Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advanced Rendering of Line Data with Ambient Occlusion and Transparency

3D Lines are a widespread rendering primitive for the visualization of data from research fields like fluid dynamics or fiber tractography. Global illumination effects and transparent rendering improve the perception of three-dimensional features and decrease occlusion within the data set, thus enabling better understanding of complex line data. We present an efficient approach for high quality GPU-based rendering of line data with ambient occlusion and transparency effects. Our approach builds on GPU-based raycasting of rounded cones, which are geometric primitives similar to truncated cones, but with spherical endcaps. Object space ambient occlusion is provided by an efficient voxel cone tracing approach. Our core contribution is a new fragment visibility sorting strategy that allows for interactive visualization of line data sets with millions of line segments. We improve performance further by exploiting hierarchical opacity maps.
Mortality due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and associated social factors: a spatial analysis.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the spatial pattern of AIDS mortality and social factors associated with its occurrence. METHODS An ecological study that considered 955 AIDS deaths of residents in Piauí, reported in the Mortality Information System (MIS) from 2007 to 2015. Non-spatial and spatial regression models were used to identify social determinants of AIDS mortality, with a significance of 5%. RESULTS The predictors of AIDS mortality were illiteracy rate in males (p = 0.020), proportion of households with water supply (p = 0.015), percentage of people in households with inadequate walls (p = 0.022), percentage of people in households vulnerable to poverty and in whom no one has completed primary education (p = 0.000) and percentage of people in households vulnerable to poverty and dependent on the elderly (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION Social indicators related to education, job and income generation and housing were associated with AIDS mortality.
Management of foreign bodies in the ear, nose and throat in children: a review of 829 cases from Northern Anatolia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate cases of of ear, nose and pharyngeal (ENT) foreign body (FB) in pediatric patients referred to the pediatric emergency department of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Tokat State Hospital (Turkey). Methods: The paper comprises a retrospective study of all ENT foreign bodies presented to the pediatric emergency Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Tokat State Hospital (Turkey) between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018. Subject to evaluation were also demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, types and anatomic locations of FBs, locations of FB by age groups, the method used to remove FBs and the distribution of FB cases by months. Results: A total of 829 FB cases were evaluated in this study. The mean age of patients was 47.8 ± 31.4 months. Of all patients, 404 (48.5%) were male, and 425 (51.2%) were female. The nose (58.7%) and the ear (20.2%) were the most common anatomical locations followed by mouth/pharynx/tonsil (12.3%), esophagus (6.2%) and the laryngotracheobronchial tree (2.4%). The most common FBs in different locations were beads in the nose (30.8%), beads in the ear (32.1%), fishbones in the mouth/pharynx/tonsil (56.8%), nuts and peanuts in laryngotracheobronchial tree (70%) and a coin/disc battery in the esophagus (80.7%). Conclusion: FB in ENT is among the emergency conditions that require different diagnostic and treatment approaches based on anatomic localizations. Proper vision, adequate equipment and immobilization are important in the removal of ENT foreign bodies in children.
Mulching Options for Northwest Organic and Conventional Orchards

The semiarid climate of the Pacific Northwest allows for the production of organic, temperate tree fruit relatively free of disease and with fewer key insect pests compared with other regions of the United States. Weed control and soil fertility are two of the higher cost areas for organic tree fruit where alternatives are being sought through research and on-farm innovation. Mulches, both living [e.g., white clover [(Trifolium repens)] and inert (e.g., wood chips) show promise for controlling weeds, conserving water, providing nitrogen (N), or improving tree growth, but potentially have system trade-offs such as increased rodent pests and unwanted late-season N. Growers need orchard floor management practices that help them maintain or improve soil quality per the requirements of the National Organic Standards.
Microsatellite development and survey of variation in northern bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)

Decreasing population numbers of northern blue fin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in the Atlantic Ocean have emphasized the need for information on intraspe­ cific genetic variation. However, previous studies employing nuclear-encoded proteins and mito­ chondrial DNA have revealed little informative variation. We obtained 21 microsatellite loci in bluefin tuna. Survey of five of these loci in 59 individuals from five geographically widespread samples revealed extensive variation at the popula­ tion level. Significant allele-frequency differences among samples were found under both of the fre­ quently employed models of microsatellite evolu­ tion (i.e., infinite alleles and stepwise mutation). Primers developed for bluefin tuna microsatellites also allowed successful amplification in other scombrid species. These results indicate that micro­ satellites will be useful for future population studies of bluefin tuna and may also be useful for other tuna species.
EFFECT OF DIETARY POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS AND ANTIOXIDANTS SUPPLEMENTATION ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, IMMUNE RESPONSE AND BLOOD PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS

This study conducted to investigate the effects of dietary linseed oil (LO) or fish oil (FO) and/or antioxidants on productive performance, immune response, carcass traits and blood parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 168 one-day-old, Cobb broiler chicks were obtained from a local commercial hatchery. The birds were randomly divided into seven groups with three replicates, eight chicks each. Birds of the seven groups were fed on iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets containing the same ingredients (basal diet) except the source of oil and addition of antioxidants. The first group was fed on the basal diets containing 2% soya oil (control), the 2nd , 3rd and 4th groups were given the basal diets containing 2% LO, 2% LO + 200 mg vitamin E (vit E)/ kg or 2% LO + 0.2% Sweet Chestnut Tannin (SCT), respectively. While the 5th, 6th and 7th groups were offered the basal diet containing 2% FO, 2% FO + 200 mg vit E/ kg or 2% FO + 0.2% SCT, respectively. During the whole period, adding FO without or with antioxidants significantly (p≤ 0.05) increased live body weight, body weight gain compared to control. Feed intake was not significantly (p> 0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. All dietary treatments had (p≤ 0.05) lower feed conversion ratio than the control. Moreover, the best FCR were recorded for the FO + 0.2% SCT dietary group, followed by the LO + 2% SCT, FO and FO + 200 mg vit E/ kg groups. No significant (P≥ 0.05) difference among treatments was observed in carcass traits of broilers. Inclusion of FO with or without antioxidants in broiler diets improved antibody titer against SRBCs in immune response (p≤ 0.05) compared to control. A significant decrease in plasma total lipid concentration was observed with all dietary treatments. The best HDL value were observed for the FO + 0.2% SCT dietary group, followed by the FO and FO + 200 mg vit E/ kg groups. It could be concluded that the inclusion of 2% FO and/or antioxidants of the broiler diets improved the productive performance, immune response and plasma lipid of broilers. Moreover, the addition of 2% fish oil with 0.2% SCT as antioxidants recorded the best productive performance, immune response and plasma lipids of broilers.
Experimental Study on Shengjingsan Recipe for the Treatment of Asthenozoospermia of Rat Model

Objective To study the effect of Shengjingsan recipe on asthenozoospermia in rat model.Methods Rat model of asthenozoospermia was induced by oral administration of multi-glycosides of tripterygium wilfordii(GTW) everyday for 28 days.The sperm viability and the sperm vitality,sperm concentration as well as the sperm mobility were examined by computer assisted sperm analysis(CASA),and the sperm morphology was detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining.Rats were randomly divided into normal control group(normal diet,42 d),NS group(1 mL/d NS,28 d),GTW group(20 mg/kg GTW,4 weeks) and small(0.01 g/d)-,medium(0.02 g/d)-,large(0.03 g/d)-dose of Shengjingsan Recipe group(14 d),five rats in each group.Results The parameters of the sperm viability and the sperm vitality,sperm concentration as well as the sperm mobility including straight-line velocity(VSL),curve-line velocity(VCL),and average path velocity(VAP) decreased significantly in GTW group compared with normal control group and NS group.The HE staining of the testicle tissues showed that the spermatocytes and the spermatozoon cells reduced obviously in the seminiferous tubule in GTW group,in which abnormal arrangement of the spermatogenic cells occurred.The above decreased parameters of the sperm viability and the sperm vitality,sperm concentration as well as the sperm mobility,induced by GTW,could be reversed effectively after Shengjingsan recipe treatment at small,medium,and large dosage.Large dose of Shengjingsan recipe ameliorated beat-cross frequency and mean angular displacement of sperm.Conclusions GTW can induce typical asthenozoospermia in rats.Shengjingsan recipe has therapeutic effect on asthenozoospermia by improving the sperm viability and the sperm vitality,sperm concentration as well as the sperm mobility.
Meta-analysis of XRCC1 Codon 399 polymorphism and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective To explore the relationship between X-ray repair cross-complementary group 1(XRCC1) codon 399 polymorphism and genetic susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Methods Literatures of case-control studies about XRCC1 codon 399 polymorphism and genetic susceptibility to HCC were retrieved,related information was extracted,and meta-analysis was performed on research findings.Odds ratios(ORs) and 95% confidence interval(95% CI) were calculated using fixed-or random-effects model via heterogeneity test,and the publication bias and sensitivity were evaluated.Results Seven domestic and overseas literatures were enrolled,including 1 342 cases of HCC and 2 207 controls.The combined data analysis indicated that XRCC1 codon 399 Gln/Gln increased risk for HCC(OR=1.41,95% CI=1.07-1.84),while XRCC1 codon 399 Lys/Gln was not related to risk for HCC.Subgroup analysis revealed that both Lys/Gln and Gln/Gln were related to HCC in areas with high incidence of HCC(OR=1.46,95% CI 1.07-2.00;OR=1.45,95% CI 1.09-1.93). Conclusion XRCC1 codon 399 polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility to HCC.
Effects of structured exercise regime on Glycosylated Hemoglobin and C reactive protein in patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus - A randomized controlled trial

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of structured exercise regime on Glycosylated hemoglobin and C reactive protein in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: This two arm parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from November 2018 till December 2019 on the 54 diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus patients (Dropped out=4 Analyzed= 50) with age 20 to 40 years and gestational age from 20 to 36 weeks. Selection was done via convenient sampling technique and randomized into two groups (n=25) by sealed envelope method. Structured exercise regime group received combination of moderate intensity aerobics, stabilization and pelvic floor muscles exercises twice a week for 5 weeks (40 min per session) along with dietary and medical interventions while control group received only medical and dietary interventions with postural education. Demographics, glycosylated hemoglobin and C reactive protein were recorded at baseline then after 5 weeks of intervention. Analysis was done by SPSS 20. Results: Mean age was 35.92 ± 5.24 years in control group while 34.36 ± 5.21 years in interventional group. Between group analysis for HbA1c showed no significant difference at base line (p >0.05) but showed significant difference (p <0.05) after five weeks’ interventions. Similarly, for C reactive protein both groups showed no significant difference (p >0.05) at baseline but after five weeks of interventions showed significant difference (p<0.05). Conclusion: Structured exercise regime helps in reducing values of glycosylated hemoglobin and C reactive protein in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Employment status before and after open heart valve surgery: A cohort study

Objective Detachment from the workforce following open heart valve surgery is a burden for the patient and society. The objectives were to examine patterns of employment status at different time points and to investigate factors associated with a lower likelihood of returning to the workforce within six months. Methods A cohort study of patients aged 18–63 undergoing valvular surgery at a Danish tertiary centre from 2013–2017. Return to the workforce was defined as being employed, unemployed (still capable of working) or receiving paid leave of absence. The association between demographic-, clinical characteristics (including a surgical risk evaluation, EuroScore), and return to the workforce were investigated with a multivariable logistic regression model. Results In total, 1,395 consecutive patients underwent surgery, 347 were between 18 and 63 years and eligible for inclusion. Of those, 282 were attached to the workforce before surgery and included in the study. At the time of surgery, 79% were on paid sick leave. After six months, 21% of the patients (being part of the workforce before surgery), were still on sick leave. In the regression model, prolonged sick leave prior to surgery (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23–0.79) and EuroScore ≥ 2.3 (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21–0.74) significantly reduced the likelihood of returning to the workforce. Conclusion One-fifth of patients in the working-age were on sick leave six months after surgery. Prolonged sick leave prior to surgery and a EuroScore ≥2.3 were associated with a lower likelihood of returning to the workforce.
Characterization and role of major deep-sea pennatulacean corals in the bathyal zone of Eastern Canada

Pennatulaceans (Octocorallia: Pennatulacea), commonly called sea pens, are colonial corals that typically anchor themselves into soft sediment (mud, sand), allowing them to colonize large areas of the sea floor from the intertidal zone down to the abyssal plain. Sea pens can occur sparsely or form large aggregations, suggesting that they may provide an important structural habitat to other organisms by increasing the complexity of the muddy seabed. The investigation of the three most common sea pens (Anthoptilum grandiflorum, Halipteris finmarchica and Pennatula aculeata) of the continental slope of Newfoundland and Labrador (Northwest Atlantic) showed different morphologies and adaptations to environmental parameters. Variations in their morphology were visible along bathymetric and latitudinal gradients, following food availability. This study identified different feeding strategies according to stable isotope signatures and macromorphologies (polyp diameter, colony length, shape). Different defense strategies were also identified based on the presence and localisation of sclerites in the tissues. Reproductive strategies were determined for A. grandiflorum and H. finmarchica, with both species presenting a seasonal spawning between April (Southern Newfoundland) and July/August (Labrador). The latitudinal shift in spawning followed the development of the surface phytoplankton bloom (i.e. sinking of phytodetritus). Low fecundity at the polyp level (13 and 6 oocytes polyp-1, respectively) yielded similar whole-colony fecundity in the two species (500-6000 oocytes colony-1). The measure of fecundity is discussed to highlight the importance of standardizing metrics (mature oocyte just before spawning) to avoid an overestimation of the fecundity and to allow comparison among species. Only ~20% of the oocyte matured in both species. The remaining oocytes in A. grandiflorum disappeared, indicating that oogenesis develops and culminates over 12 months. In H. finmarchica the persistence of the small oocytes indicates protracted oogenesis (>12 months). Finally, an analysis of the associated biodiversity showed that sea pens have relatively few associates but that they play an important role in their life history. Some associates are obligate (e.g. parasitic copepods) and others facultative symbionts (the sea anemone Stephanauge nexilis). The seasonal (April-May) presence of fish larvae (Sebastes spp.) and shrimp larvae (Pandalus borealis, Pasiphae multidentata and Acanthephyra pelagica) emphasize the role of sea pens as nursery habitat, and provides an argument to recognize them as an essential fish habitat.
Preimplant Hearing Threshold: An Important Predictor of Hearing Preservation in Cochlear Implantation With Lateral Wall Electrodes

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: To evaluate the outcomes and association factors of long-term hearing preservation (HP) in cochlear implantation with lateral wall (LW) electrode arrays. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: Tertiary academic center. Patients: Thirty-four consecutive ears from 32 patients with a ≤ 80 dB HL preoperative low-frequency pure-tone average of 250 to 500 Hz were included. Intervention: Cochlear implantation with LW electrode arrays and the intention of achieving HP. Main Outcome Measures: HP classifications according to the HEARRING group and functional HP methods (≤ 85 dB HL of pure-tone threshold at 250 Hz) at 1 year postoperatively. Results: Based on the HEARRING classification, complete, partial, and minimal HP was achieved in 7 ears (21%), 12 ears (35%), and 4 ears (12%), respectively. Under functional classification, 14 ears (41%) exhibited functional hearing after surgery. The average threshold shift was 17.1 dB HL (SD = 16.9 dB HL). Among various clinical features, a ≤ 60 dB HL preimplant pure-tone threshold of 250 Hz was associated with HP outcome in both classifications (OR = 12.95, 95% CI = 1.29–130.01, p = 0.029 in HEARRING classification; OR = 14.36, 95% CI = 1.07–191.40, p = 0.044 in functional classification). The following parameters were not associated with HP (p > 0.05): patient demographics, surgical aspects (insertion route and depth), electrode array size, scalar electrode position, and presence of comorbidity. Conclusion: With LW electrode arrays, HP was achieved in 68% of HEARRRING group patients and 41% of functional classification patients. A ≤ 60 dB HL preimplant pure-tone threshold of 250 Hz was significantly associated with an increased rate of long-term HP.
Responding to the ECHO trial results: modelling the potential impact of changing contraceptive method mix on HIV and reproductive health in South Africa

Some observational data suggest that the progestogen injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) may increase a woman’s risk of HIV acquisition but a randomized clinical trial did not find a statistically significant increase in HIV risk for women using DMPA compared to two other methods. However, it could not rule out up to 30% increased HIV risk for DMPA users. We evaluate changes to contraceptive method mix in South Africa under different assumptions about the existence and strength of a possible undetected relationship between DMPA use and HIV risk.
Trampoline-related injuries in children: a nationwide cross-sectional study in South Korea

Objective Trampoline-related injuries have increased in South Korea. However, little research has been conducted on this topic. This study aimed to show the characteristics of pediatric trampoline-related injuries in South Korea and to investigate the factors associated with admission. Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted using data from South Korea’s Emergency Department-based Injury In-depth Surveillance registry for dates between January 2011 and December 2016. All patients under 18 years of age with trampoline-related injuries were included. We divided the patients into two groups based on whether they were admitted or discharged. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the factors associated with hospital admission for pediatric trampoline-related injuries. Results A total of 2,745 patients were enrolled and the incidence increased over time (P for trend<0.01). The most common injury site was the lower extremity (45%). Fracture was the most frequent diagnosis (34.3%). Compared to the discharge group, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for hospital admission were 3.53 (1.73–7.17) for the teenage group, 2.62 (1.82–3.77) for upper extremity injuries, 18.48 (7.95–42.95) for fractures, 2.28 (1.35–3.86) for falls, and 2.04 (1.15–3.60) for collisions. Conclusion Trampoline-related injuries in children have increased over time in South Korea. Most occur in children under the age of 12 years, but children between the ages of 13 and 18 years are at a higher risk for hospitalization. Also, injuries of the upper extremity, fracture, falling, and collision are risk factors for admission. Preventive strategies are needed to reduce trampoline-related injuries in children.
Involvement of Mitochondrial Mechanisms in the Cytostatic Effect of Desethylamiodarone in B16F10 Melanoma Cells

Previously, we showed that desethylamiodarone (DEA), a major metabolite of the widely used antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone, has direct mitochondrial effects. We hypothesized that these effects account for its observed cytotoxic properties and ability to limit in vivo metastasis. Accordingly, we examined DEA’s rapid (3–12 h) cytotoxicity and its early (3–6 h) effects on various mitochondrial processes in B16F10 melanoma cells. DEA did not affect cellular oxygen radical formation, as determined using two fluorescent dyes. However, it did decrease the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, as assessed by JC-1 dye and fluorescence microscopy. It also induced mitochondrial fragmentation, as visualized by confocal fluorescence microscopy. DEA decreased maximal respiration, ATP production, coupling efficiency, glycolysis, and non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption measured by a Seahorse cellular energy metabolism analyzer. In addition, it induced a cyclosporine A–independent mitochondrial permeability transition, as determined by Co2+-mediated calcein fluorescence quenching measured using a high-content imaging system. DEA also caused outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, as assessed by the immunoblot analysis of cytochrome C, apoptosis inducing factor, Akt, phospho-Akt, Bad, and phospho-Bad. All of these data supported our initial hypothesis.
Heterogeneous Features of Keloids Assessed by Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Keloids are described as benign dermal fibroproliferative lesions, and vascularization may play a significant role in their pathogenesis. In this study, laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) was used to assess perfusion within keloids and surrounding skin, and perfusion of keloids at different stages was compared.