Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional connectivity with the anterior and posterior hippocampus during spatial memory

Evidence of differential connectivity and activity patterns across the long‐axis of the hippocampus has led to many hypotheses about functional specialization of the anterior and posterior hippocampus, including a hypothesis linking the anterior hippocampus to memory encoding and the posterior hippocampus to memory retrieval. The hippocampal encoding/retrieval and network (HERNET) model of memory predicts that encoding should engage the anterior hippocampus and the attention network, whereas retrieval should engage the posterior hippocampus and the default network. In a previous fMRI study that employed multivoxel pattern analysis, we found that the patterns of activity in the anterior hippocampus predicted the quadrant of spatial memory encoding. In the current fMRI study, we investigated whether the spatial memory encoding activity in the anterior hippocampus and retrieval activity in the posterior hippocampus had a higher degree of connectivity to the attention network or the default network. During the study phase, abstract shapes were presented in each quadrant of the visual field and participants were instructed to remember each shape's location while maintaining central fixation. During the test phase, the same shapes were presented in the center of the screen and participants identified the previous location of each shape. Generalized psychophysiological interaction analyses were conducted between the anatomically defined anterior and posterior hippocampus and the rest of the brain. This revealed preferential connectivity between the anterior hippocampus and regions of the attention network during encoding and between the posterior hippocampus and regions of the default network during retrieval. In addition, there were location‐specific patterns of connectivity with the anterior hippocampus and posterior hippocampus during encoding and retrieval of right visual field items. These results suggest that the anterior and posterior hippocampus interact with regions of the attention network and default network during spatial memory encoding and retrieval, respectively, and support the HERNET model of memory.
Polymeric Gelatin Scaffolds Affect Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation and Its Diverse Applications in Tissue Engineering

Studies using polymeric scaffolds for various biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, implants and medical substitutes, and drug delivery systems, have attempted to identify suitable material for tissue regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the biocompatibility and effectiveness of a gelatin scaffold seeded with human adipose stem cells (hASCs), including physical characteristics, multilineage differentiation in vitro, and osteogenic potential, in a rat model of a calvarial bone defect and to optimize its design. This functionalized scaffold comprised gelatin-hASCs layers to improve their efficacy in various biomedical applications. The gelatin scaffold exhibited excellent biocompatibility in vitro after two weeks of implantation. Furthermore, the gelatin scaffold supported and specifically regulated the proliferation and osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of hASCs, respectively. After 12 weeks of implantation, upon treatment with the gelatin-hASCs scaffold, the calvarial bone harboring the critical defect regenerated better and displayed greater osteogenic potential without any damage to the surrounding tissues compared to the untreated bone defect. These findings suggest that the present gelatin scaffold is a good potential carrier for stem cells in various tissue engineering applications.
Early Experience with Virtual Pediatric Orthopedics in New York CityPearls for Incorporating Telemedicine into Your Practice.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize challenges and benefits to the use of tele-medicine for the treatment of pediatric orthopedic patients during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A novel survey was sent to all faculty members at an academic pediatric orthopedic practice in New York City regarding their use of telemedicine in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Faculty members performed 227 unique tele-health visits with pediatric orthopedic patients over a 7-week period in early 2020, and this formed the basis for responses to the survey. The results of the faculty survey suggest that telemedicine has substantial clinical benefits for pediatric orthopedic surgeons and our patients that extend beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers recognize the limits of conducting physical exams over telemedicine and should always use clinical judgment when evaluating patients, par-ticularly trauma patients who may require prompt referral for additional care. CONCLUSIONS The ability to provide pediatric orthopedic care through telemedicine has allowed us to safely evaluate and treat pediatric patients with musculoskeletal problems in New York City and its environs despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The efficient evaluation of both new and exist-ing pediatric orthopedic patients via telehealth is viable. Physical examination is the most challenging aspect of the physician-patient encounter to replicate virtually. Targeted educational efforts for patients and their families before the visit about what to expect and how to prepare improves efficiency with virtual pediatric orthopedic visits. Efforts to limit disparities in access to telemedicine will be needed to allow all pediatric orthopedic patients to participate in telemedicine equitably.
Preoperative computed tomography-assessed skeletal muscle index is a novel prognostic factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma following hepatectomy: a meta-analysis.

Background Recently, several studies have examined the association between preoperative sarcopenia and prognosis evaluation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hepatectomy. However, their conclusions remain ambiguous and controversial. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the prognostic role of preoperative sarcopenia in patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy. Methods We searched the existing literature reporting on the prognostic value of preoperative computed tomography (CT)-assessed sarcopenia for the survival of patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were used to assess the prognostic value of preoperative sarcopenia in HCC patients. The associations between preoperative sarcopenia and clinicopathological characteristics were also evaluated. Results A total of six studies with 1,420 patients (including 458 sarcopenia and 962 non-sarcopenia patients) were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that preoperative sarcopenia was significantly associated with poor OS (HR =1.572, 95% CI: 1.342-1.840, P=0) and shorter DFS (HR =1.544, 95% CI: 1.178-2.024, P=0.002) in patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy. Preoperative sarcopenia was also significantly related to larger diameter tumors (WMD =0.598, 95% CI: 0.216-0.980, P=0.002). The results of the sensitivity analysis were stable in this meta-analysis. Egger's tests revealed that there was no significant publication bias. Conclusions Sarcopenia appears to have significant adverse impacts on postoperative outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma following hepatectomy. However, further large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Fatty acid ethyl esters in meconium: A biomarker of fetal alcohol exposure and effect

To determine if meconium fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) in rat pups is a good biomarker of prenatal exposure and effect to alcohol, three groups of pregnant rats were studied: one control (pair fed) and two treatment groups given 25% alcohol at 2.2 or 5.5 g−1 kg−1 d−1. The pups were delivered on day 20 and, for each dam, were separated into a male and female group. The body, brain, intestines, and placenta of the pups were obtained, weighed, and stored at −20°C. The pups’ intestines (as surrogate of meconium) from each group were pooled, and meconium was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy for FAEE. The meconium showed the following FAEE: ethyl palmitate, ethyl stearate, and ethyl linolenate and were only found in the alcohol-treated group and with high specificity but low sensitivity. Mean body weight of the pups was lower in the treatment groups compared to the control groups. Ethyl palmitate concentration correlated negatively to the pups’ mean body and brain weights. Therefore, ethyl palmitate, stearate, and linolenate, in meconium of rat pups prenatally exposed to alcohol, are useful biomarkers of prenatal alcohol exposure, with ethyl palmitate a good biomarker of adverse effect on the pups’ body and brain weight.
Characteristics and perceptions of the US nurse practitioner hospitalist workforce

ABSTRACT Background: The use of nurse practitioners (NPs) as hospitalists has grown over the last two decades. Based on current educational preparation, certification, and scope of practice, the acute care NP is considered by professional standards the best prepared to care for the needs of acutely and critically ill patients. Little is known about this sector of the NP workforce. Purpose: The study was designed to identify the NP hospitalist workforce's characteristics and describe the NP hospitalist workforce's perception of the work environment. Methods: We deployed five questions in the 2019 American Association of Nurse Practitioners National NP Sample Survey. Of 880 respondents working in an eligible inpatient setting, 366 responded that they work as hospitalists caring for adult patients. Results: Most respondents (n = 275, 74.7%) were certified in primary care. On-the-job training was the most common qualification to be an NP hospitalist (n = 274, 75%). The majority (n = 252, 68.9%) had a collaborative relationship with a physician at their site. Job satisfaction was significantly correlated with full utilization of one's education and practicing to the fullest extent of the state's scope of practice with an r(360) = . 719, p = . 00 (two-tailed). Implications for practice: The prevalence of on-the-job training as the most common preparation for the hospitalist role suggests a need to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of NPs not initially educated as acute care NPs who work as hospitalists. Nurse practitioner educators should address the evolving workforce needs of both primary and acute care practice when planning and implementing educational programs.
How Volatile Compounds, Oxidative Profile and Sensory Evaluation Can Change with Vacuum Aging in Donkey Meat

Simple Summary Aging in donkey meat was never investigated. It represents an important process, because it leads the muscle to become meat. There are many ways to age meat, and vacuum aging is one of these. The present paper characterised donkey meat Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) production during 14 vacuum aging days, its oxidative status and the consequent sensory evaluation. Lipid oxidative processes are delayed, but some protein oxidative processes happen, influencing VOCs production and sensory evaluation. Abstract This study aims to improve knowledge on donkey meat and the vacuum aging effect on the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), oxidative profile and status and the sensory characteristics. Ten 18-month old Martina Franca donkeys’ male foals were involved in the trial. Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle was extracted from each left half carcass, between the fourth and the ninth rib. Each muscle was divided into five sections, vacuum packaged, stored at 2 °C, and randomly assigned to one of the different aging time (1, 3, 6, 9, and 14 days of aging). Volatile compounds, oxidation parameters, and antioxidant enzymes were analysed, and a sensory test was performed. A nested one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for aging time as an independent variable. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Aldehydes are the most produced VOCs, but no changes were observed during vacuum aging (p > 0.05). Nitrogen compounds increased during aging (p < 0.01). TBARs and hydroperoxides did not change during the storage, whereas the protein carbonyls increased (p < 0.05). Vacuum aging slowed down lipid oxidation and put in evidence the presence of protein oxidation and degradation, influencing the VOCs productions and sensory evaluation.
Breastfeeding and the origins of health: Interdisciplinary perspectives and priorities

Abstract Breastfeeding and human milk (HM) are critically important to maternal, infant and population health. This paper summarizes the proceedings of a workshop that convened a multidisciplinary panel of researchers to identify key priorities and anticipated breakthroughs in breastfeeding and HM research, discuss perceived barriers and challenges to achieving these breakthroughs and propose a constructive action plan to maximize the impact of future research in this field. Priority research areas identified were as follows: (1) addressing low breastfeeding rates and inequities using mixed methods, community partnerships and implementation science approaches; (2) improving awareness of evidence‐based benefits, challenges and complexities of breastfeeding and HM among health practitioners and the public; (3) identifying differential impacts of alternative modes of HM feeding including expressed/pumped milk, donor milk and shared milk; and (4) developing a mechanistic understanding of the health effects of breastfeeding and the contributors to HM composition and variability. Key barriers and challenges included (1) overcoming methodological limitations of epidemiological breastfeeding research and mechanistic HM research; (2) counteracting ‘breastfeeding denialism’ arising from negative personal breastfeeding experiences; (3) distinguishing and aligning research and advocacy efforts; and (4) managing real and perceived conflicts of interest. To advance research on breastfeeding and HM and maximize the reach and impact of this research, larger investments are needed, interdisciplinary collaboration is essential, and the scientific community must engage families and other stakeholders in research planning and knowledge translation.
Motoric cognitive risk syndrome and incident dementia in older adults from the Québec NuAge cohort.

BACKGROUND The co-occurrence of slow walking speed and subjective cognitive complaint (SCC) in non-demented individuals defines motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), which is a pre-dementia stage. There is no information on the association between MCR and incident dementia in Québec's older population. OBJECTIVE The study aims to examine the association of MCR and its individual components (i.e. SCC and slow walking speed) with incident dementia in community-dwelling older adults living in the province of Québec (Canada). DESIGN Québec older people population-based observational cohort study with 3 years of follow-up. SETTING Community dwellings. SUBJECTS A subset of participants (n = 1,098) in 'Nutrition as a determinant of successful aging: The Québec longitudinal study' (NuAge). METHODS At baseline, participants with MCR were identified. Incident dementia was measured at annual follow-up visits using the Modified Mini-Mental State (≤79/100) test and Instrumental Activity Daily Living scale (≤6/8) score values. RESULTS The prevalence of MCR was 4.2% at baseline and the overall incidence of dementia was 3.6%. MCR (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 5.18, with 95% confidence interval (CI) = [2.43-11.03] and P ≤ 0.001) and SCC alone (HR = 2.54, with 95% CI = [1.33-4.85] and P = 0.005) were associated with incident dementia, but slow walking speed was not (HR = 0.81, with 95%CI = [0.25-2.63] and P = 0.736). CONCLUSIONS MCR and SCC are associated with incident dementia in NuAge study participants.
Computer Aided Design of Sequencing Batch Reactors Based on the IAWPRC Activated Sludge Model

A modified version of the IAWPRC activated sludge model was developed to describe the performance of laboratory and pilot scale Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR). Changes of COD, ammonia and NO x during the SBR process cycle could be reliably predicted after the model parameters were adapted to SBR conditions. Most promising process strategies could be identified with the aid of a simulation program.
The effect of fluid shear stress in hydrogen sulphide production and cystathionine γ-lyase expression in human early endothelial progenitor cells

Background Physiological fluid shear stress has been shown to have a beneficial impact on vascular homeostasis. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) make a significant contribution to maintaining endothelial integrity. Therefore, we hypothesised that shear stress-induced endothelium protection plays a role in hydrogen sulphide (H2S) production and up-regulation of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) expression in EPCs. Methods Human EPC-derived CSE activity was detected by colorimetric assay, and H2S production was evaluated by membrane adsorption method. Cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion were assessed by MTT, Transwell, and endothelial cell-mediated adhesion assays, respectively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out to analyse gene expression. Protein expression was analysed by western blot. Results Human EPCs were treated with shear stress levels of 5–25 dyn/cm2 for up to 3 h, and 25 dyn/cm2 for up to 24 h. H2S production and CSE mRNA expression in the EPCs were increased by shear stress in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Likewise, time-dependent shear stress also significantly enhanced CSE protein expression. Compared to static condition, shear stress improved EPCs proliferation, migration and adhesion capacity. Knockdown of CSE expression by small interfering RNA substantially eliminated the shear stress-induced above functions of human EPCs in vitro. Conclusions This study gives new insight into the regulatory effect of physiological shear stress on the CSE/H2S system in human EPCs. Our findings may contribute to the development of vascular protective research, although the relevant evidence is admittedly indirect.
Actin filament‐ and Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein‐binding sites on fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase are functionally distinct from the active site

The glycolytic enzyme fructose 1,6‐(bis)phosphate aldolase (aldolase) is not only required for efficient utilization of glucose and fructose, but also for cytoskeletal functions like cytokinesis and cell motility. These differing roles are mediated by distinct and discrete binding interactions with aldolase's many binding partners, including actin filaments, Wiskott‐Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASP), and Sorting Nexin 9 (SNX9). How these interactions are coordinated on the aldolase homotetramer of 160 kDa is unclear. In this study, the catalytic activity of wild‐type aldolase is measured in the presence of actin filaments, and a WASP‐derived peptide that binds to aldolase, or both. No appreciable changes in kcat or Km values are seen. Then, aldolase variants with substitutions targeting the tryptophan‐binding pocket for WASP and SNX9 are created and perturbation of actin filament‐, WASP peptide‐, and SNX9 peptide‐binding are assessed. Those that negatively impacted binding did not show an impact on aldolase catalysis. These results suggest that aldolase can engage in catalysis while simultaneously interacting with cytoskeletal machinery.
Development and validation of a risk prediction model and scoring system for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Background A few models have been proposed for the prediction of the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP), but many include factors that are not assessed routinely. Herein, we intend to develop and validate a predictive model for the occurrence of PEP. Methods Data of patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from January 01, 2016 to May 16, 2019 (training set and internal test set) and from May 17, 2019 to December 25, 2019 (external test set) were retrospectively collected. The performance of the model was validated in the two validation cohorts. Results A total of 342 patients were included for the external test set, and 47 (13.7%) developed PEP. The variables included in the scoring system were gastrectomy history, high direct bilirubin (DBIL), high albumin (ALB), villous type of papillary orifice, nodular type of papillary orifice, pancreatic guidewire passages, precut sphincterotomy, and high operator experience. A total score >5 indicated high risk. In the external test set, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.718, the sensitivity was 0.723, and the specificity was 0.676. In the external test set, the probability of PEP was 6.1%, 17.0%, and 37.5% in patients with low (<0), moderate (0–5), and high (>5) risk scores, respectively. Conclusions This study established a scoring system for predicting the risk of PEP using routinely measured clinical variables. Its application in routine work warrants further investigation.
Turbulent-turbulent transition of a transient three-dimensional channel flow

A transient three-dimensional turbulent flow is investigated using direct numerical simulation (DNS). The flow is initiated by subjecting a statistically stationary turbulent channel flow to a constant transverse pressure gradient while maintaining the streamwise pressure gradient unchanged. It is shown that this transient three-dimensional flow can be described as turbulent-turbulent transition that is characterized by the development of a buffeted laminar boundary layer in an initial turbulent environment followed by transition to turbulence.
Use of Thin Dressings Under N95 Respirators: Exploring Their Effect on Quantitative Fit Testing Results to Guide Hospital Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

At the beginning of the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, health care staff at a level 1 trauma center in the state of New York experienced facial irritation and skin breakdown under their N95 respirators due to increased and prolonged use. PURPOSE Members of the Certified Wound and Ostomy Nurse, Nurse Practitioners staff were charged with developing recommendations within 48 hours to help prevent and manage facial skin issues using available products that would not compromise the seal of the respirators. METHOD With the assistance of a health care safety specialist from the Environmental Health and Safety Department of the hospital, an ambient particle counting device was used to measure the N95 fit factor following application of a liquid skin barrier, transparent film dressing, light silicone-based adhesive dressing, or an extra-thin hydrocolloid dressing on the bridge of the nose and the cheekbones underneath an N95 respirator of 2 hospital staff members who volunteered to test the dressings. RESULTS All thin dressings tested showed a fit factor over 100, reflecting an effective seal. The highest fit factors were seen with the liquid skin barrier in the 2 volunteers (200 and 198, respectively). Thin dressing usage information was included in the hospital guidelines for N95 respirators and shared with staff. Subsequent feedback suggests that the light silicone-based adhesive dressing and the extra-thin hydrocolloid dressing were preferred. CONCLUSION Thin dressing use may help reduce skin complications among hospital staff during periods of extended N95 respirator wear time. Because use of the dressings did not result in failure of the quantitative fit test, they were permitted for use by health care staff under their N95 respirators. Studies are needed to help health care facilities optimize N95 respirator use to protect staff from coronavirus disease-19 and respirator-related skin complications while supply shortages remain.