Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic associations between human-directed behavior and intraspecific social aggression in growing pigs

Abstract This study estimated the genetic parameters for human-directed behavior and intraspecific social aggression traits in growing pigs, and explored the phenotypic correlations among them. Data on 2,413 growing pigs were available. Pigs were mixed into new social groups of 18 animals, at 69 ± 5.2 d of age and skin lesions (SL) were counted 24 h (SL24h) post-mixing. Individual behavioral responses to isolation in a weighing crate (CRATE) or when alone in an arena while a human directly approached them (IHAT) were assessed within 48 h post-mixing. Additionally, pigs were tested for behavioral responses to the presence of a single human observer walking in their home pen in a circular motion (WTP) within one (T1) and 4 wk post-mixing (T2) noting pigs that followed, nosed or bit the observer. Animal models were used to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for all studied traits. Heritabilities (h2) for SL, CRATE and IHAT responses were low to moderate (0.07 to 0.29), with the highest h2 estimated for speed of moving away from the approaching observer. Low but significant h2 were estimated for nosing (0.09) and biting (0.11) the observer at T2. Positive high genetic correlations (rg) were observed between CRATE and IHAT responses (0.52 to 0.93), and within SL traits (0.79 to 0.91) while positive low to high correlations between the estimated breeding values (rEBV) were estimated within the WTP test (0.24 to 0.59) traits. Positive moderate rg were observed between CRATE and central and posterior SL24h. The rEBV of CRATE and IHAT test responses and WTP test traits were low, mostly negative (−0.21 to 0.05) and not significant. Low positive rEBV (0.06 to 0.24) were observed between SL and the WTP test traits. Phenotypic correlations between CRATE and IHAT responses and SL or WTP test traits were mostly low and not significant. Under the conditions of this study, h2 estimates for all studied traits suggest they could be suitable as a method of phenotyping aggression and fear/boldness for genetic selection purposes. Additionally, genetic correlations between aggression and fear indicators were observed. These findings suggest selection to reduce the accumulation of lesions is likely to make pigs more relaxed in a crate environment, but to alter the engagement with humans in other contexts that depends on the location of the lesions under selection.
Preventing muscle wasting: pro‐insulin C‐peptide prevents loss in muscle mass in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats

C‐peptide therapy exerts several positive actions on nerves, vasculature, smooth muscle relaxation, kidney function and bone. To date, the role of C‐peptide in preventing type 1 diabetes‐related muscle atrophy has not been investigated. Our aim was to evaluate if C‐peptide infusion prevents muscle wasting in diabetic rats.
Patterns of Palliative Treatments in Stage IV Esophageal Cancer

Background: The 5 year survival rate of esophageal cancer is under 20%. Studies have shown that early palliative treatments can improve patient quality of life and lower depressed mood without expediting mortality. Despite these benefits, few studies have analyzed factors associated with the national variation among patients who received palliative treatment for esophageal cancer. Methods: This is a retrospective study of adults diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer between 2004 and 2018 in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) who received palliative treatment or not (n = 43,599). Cross tabulation and binary logistic regression were performed and evaluated using SPSS. Exclusion criteria included concurrent tumors, patients under age 18, and missing data. Results: Of the 43,599 patients, 26.1% of patients received palliative interventions (n = 11,371). The majority of palliative treatment patients lived less than 6 months after diagnosis (54%) and received radiation (35.7%) or chemotherapy (34.5%) with palliative intent. The patients who received palliative treatment tended to be non-Hispanic (96.6%), white (87.2%), male (83.3%) patients between age 61 and 75 (43.8%) at a comprehensive community cancer program (38.7%) with adenocarcinoma histology (71.8%). Palliative treatment patients most commonly relied on Medicare as their primary payor (45.9%) and had a median household income over $48,000 (54.5%). Conclusion: We identified trends among stage IV esophageal cancer patients receiving palliative treatments. Patients receiving palliative treatments tended to be white, non-Hispanic men. Compared to patients who did not receive palliating treatments, this cohort was more likely to receive treatment at a comprehensive, academic, or integrated network facility.
Digestive, Anorectal, and Urogenital Functions in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Normal Glucose Tolerance: Association with Autonomic Neuropathy

Abstract Aims Gastrointestinal disorders, including constipation and fecal incontinence, are common in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and may derive from diabetic autonomic neuropathy, severe intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or a dysfunctional anorectal sphincter. The present study aims to characterize the correlation between these conditions. Methods Patients with T2DM, prediabetes, and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) were included. The anorectal function was assessed with high-resolution anorectal manometry. Patients were screened for autonomic neuropathy by measuring olfactory, sweat, and erectile dysfunction as well as heart rate variability. Constipation and fecal (in-)continence were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Breath tests were used to assess severe intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Results We included 59 participants (32 (54.2%) with T2DM, 9 (15.3%) with prediabetes, and 18 (30.5%) NGT). The presence of autonomic neuropathy, severe bacterial overgrowth, and symptoms of constipation and incontinence were comparable. HbA 1c was correlated with an increased anorectal resting sphincter pressure ( r =0.31, P =0.019) and constipation symptoms ( r =0.30, P =0.031). In patients with a long-standing diagnosis of T2DM, significantly higher values for maximum anorectal resting pressure (Δ=+27.81±7.84 mmHg, P =0.0015) and baseline pressure (Δ=20.50±9.74 mmHg, P =0.046) were found compared with NGT, but not with prediabetes. Conclusions Long-standing T2DM increases anorectal sphincter activity, and constipation symptoms are associated with higher HbA 1c levels. The lack of an association of symptoms with autonomic neuropathy suggests glucotoxicity as the primary mechanism.
Ischemic Preconditioning Acutely Improves Functional Sympatholysis during Handgrip Exercise in Healthy Males but not Females

ABSTRACT Purpose Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), a procedure that involves the cyclic induction of limb ischemia and reperfusion via tourniquet inflation, has been reported to improve exercise capacity and performance, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. During exercise, sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction is dampened in active skeletal muscle. This phenomenon, termed functional sympatholysis, plays a critical role in maintaining oxygen delivery to working skeletal muscle and may contribute to determining exercise capacity. Herein, we investigate the effects of IPC on functional sympatholysis in humans. Methods In 20 (10M/10F) healthy young adults, forearm blood flow (Doppler ultrasound) and beat-to-beat arterial pressure (finger photoplethysmography) were measured during lower body negative pressure (LBNP; −20 mm Hg) applied at rest and simultaneously during rhythmic handgrip exercise (30% maximum contraction) before and after local IPC (4 × 5-min 220 mm Hg) or sham (4 × 5-min 20 mm Hg). Forearm vascular conductance (FVC) was calculated as forearm blood flow/mean arterial pressure and the magnitude of sympatholysis as the difference of LBNP-induced changes in FVC between handgrip and rest. Results At baseline, LBNP decreased FVC (females [F] = ∆–41% ± 19%; males [M] = ∆–44% ± 10%), and these responses were attenuated during handgrip (F = ∆–8% ± 9%; M = ∆–8% ± 7%). After IPC, LBNP induced similar decreases in resting FVC (F = ∆–37% ± 19%; M = ∆–44% ± 13%). However, during handgrip, this response was further attenuated in males (∆–3% ± 9%, P = 0.02 vs pre) but not females (∆–5% ± 10%, P = 0.13 vs pre), which aligned with an IPC-mediated increase in sympatholysis (M-pre = 36% ± 10% vs post = 40% ± 9%, P = 0.01; F-pre = 32% ± 15% vs post = 32% ± 14%, P = 0.82). Sham IPC had no effect on any variables. Conclusions These findings highlight a sex-specific effect of IPC on functional sympatholysis and provide evidence of a potential mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of IPC on human exercise performance.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rehabilitation services provided for cochlear implant recipients in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Objective This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cochlear implantation (CI) recipients in Saudi Arabia. The impact was measured using the results of an online survey that investigated challenges related to access to re/habilitation and programming services, increased dependence on virtual interaction, and emotional impact. Methods The cross-sectional online survey reached 353 pediatric and adult CI recipients between April 21st and May 3rd 2020, during the first weeks of implementing the lockdown strategy and the transitioning to virtual settings. Results It was revealed that overall access to aural re/habilitation was considerably affected during the pandemic, and that the impact of this disruption was significantly greater for pediatric recipients than for adults. On the other hand, overall access to programming services was not affected. Results also revealed that CI recipients' performance at school or work was negatively impacted by the transition to a virtual communication. In addition, participants noticed a decline in their auditory performance, language skills, and speech understanding. They also registered feelings of anxiety, social isolation, and fear related to sudden changes in their CI function. Finally, the study revealed a gap between CI clinical/non-clinical support provided during the pandemic and the expectations of CI recipients. Conclusion Collectively, outcomes from this study highlight the importance of shifting towards a more patient -centered model that offers empowerment and self-advocacy. In addition, the outcomes also emphasize the importance of developing and adapting emergency protocols. This will ensure continuation of services provided to CI recipients during scenario disasters like a pandemic. Key messages Pediatric aural re/habilitation was subjected to a significantly greater interruption, compared to adult aural re/habilitation, duringthe COVID-19 shutdown. Cochlear Implant (CI) recipients expressed feelings of anxiety, social isolation, and fear. These feelings were related to sudden changes in their CI functioning, caused by interruption of support services during the pandemic. Patient -centered model can offer emergency protocols that ensure a smooth continuation of cochlear implant-related re/habilitation and services during disaster scenarios such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Lack of Blue Supergiants in NGC 7419, a Red Supergiant-rich Galactic Open Cluster with Rapidly Rotating Stars

According to previous studies based on photometry alone, NGC 7419 reveals a surprisingly low ratio of blue to red supergiants: only one blue supergiant (BSG) along with a record number of five red supergiants (RSGs). However, for a cluster like NGC 7419 with solar metallicity, one expects twice as many BSGs as RSGs. To verify the small ratio of BSGs to RSGs, we have obtained spectroscopic observations of the seven most luminous blue member stars using the 1.6 m telescope of the Mount Mégantic Observatory. (The RSGs have already been studied spectroscopically.) To classify the stars, we have developed a system especially adapted for these heavily reddened stars in a spectral region from 8400 to 8920 Å, near the hydrogen Paschen series limit. This classification system is based on standard stars of known MK spectral type extending over O9–B5 and all luminosity classes and is linked through a grid of synthetic spectra to the atmospheric physical parameters Teff and log g. We also include Be stars. Among the seven blue stars observed in NGC 7419, four have red spectra that are dominated by absorption lines and three by emission lines. The spectral types for the former are B2.5 II–III, B2.5 III, B0 III, and B4 III (e), while those for the latter are Be, B1 III–Ve, and Be, respectively. The average heliocentric radial velocity of these stars is -66 ± 6 km s-1, compatible with the value of -74 ± 9 km s-1 measured for the five RSG members. A distance of 1.7 ± 0.4 kpc for this cluster was estimated using the blue-star spectral types, in agreement with the value of 2.3 ± 0.3 kpc found by Beauchamp and coworkers, based on isochrone fitting in the color-magnitude diagram. With no BSG stars detected spectroscopically, we confirm the low number, in this case absence, of BSGs in this cluster. The high fraction of Be stars detected by us and others among the bright blue member stars could be explained by an average rotational velocity for the stars in NGC 7419, which is significantly higher than in other clusters of similar age and metallicity. Since higher stellar rotation rates shorten the BSG phase, we suggest that this explains why the evolved stars in NGC 7419 have become RSGs. Thus, NGC 7419 is an exceptional case, since high stellar rotation normally tends to occur at lower metallicity.
Instabilities of flow in a collapsed tube

In a previous paper (Jensen & Pedley 1989) a model was analysed describing the effects of longitudinal wall tension and energy loss through flow separation on the existence and nature of steady flow in a finite length of externally pressurized, elastic-walled tube. The stability of these steady flows to small time-dependent perturbations is now determined. A linear analysis shows that the tube may be unstable to at least three different modes of oscillation, with frequencies in distinct bands, depending on the governing parameters; neutral stability curves for each mode are calculated. The motion of the separation point at a constriction in the tube appears to play an important role in the mechanism of these oscillations. A weakly nonlinear analysis is used to examine the instabilities in a neighbourhood of their neutral curves and to investigate mode interactions. The existence of multiple independent oscillations indicates that very complex dynamical behaviour may occur.
Using graph theory as a common language to combine neural structure and function in models of healthy cognitive performance

Graph theory has been used in cognitive neuroscience to understand how organisational properties of structural and functional brain networks relate to cognitive function. Graph theory may bridge the gap in integration of structural and functional connectivity by introducing common measures of network characteristics. However, the explanatory and predictive value of combined structural and functional graph theory have not been investigated in modelling of cognitive performance of healthy adults. In this work, a Principal Component Regression approach with embedded Step‐Wise Regression was used to fit multiple regression models of Executive Function, Self‐regulation, Language, Encoding and Sequence Processing with a collection of 20 different graph theoretic measures of structural and functional network organisation used as regressors. The predictive ability of graph theory‐based models was compared to that of connectivity‐based models. The present work shows that using combinations of graph theory metrics to predict cognition in healthy populations does not produce a consistent benefit relative to making predictions based on structural and functional connectivity values directly.
Evaluation of SAR ATR algorithm performance sensitivity to MSTAR extended operating conditions

Testing a SAR Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) algorithm at or very near its training conditions often yields near perfect results as we commonly see in the literature. This paper describes a series of experiments near and not so near to ATR algorithm training conditions. Experiments are setup to isolate individual Extended Operating Conditions (EOCs) and performance is reported at these points. Additional experiments are setup to isolate specific combinations of EOCs and the SAR ATR algorithm's performance is measured here also. The experiments presented here are a by-product of a DARPA/AFRL Moving and Stationary Target Acquisition and Recognition (MSTAR) program evaluation conducted in November of 1997. Although the tests conducted here are in the domain of EOCs, these tests do not encompass the `real world' (i.e., what you might see on the battlefield) problem. In addition to performance results this paper describes an evaluation methodology including the Extended Operating Condition concept, as well as, data; algorithm; and figures of merit. In summary, this paper highlights the sensitivity that a baseline Mean Squared Error ATR algorithm has to various operating conditions both near and varying degrees away from the training conditions.
Variation in maternal mortality in Sidama National Regional State, southern Ethiopia: A population based cross sectional household survey

Introduction Maternal mortality studies conducted at national level do not provide information needed for planning and monitoring health programs at lower administrative levels. The aim of this study was to measure maternal mortality, identify risk factors and district level variations in Sidama National Regional State, southern Ethiopia. Methods A cross sectional population-based survey was carried in households where women reported pregnancy and birth outcomes in the past five years. The study was conducted in the Sidama National Regional State, southern Ethiopia, from July 2019 to May 2020. Multi-stage cluster sampling technique was employed. The outcome variable of the study was maternal mortality. Complex sample logistic regression analysis was applied to assess variables independently associated with maternal mortality. Results We registered 10602 live births (LB) and 48 maternal deaths yielding the overall maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 419; 95% CI: 260–577 per 100,000 LB. Aroresa district had the highest MMR with 1142 (95% CI: 693–1591) per 100,000 LB. Leading causes of death were haemorrhage 21 (41%) and eclampsia 10 (27%). Thirty (59%) mothers died during labour or within 24 hours after delivery, 25 (47%) died at home and 17 (38%) at health facility. Mothers who did not have formal education had higher risk of maternal death (AOR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.7–11.0). The risk of maternal death was higher in districts with low midwife to population ratio (AOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.0–8.9). Conclusion The high maternal mortality with district level variations in Sidama Region highlights the importance of improving obstetric care and employing targeted interventions in areas with high mortality rates. Due attention should be given to improving access to female education. Additional midwives have to be trained and deployed to improve maternal health services and consequently save the life of mothers.
Association between relative peripheral refraction and corresponding electro‐retinal signals

Considering the potential role of the peripheral retina in refractive development and given that peripheral refraction varies significantly with increasing eccentricity from the fovea, we investigated the association between relative peripheral refraction (RPR) and corresponding relative peripheral multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) responses (electro‐retinal signals) from the central to the peripheral retina in young adults.
Regenerative potential and limitations in a zebrafish model of hyperglycemia‐induced nerve degeneration

Previous work from our lab has described a model of motor nerve degeneration in hyperglycemic zebrafish larvae which resembles mammalian models of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Here, we optimized the hyperglycemic‐induction protocol, characterized deficits in nerve structure and behavioral function, and then examined the regenerative potential following recovery from the hyperglycemic state.
Are We Ever Going Back? Exploring the Views of Health Professionals on Postpandemic Continuing Professional Development Modalities

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly altered the ways in which health care professionals engage with continuing professional development (CPD), but the extent to which these changes are permanent remains unknown at present. This mixed-methods research aims to capture the perspectives of health professionals on their preferences for CPD formats, including the conditions that inform preferences for in-person and online CPD events and the optimum length and type of online and in-person events. Methods: A survey was used to gain a high-level perspective on health professionals' engagement with CPD, areas of interest, and capabilities and preferences in relation to online formats. A total of 340 health care professionals across 21 countries responded to the survey. Follow-up semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 respondents to gain deeper insights into their perspectives. Results: Key themes include CPD activity before and during COVID, social and networking aspects, access versus engagement, cost, and time and timing. Discussion: Recommendations regarding the design of both in-person and online events are included. Beyond merely moving in-person events online, innovative design approaches should be adopted to capitalize on the affordances of digital technologies and enhance engagement.
Human Metapneumovirus Infections during COVID-19 Pandemic, Spain

We describe an unusual outbreak of respiratory infections caused by human metapneumovirus in children during the sixth wave of COVID-19 in Spain, associated with the Omicron variant. Patients in this outbreak were older than usual and showed more hypoxia and pneumonia, longer length of stay, and greater need for intensive care.
Cardiovascular outcomes among patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer: A comparative safety study using US administrative claims data

Cardiovascular conditions are the most prevalent comorbidity among patients with prostate cancer, regardless of treatment. Additionally, cardiovascular risk has been shown to increase following exposure to certain treatments for advanced prostate cancer. There is conflicting evidence on risk of overall and specific cardiovascular outcomes among men treated for metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We, therefore, sought to compare incidence of serious cardiovascular events among CRPC patients treated with abiraterone acetate plus predniso(lo)ne (AAP) and enzalutamide (ENZ), the two most widely used CRPC therapies.
Medication Decision Making in Low-Income Families of Black Children With ADHD: A Mixed Methods Study

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore how and why some low-income Black caregivers seek medication treatment for their children with ADHD. Methods: Using a sequential exploratory mixed method design, Phase 1 comprised an indepth case study design of seven low-income Black caregivers of children receiving medication for ADHD. Based on findings from Phase 1, the second phase involved a secondary analysis of data on Black uninsured or publicly insured children age 6 to 17 with ADHD (n = 450). Results: Factors influencing medication decision-making included child safety and volatility, caregiver mental health, caregiver aggravation, family centered care (FCC), shared decision making (SDM), sole caregiver status, and school involvement. After adjusting for ADHD severity, previous receipt of special education services and experiences of FCC and SDM were independently associated with receipt of a medication for ADHD. Conclusions: Clinicians and school personnel can intervene to decrease disparities in the treatment of ADHD.