Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Walled vessel-mimicking phantom for ultrasound imaging using 3D printing with a water-soluble filament: design principle, fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulation, and experimental validation

The geometry and stiffness of a vessel are pertinent to blood dynamics and vessel wall mechanical behavior and may alter in diseased conditions. Ultrasound-based ultrafast Doppler (uDoppler) imaging and shear wave imaging (SWI) techniques have been extensively exploited for the assessment of vascular hemodynamics and mechanics. Their performance is conventionally validated on vessel-mimicking phantoms (VMPs) prior to their clinical use. Compared with commercial ones, customized VMPs are favored for research use because of their wider range of material properties, more complex lumen geometries, or wall structures. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technique with plastic filaments is a promising method for making VMPs with a complex vessel lumen. However, it may require a toxic solvent or a long dissolution time currently. In this paper, we present a safe, efficient and geometrically flexible method where FDM 3D printing with a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) filament is exploited to fabricate a walled three-branch VMP (VMP-I). As a key step in fabrication, to avoid dissolution of the PVA-printed vessel core by the solution of the tissue-mimicking material, paraffin wax was used for isolation. Paraffin wax is easy to coat (i.e. without any special equipment), of satisfactory thickness (∼0.1 mm), chemically stable, and easy to remove after fabrication, thus making the proposed method practicable for ultrasound imaging studies. VMP-I was examined by B-mode imaging and power Doppler imaging (PDI) to verify complete dissolution of PVA-printed vessel core in its lumen, confirming good fabrication quality. The flow velocities in VMP-I were estimated by uDoppler imaging with a −0.8% difference, and the shear wave propagation speeds for the same phantom were estimated by SWI with a −6.03% difference when compared with fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulation results. A wall-less VMP of a scaled and simplified coronary arterial network (VMP-II) was additionally fabricated and examined to test the capability of the proposed method for a complex lumen geometry. The proposed fabrication method for customized VMPs is foreseen to facilitate the development of ultrasound imaging techniques for blood vessels.
The effect of blood flow restriction exercise on exercise-induced hypoalgesia and endogenous opioid and endocannabinoid mechanisms of pain modulation.

AIM This study aimed to investigate and compare the magnitude of exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) with low intensity blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance exercise (RE) at varying pressures to other intensities of resistance exercise and examine endogenous mechanisms of pain reduction. METHODOLOGY Twelve individuals performed four experimental trials involving unilateral leg press exercise in a randomised crossover design: low load RE at 30% of one repetition maximum (1RM), high load RE (70% 1RM) and BFR-RE (30% 1RM) at a low and high pressure. BFR pressure was prescribed relative to limb occlusion pressure at 40% and 80% for the low- and high-pressure trials. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were assessed before, 5-min and 24-h following exercise in exercising and non-exercising muscles. Venous blood samples were collected at the same timepoints to determine plasma concentrations of beta-endorphin and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. RESULTS High pressure BFR-RE increased PPTs in the exercising limb to a greater extent than all other trials. Comparable systemic EIH effects were observed with HLRE and both BFR-RE trials. PPTs in the exercising limb remained elevated above baseline at 24-h post-exercise following both BFR-RE trials. Post-exercise plasma beta-endorphin concentration was elevated during the BFR-RE trials. No changes to 2-arachidonoylglycerol concentration were observed. CONCLUSION High pressure BFR-RE causes a greater EIH response in the exercising limb that persists for up to 24-h following exercise. The reduction in pain sensitivity with BFR-RE is partly driven by endogenous opioid production of beta-endorphin. BFR-RE should be introduced as a possible pain-modulation tool in individuals with acute and chronic pain.
BDNF Expression in Cortical GABAergic Interneurons

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a major neuronal growth factor that is widely expressed in the central nervous system. It is synthesized as a glycosylated precursor protein, (pro)BDNF and post-translationally converted to the mature form, (m)BDNF. BDNF is known to be produced and secreted by cortical glutamatergic principal cells (PCs); however, it remains a question whether it can also be synthesized by other neuron types, in particular, GABAergic interneurons (INs). Therefore, we utilized immunocytochemical labeling and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to investigate the cellular distribution of proBDNF and its RNA in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons of the mouse cortex. Immunofluorescence labeling revealed that mBDNF, as well as proBDNF, localized to both the neuronal populations in the hippocampus. The precursor proBDNF protein showed a perinuclear distribution pattern, overlapping with the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the site of protein synthesis. RT-qPCR of samples obtained using laser capture microdissection (LCM) or fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) of hippocampal and cortical neurons further demonstrated the abundance of BDNF transcripts in both glutamatergic and GABAergic cells. Thus, our data provide compelling evidence that BDNF can be synthesized by both principal cells and INs of the cortex.
Impacts of Mixed Gaseous and Particulate Pollutants on Secondary Particle Formation during Ozonolysis of Butyl Vinyl Ether.

To clarify how coexisting atmospheric pollutants affect SOA formation, we investigated the effects of mixed gaseous pollutants (CO and SO2) and mixed organic-inorganic (MOI) particles on SOA formation during n-butyl vinyl ether (BVE) ozonolysis. Higher CO levels (90 ppm) were found to significantly change the chemical composition of SOA (prompting monomer while reducing oligomer formation) without causing much change in overall SOA mass. Based on positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis, heterogeneous chemical conversions between preformed and newly formed SOA were the major pathways of SOA formation in the presence of MOI particles. Furthermore, MOI particles had an enhancing effect on SOA formation at 1% relative humidity (RH), but a negligible effect at higher RH (10% and 55%). The enhancing effect was attributed to the formation of multifunctional products resulting from high functionalization of preformed and newly formed SOA. The negligible effect observed was ascribed to the cleavage of unstable oligomers as a result of the reversible oligomerization of preformed and newly formed SOA. Even so, MOI particles still could affect the composition of newly formed SOA. These results highlight the need to account for the significant effect of mixed gaseous and particulate pollutants on both SOA constituents and evolution.
Genetic parameters for milk yield in imported Jersey and Jersey-Friesian cows using daily milk records in Sri Lanka

Objective This study was conducted to estimate genetic parameters for milk yield traits using daily milk yield records from parlour data generated in an intensively managed commercial dairy farm with Jersey and Jersey-Friesian cows in Sri Lanka. Methods Genetic parameters were estimated for first and second lactation predicted and realized 305-day milk yield using univariate animal models. Genetic parameters were also estimated for total milk yield for each 30-day intervals of the first lactation using univariate animal models and for daily milk yield using random regression models fitting second-order Legendre polynomials and assuming heterogeneous residual variances. Breeding values for predicted 305-day milk yield were estimated using an animal model. Results For the first lactation, the heritability of predicted 305-day milk yield in Jersey cows (0.08±0.03) was higher than that of Jersey-Friesian cows (0.02±0.01). The second lactation heritability estimates were similar to that of first lactation. The repeatability of the daily milk records was 0.28±0.01 and the heritability ranged from 0.002±0.05 to 0.19±0.02 depending on day of milk. Pearson product-moment correlations between the bull estimated breeding values (EBVs) in Australia and bull EBVs in Sri Lanka for 305-day milk yield were 0.39 in Jersey cows and −0.35 in Jersey-Friesian cows. Conclusion The heritabilities estimated for milk yield in Jersey and Jersey-Friesian cows in Sri Lanka were low, and were associated with low additive genetic variances for the traits. Sire differences in Australia were not expressed in the tropical low-country of Sri Lanka. Therefore, genetic progress achieved by importing genetic material from Australia can be expected to be slow. This emphasizes the need for a within-country evaluation of bulls to produce locally adapted dairy cows.
A roadmap to build a phenotypic metric of ageing: insights from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Over the past three decades, considerable effort has been dedicated to quantifying the pace of ageing yet identifying the most essential metrics of ageing remains challenging due to lack of comprehensive measurements and heterogeneity of the ageing processes. Most of the previously proposed metrics of ageing have been emerged from cross‐sectional associations with chronological age and predictive accuracy of mortality, thus lacking a conceptual model of functional or phenotypic domains. Further, such models may be biased by selective attrition and are unable to address underlying biological constructs contributing to functional markers of age‐related decline. Using longitudinal data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), we propose a conceptual framework to identify metrics of ageing that may capture the hierarchical and temporal relationships between functional ageing, phenotypic ageing and biological ageing based on four hypothesized domains: body composition, energy regulation, homeostatic mechanisms and neurodegeneration/neuroplasticity. We explored the longitudinal trajectories of key variables within these phenotypes using linear mixed‐effects models and more than 10 years of data. Understanding the longitudinal trajectories across these domains in the BLSA provides a reference for researchers, informs future refinement of the phenotypic ageing framework and establishes a solid foundation for future models of biological ageing.
Burden of Candidemia in the United States, 2017.

BACKGROUND Candidemia is a common healthcare-associated bloodstream infection with high morbidity and mortality. There are no current estimates of candidemia burden in the United States. METHODS In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted active population-based surveillance for candidemia through the Emerging Infections Program (EIP) in 45 counties in nine states encompassing ~17 million persons (5% of the national population). Laboratories serving the catchment area population reported all blood cultures with Candida, and a standard case definition was applied to identify cases that occurred in surveillance area residents. Burden of cases and mortality was estimated by extrapolating surveillance area cases to national numbers using 2017 national census data. RESULTS We identified 1,226 candidemia cases across nine surveillance sites in 2017. Based on this, we estimated 22,660 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20,210-25,110) cases of candidemia occurred in the United States in 2017. Overall estimated incidence was 7.0 cases per 100,000 persons, with highest rates in adults ≥65 years (20.1/100,000), males (7.9/100,000), and those of black race (12.3/100,000). An estimated 3,380 (95% CI: 1,318-5,442) deaths occurred within seven days of a positive Candida blood culture and 5,628 (95% CI: 2,465-8,791) deaths occurred during the hospitalization with candidemia. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis highlights the substantial burden of candidemia in the U.S. Because candidemia is only one form of invasive candidiasis, the true burden of invasive infections due to Candida is higher. Ongoing surveillance can support future burden estimates and help assess the impact of prevention interventions.
The influence of mental fatigue on brain activity: Evidence from a systematic review with meta-analyses.

The occurrence of mental fatigue during tasks like driving a vehicle increases risk of injury or death. Changes in electroencephalographic (EEG) activity associated with mental fatigue has been frequently studied and considered a promising biomarker of mental fatigue. This is despite differences in methodologies and outcomes in prior research. A systematic review with meta-analyses was conducted to establish the influence of mental fatigue on EEG activity spectral bands, and to determine in which regions fatigue-related EEG spectral changes are likely to occur. A high-yield search strategy identified 21 studies meeting inclusion criteria for investigating the change in EEG spectral activity in non-diseased adults engaged in mentally fatiguing tasks. A medium effect size (using Cohen's g) of 0.68 (95%CI: 0.24-1.13) was found for increase in overall EEG activity following mental fatigue. Further examination of individual EEG spectral bands and regions using network meta-analyses indicated large increases in theta (g = 1.03; 95%CI: 0.79-1.60) and alpha bands (g = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.47-1.43), with small to moderate changes found in delta and beta bands. Central regions of the scalp showed largest change (g = 0.80; 95%CI: 0.46-1.21). Sub-group analyses indicated large increases in theta activity in frontal, central and posterior sites (all g > 1), with moderate changes in alpha activity in central and posterior sites. Findings have implications for fatigue monitoring and countermeasures with support for change in theta activity in frontal, central and posterior sites as a robust biomarker of mental fatigue and change in alpha wave activity considered a second line biomarker to account for individual variability.
Elevation of stromal cell‐derived factor 1 and C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 4 in white matter damage treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in a rat model of preterm birth

To investigate the role of stromal cell‐derived factor 1 (SDF‐1) and C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR‐4) in the premature brain with white matter damage (WMD) undergoing treatment with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs) and recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO).
Characterization of Instructor and Student Behaviors in CURE and Non-CURE Learning Environments: Impacts on Student Motivation, Science Identity Development, and Perceptions of the Laboratory Experience

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) serve to increase student access to authentic scientific opportunities. Current evidence within the literature indicates that engagement in CUREs promotes students’ science identity development, science self-efficacy, motivation, and ability to “think like a scientist. ” Despite the importance of these findings, few studies have examined the behaviors and interactions occurring within CURE and non-CURE settings and the impact of those behaviors on said student outcomes. To address these concerns, we conducted a mixed-methods study to explore student and instructor behaviors in four CURE and four non-CURE introductory biology laboratory sections. Representative video data were collected in each section and coded using the Laboratory Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM. In addition, pre/postsemester affective survey data were obtained from CURE and non-CURE participants. Results indicated that CURE students and instructors engaged in more interactive behaviors (e.g., one-on-one dialogue, questioning) than their non-CURE counterparts, a finding confirmed by analyzing behavioral patterns via construction of partial correlation networks. Multiple regression analyses further revealed that both student and instructor interactive behaviors and enrollment in a CURE were strong predictors of pre/postsemester shifts in student motivation, science identity development, collaboration, and perceived opportunities to make relevant scientific discoveries.
Modified Harrington’s procedure for periacetabular metastases in 89 cases: a reliable method for cancer patients with good functional outcome, especially with long expected survival

Background and purpose — The pelvis is the 3rd most common site of skeletal metastases. In some cases, periacetabular lesions require palliative surgical management. We investigated functional outcome, complications, and implant and patient survival after a modified Harrington’s procedure. Patients and methods — This retrospective cohort study included 89 cases of surgically treated periacetabular metastases. All patients were treated with the modified Harrington’s procedure including a restoration ring. Lesions were classified according to Harrington. Functional outcome was assessed by Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Postoperative complications, and implant and patient survival are reported. Results — The overall postoperative functional outcome was good to fair (OHS 37 and HHS 76). Sex, age, survival > 6 and 12 months, and diagnosis of the primary tumor affected functional outcome. Overall implant survival was 96% (95% Cl 88–100) at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years; only 1 acetabular implant required revision. Median patient survival was 8 months (0–125). 10/89 patients had postoperative complications: 6 major complications, leading to revision surgery, and 4 minor complications. Interpretation — Our modified Harrington’s procedure with a restoration ring to achieve stable fixation, constrained acetabular cup to prevent dislocation, and antegrade iliac screws to prevent cranial protrusion is a reliable reconstruction for periacetabular metastases and results in a good functional outcome in patients with prolonged survival. A standardized procedure and low complication rate encourage the use of this method for all Harrington class defects.
Visual field motion during a body pull affects compensatory standing and stepping responses

It is unclear whether the visual input that accompanies a perturbation of a standing person can affect whether a recovery step is taken. Visual motion speeds were manipulated during unexpected forward and backward shoulder pulls. Visual motion that appeared slower than actual body motion reduced the initial in‐place resistance to the perturbation. As a result of the modulation of the in‐place response, less pull force was needed to trigger a step when visual velocity appeared slower than normal. The visuomotor postural response occurred earlier and was larger when the full‐field visual input was paired with a mechanical perturbation.
PCSK6-Mediated Regulation of Vascular Remodeling.

Genetic association studies have significantly enhanced our understanding of vascular disease etiology and offer great promise for identification of candidate drug targets and estimating disease risk.1 In a study recently published in Circulation Research, Rykaczewska et al2 have used the IMPROVE study (Carotid Intima Media Thickness [IMT] and IMT-Progression as Predictors of Vascular Events in a High-Risk European Population; n=3378), AtheroExpress biobank (n=197), and BiKE (Biobank of Karolinska Endarterectomies) cohorts (n=127) to convincingly demonstrate that rs1531817, a noncoding intronic variant in the PCSK6 locus, is associated with decreased PCSK6 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 6) expression and increased vascular disease severity.
Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma: An Indian experience of a novel entity

Aims: To explore clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemistry (IHC) features of mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) with systematic literature review. Settings and Design: Hospital based cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: The data of all cases of MASC diagnosed over a period of 1 year i.e., from July 2017 to July 2018 were retrieved. The haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) sections, and IHC sections were studied. A strict histological and recently updated criteria were applied and patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MASC were included in the study. A systematic literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed and National Centre for Biotechnology Information database. Statistical Analysis Used: Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: The present case series is 27th in the English literature and 1stcase series describing its histopathology in the Indian literature. The mean age of presentation is 43 years. Female preponderance was found i.e., M:F ratio of 0.5. Conclusion: Histopathology and if necessary, followed by IHC is required for the confirmation of diagnosis of MASC. We should be aware about this recently described entity which is usually mistaken for other low grade salivary gland carcinomas like Acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) and Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). The knowledge about its typical morphology, high degree of suspicion and IHC confirmation with both S-100 and Mammaglobin help in precise diagnosis.
Development of Amphotericin B Micellar Formulations Based on Copolymers of Poly(ethylene glycol) and Poly(ε-caprolactone) Conjugated with Retinol

Amphotericin B (AmB) is a broad spectrum of antifungal drug used to treat antifungal diseases. However, due to the high toxicity of AmB, treated patients may suffer the risk of side effects, such as renal failure. Nanoencapsulation strategies have been reported to elicit low toxicity, albeit most of them possess low encapsulation efficiency. The aim of this research is to develop micellar delivery systems for AmB with reduced toxicity while maintaining its affectivity by employing retinol (RET)-conjugated amphiphilic block copolymers (ABCs) as precursors. Copolymers composed of poly(ε-caprolactone) (A) and polyethylenglycol (B) of types AB and ABA were synthesized by ring opening polymerization and subsequently conjugated with RET by Steglich esterification. 1H-NMR spectroscopy was used to corroborate the structure of copolymers and their conjugates and determine their molecular weights. Analysis by gel permeation chromatography also found that the materials have narrow distributions. The resulting copolymers were used as precursors for delivery systems of AmB, thus reducing its aggregation and consequently causing a low haemolytic effect. Upon conjugation with RET, the encapsulation capacity was enhanced from approximately 2 wt % for AB and ABA copolymers to 10 wt %. AmB encapsulated in polymer micelles presented improved antifungal efficiency against Candida albicans and Candida auris strains compared with Fungizone®, as deduced from the low minimum inhibitory concentration.