studies also implicated H. pylori infection in the pathobiology of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. However, little is known about H. pylori-associated alterations in metabolic pathways and food intake as related to cardiometabolic diseases such as atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. This novel approach is conceptualized as metabology of H. pylori infection. Here we Dance Round this specific topic, with special reference to possible roles played by gastric cell-secreted molecules such as leptin, ghrelin and various cytokines, collectively designated gastrokines. Biomedical Reviews 2006; 17: 123-128.
Real World Lung Cancer CT Screening Performance, Smoking Behavior, and Adherence to Recommendations: Lung-RADS Category and Smoking Status Predict Adherence.

Background: Low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening (LCS) has been shown to decrease mortality in persons with a significant smoking history. However, adherence in real-world LCS programs is significantly lower than in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Objective: To assess real-world LDCT lung cancer screening (LCS) performance and factors predictive of adherence to LCS recommendations. Methods: We retrospectively identified all persons who underwent at least 2 LCS exams from 2014 to 2019. Patient demographics, smoking history and behavior changes, Lung-RADS category, PPV and NPV, and adherence to screening recommendations were recorded. Predictors of adherence were assessed via univariate comparisons and multivariate logistic regression. Results: 260 persons returned for follow-up LDCT (57.7% had two, 34.2% had three, 7.7% had four, and 0.4% had five). A total of 43/260 (16.5%) had positive scans, of which 28/260 (10.8%) were Lung-RADS category 3, 8/260 (3.1%) were 4A, 6/260 (2.3%) were 4B, and 2/260 (0.8%) were 4X. 4/260 were diagnosed with cancer (3 lung, 1 metastatic melanoma). 143/260 (55.0%) persons were current smokers at baseline and 121/260 (46.5%) were current smokers at the last round of LCS. LCS had sensitivity of 100.0%, specificity 84.8%, PPV 9.3%, and NPV 100%. Overall adherence was 43.0% but increased progressively with higher Lung-RADS category (Lung-RADS 1: 33.2%; Lung-RADS 2: 46.3%; Lung-RADS 3: 53.9%; Lung-RADS 4A: 77.8%; Lung-RADS 4B: 83.3%; Lung-RADS 4X: 100.0%; p<0.001). Adherence was also higher in former vs. current smokers (50.0% vs 36.2%; p=0.002). Being a former smoker and a positive (≥3) Lung-RADS category were the only significant independent predictors of adherence. Conclusion: Our real-word LCS program demonstrated very high sensitivity and NPV, though moderate specificity and very low PPV. Adherence to LCS recommendations, increases in former, vs current smokers, and in those with positive LCS exams. Adherence was less than 50% in current smokers and persons with negative LCS exams. Clinical Impact: Our results offer a roadmap for targeted performance improvement by focusing on LCS subjects less likely to remain in the program, such as persons with negative LCS exams and persons who continue to smoke, potentially improving LCS cost-effectiveness and maximizing its societal benefits.
Nutritional Status and Its Contributing Factors among Older Adults with Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy

The study aimed to assess nutritional status and its contributing factors among older adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy so, a descriptive study design was used. The study was conducted at Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt. The study’s sample was selected purposively which composed of 194 older adults. Nutritional status was measured by the Arabic version of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Contributing factors were identified by examining the relationship of nutritional status with demographic and clinical variables. Study results revealed that 33% of the older patients were malnourished and 51.5% were at risk for malnutrition. Statistically significant relations were found between nutritional status and advanced age, illiteracy, insufficient monthly income, comorbidities, cancer stage four at diagnosis, and receiving ≥4 chemotherapy cycles. High prevalence of malnutrition and many contributing factors were identified among older patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. So, continuous malnutrition screening along chemotherapy courses with special concern for contributing factors assessed in this study is recommended.
The Relation Between Diet, Plasma Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis in Pigeons, Quails and Chickens

A literature survey was conducted to determine the relationship between plasma cholesterol concentrations and the severity of diet-induced atherosclerosis in pigeons, quails and chickens. A direc t relationship was found between plasma cholesterol and atherosclerosis as induced by cholesterol feeding. In general, dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids versus saturated fatty acids lowered plasma cholesterol concentrations in the three avian species
Effect of film and temperature on the sensory, microbiological and nutritional quality of minimally processed cauliflower

Summary The effect of atmosphere modification, generated using three different packaging films, on the quality of cauliflower minimally processed when stored at 4 or 8 °C for up 20 days was evaluated. The colour, texture, weight loss, sensory attributes, as well as microbial counts and sugars and ascorbic acid content were determined. The atmosphere generated with the perforated polyvinylchloride (PVC) film was hardly modified, whereas the other two films (non-perforated PVC and polypropylene films) originated changes in CO2 and O2 levels during storage. The different packaging conditions and storage temperature influenced yellowing. An increase in shear force was observed. Weight losses were below 5%. Mesophiles and Pseudomonas counts were below 7 log CFU g−1, the populations being lower with film B and film C than with film A. Cauliflower maintained an acceptable appearance in all the films studied. Total sugars decreased about 27% after 20 days of storage, whereas ascorbic acid did not change.
Forest carbon stocks in Newfoundland boreal forests of harvest and natural disturbance origin II: model evaluation

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recommends that countries that use advanced (Tier 3) models to meet their international reporting obligations on forest greenhouse gas emissions and removals evaluate model predictions against independent field data. Unfortunately, estimates of total ecosystem C stocks and stock changes are scarce and consequently the recommended evaluations are rarely completed. The Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector (CBM-CFS3) is the core model of Canada’s National Forest Carbon Monitoring, Accounting, and Reporting System that implements an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Tier 3 approach. It accounts for biomass, dead organic matter, and soil C pools as affected by natural and anthropogenic disturbances. We used data from a recent study of total ecosystem C stocks for black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. ) boreal forest chronosequences of different disturbance origins in Newfoundland, Canada, to evaluate .
Nest Crypsis, Reproductive Value of a Clutch and Escape Decisions in Incubating Female Mallards Anas platyrhynchos

In cryptically coloured birds, remaining on the nest despite predator approach (risk-taking) may decrease the likelihood that the nest will be detected and current reproductive attempt lost. By contrast, flushing may immediately reveal the nest location to the predator. Escape decisions of incubating parents should therefore be optimized based on the risk-to-parent/cost of escape equilibrium. Animal prey may assess predation risk depending on a variety of cues, including the camouflage that vegetation provides against the predator. We examined interactive effects of nest crypsis and the current reproductive value of a clutch on flushing distances in incubating mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) approached by a human. Our results were consistent with predictions of parental investment theory: flushing distances were inversely correlated with measures of the reproductive value of the current clutch, namely with clutch size, stage of incubation and mean egg volume. Independently of a reproductive value of a clutch, nest concealment explained a significant portion of the variation in flushing distance among females; individual females tended to increase/decrease flushing distances according to change in nest cover. The results further suggest that vegetation concealment greatly influenced the risk of nest detection by local predators, suggesting that vegetation may act as a protective cover for incubating female. A female's ability to delay flushes according to the actual vegetation cover might thus be viewed as an antipredator strategy that reduces premature nest advertising to visually oriented predators. We argue, however, that shorter flying distances from densely covered sites might be maladaptive in areas where a predator's ability to detect incubating female does not rely on visual cues of nests.