Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Randomised comparison of 1.1 GBq and 3.7 GBq radioiodine to ablate the thyroid in the treatment of low-risk thyroid cancer: a 13-year follow-up

Abstract Purpose: The optimal activity of radioiodine (I-131) administered for ablation therapy in papillary and follicular thyroid cancer after thyroidectomy remains unknown in a long-term (> 10 year) follow-up. Some, shorter follow-up studies suggest that activities 1.1 GBq and 3.7 GBq are equally effective. We evaluated the long-term outcomes after radioiodine treatment to extend current knowledge about the optimal ablative dose of I-131. Methods: One hundred and sixty consecutive adult patients (129 females, 31 males; mean age 46 ± 14 y, range 18–89 y) diagnosed with histologically confirmed differentiated thyroid cancer, were randomised in a prospective, phase III, open-label, single-centre study, to receive either 1.1 GBq or 3.7 GBq of I-131 after thyroidectomy. At randomisation, patients were stratified according to the histologically verified cervical lymph node status and were prepared for ablation using thyroid hormone withdrawal. No uptake in the whole-body scan with I-131 and serum thyroglobulin concentration less than 1 ng/mL at 4–8 months after treatment was considered successful ablation. Results: Median follow-up time was 13.0 years (mean 11.0 ± 4.8 y; range 0.3–17.1 y). Altogether 81 patients received 1.1 GBq with successful ablation in 45 (56%) patients. In the original study, thirty-six patients (44%) needed one or more extra administrations to replete the ablation. Of these, 4 (8.9%) and 5 (14%) patients relapsed during the follow-up, respectively. Of the 79 patients treated with 3.7 GBq 45 (57%) had successful ablation after one administration of radioiodine and 34 (43%) needed several treatments. Of these, 2 (4.4%) and 9 (26.5%) patients relapsed, respectively. The groups did not differ in the proportion of patients relapsing (p = .591). Conclusion: During follow-up of median 13 years, 3.7 GBq is not superior to 1.1 GBq in the radioiodine treatment after thyroidectomy in papillary and follicular thyroid cancer.
Diagnostic Value of Sestrin2 in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious threat to individual health. Diagnosis of OSA is mainly polysomnography (PSG). However, PSG monitoring is costly and time-consuming. At present, increasing studies are exploring new diagnostic methods for OSA. This study aimed to explore the diagnostic role of Sestrin2 in OSA. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four subjects were recruited in this study. The concentration of plasma Sestrin2 of all subjects were measured and compared. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between plasma Sestrin2 concentration and other factors. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to investigate the role of Sestrin2 in the diagnosis of OSA, moderate-severe and severe OSA. Results: Subjects were divided into OSA group (n = 38) and control (n = 26). Levels of Plasma Sestrin2 were significantly higher in OSA patients than in controls. Sestrin2 was positively correlated with oxygen reduction index and negatively correlated with mean oxygen saturation and lowest oxygen saturation. The area under ROC curve (AUC) of Sestrin2 for OSA diagnosis was 0.740 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.615–0.842], the cutoff value was 1.86 ng/mL, and the sensitivity and specificity were 81.58% and 61.54%, respectively. The AUC of Sestrin2 for the diagnosis of severe OSA was 0.801 (95% CI, 0.682–0.890), and the cutoff value was 5.21 ng/mL exhibiting the sensitivity and specificity of 61.90% and 90.70%, respectively. Conclusion: Setrin2 is a marker for OSA and may be helpful in the diagnosis of OSA.
A new Eocene lineage of reticulate Nummulites (Foraminifera) from Kilwa district, Tanzania; a place for Nummulites ptukhiani?

Reticulate Nummulites are a widespread and distinctive group of Nummulites, frequently used in biostratigraphy, but their evolution is poorly understood. Studies from the Western Tethys suggest they form a single lineage, the Nummulites fabianii lineage, with an increasing proloculus size over time. This has led to their use as one of the diagnostic taxa for larger benthic foraminiferal biostratigraphy. However, outside of this region, additional taxa have been recorded. The most widely discussed example is Nummulites ptukhiani, which was described from Armenia, whose morphology does not fit with the N. fabianii lineage. This raises the question whether reticulate Nummulites are monophyletic, or the result of multiple independent convergent evolutionary lineages. Here we present data from three newly identified populations of Lutetian to Bartonian reticulate Nummulites from the stratigraphically well-constrained Tanzania Drilling Project records, which shed new light on the ancestry of these aberrant forms. These populations are characterized by extremely large proloculi and unusual morphology. We demonstrate that the populations are consistent with an evolutionary lineage that is morphologically distinct but contemporaneous with the N. fabianii lineage of the Tethys. These forms are remarkably similar in external and internal morphology to the Armenian Nummulites ptukhiani. We therefore refer to them as the N. ptukhiani lineage. The existence of a second lineage of reticulate Nummulites indicates that their evolution is more complex than previously thought and raises questions as to whether they evolved from a common ancestor, or independently. It also underlines the importance of carrying out thorough studies of larger benthic foraminifera with independent stratigraphical control from outside of the Tethyan region to more fully understand their evolution and to enable accurate biostratigraphy.
HOSPITAL MORBIDITY AND COLORECTAL CANCER MORTALITY: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH IN BRAZIL.

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is a serious public health problem and one of the most common cancer worldwide. Countries around the world have shown different trends. While incidence and mortality rates for colorectal cancer are on an upward trend in developing countries, these rates have been on a downward trend in most developed countries. OBJECTIVE To analyze the temporal trend of morbimortality by colorectal cancer in Brazil between 2002 and 2016. METHODS Descriptive, time series research. Data were extracted from the national information systems for hospitalizations and deaths of the respective years. RESULTS There were increasing trends in hospital morbidity and mortality from colorectal cancer in all regions of the country, with the very elderly individuals dying at a higher rate. Women (52.1%) were more affected than men, but death rates were higher for males aged 60 years or more. Regional disparities were evident, with almost 80% of deaths occurring in the South and Southeast, with the largest annual increase in the South and the lowest in the North. Regarding hospitalization, South and Southeast presented higher annual growths. CONCLUSION These data add knowledge about the profile of public hospitalizations and deaths, reaffirming that colorectal cancer contributes to an important burden of disease and mortality in Brazil. These elements have implications for the review of colorectal cancer prevention and control strategies, as well as for public health investments.
Seasonal incidence of pod fly Melanagromyza obtusa (Malloch) and pod bug Clavigralla gibbosa (Spinola) in long duration pigeonpea.

The present study was aimed at observing the incidence pattern of pod fly and pod bug in pigeonpea ecosystem. The experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during the kharif season of the year 2010-11.The short duration pigeon pea was infested with the number of insect pests at various stages of crop growth. Out of which the incidence pattern of pod fly M. obtusa and pod bug C. gibbosa was studied. The first appearance of pod fly M. obtusa was noticed in the 42 standard week with a mean population of 0.10 maggot/Plant whose maggot population peaked in 45 standard weeks with a mean population of 0.30 maggot/Plant during year 2010-11. Similarly the first occurrence of pod bug C. gibbosa was recorded in 40 standard weeks with a mean population of 0.03 larvae/Plant which attained the peak during 44 and 45 standard weeks, in both the week themean population was 0.40 larvae/Plant. The incidence of all the insect pests although declined after attainment of their respective peak, but pod bug were noticed in the field till the harvest of the crop. To undertake an effective IPM strategy in pigeonpea crop, location specific information on occurrence and seasonal dynamics of insect pests is indispensible.
Motivations and Barriers for Sheep and Goat Meat Consumption in Europe: A Means–End Chain Study

Simple Summary In Europe, human consumption of sheep/goat meat is lower than for other types of meat (e.g., chicken, beef). This study contributes to a better understanding of why/why not sheep/goat meat is consumed in Europe, and which are the relevant attributes, situations associated with small ruminants’ meat consumption by consumers. Abstract This international study involving seven European countries (Italy, UK, Finland, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey) was conducted to explore the relevant reasons that affect both consumer and non-consumer perceptions of sheep and goat meat. Laddering and means–end chain theory were applied. The results indicate that consumers associate sheep and goat meat with a unique taste, authenticity and natural production, linked with values such as health and enjoyment of life. In contrast, non-consumers mainly feel disgusted when they think and feel about these meats, and do not associate any specific health benefits to their consumption, disliking their taste, odour and fat content. This study is based on qualitative research. Only analytical generalizations are possible, expanding the theory on what drives consumer behaviour when purchasing meat. No previous means–end chain studies are available in the literature regarding small ruminants’ meat consumer preferences.
Adoption of Improved Cultivars of Pearl Millet in an Arid Environment: Straw Yield and Quality Considerations in Western Rajasthan

SUMMARY The role of straw yield and quality in farmers' decisions about the adoption of pearl millet cultivars in western Rajasthan was examined using farm household surveys. Information on the relative importance of grain versus straw yield, the perceived risks associated with the use of new cultivars under variable climatic conditions and perceptions of straw quality indicated that improved cultivars of pearl millet were not adopted primarily because of poor grain yield in years with low rainfall, though poor straw yield in such years was also important. These results are particularly pertinent in the light of farmers' perceptions of the likelihood of experiencing drought or low rainfall. If new cultivars of pearl millet are to replace the traditional ones, they must perform better under conditions of limited rainfall.
Biotechnological production of cellulose by Gluconacetobacter xylinus from agricultural waste

The purpose of this study was to utilize low quality date syrup, a rich and available source of nutrient in Iran, for the production of bacterial cellulose using Gluconacetobacter xylinus. Static batch fermentation for the purpose of cellulose production by G. xylinus (PTCC, 1734) was studied using low quality date syrup and sucrose solution (Bx. 10%) as fermentation media at 28°C. Results showed that maximum yields of bacterial cellulose after 336 h fermentation were 4.35 and 1.69 g/100 ml of date syrup and sucrose media, respectively. The FT-IR spectrum of commercial plant cellulose as a standard was similar to that of bacterial cellulose. To determine the physical structure of the bacterial cellulose and standard cellulose fibers, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out. The results revealed more delicacy in structure of bacterial cellulose. Determination of crystallinity of the samples using X-ray diffractometry demonstrated that the crystallinity level of standard cellulose (83.61%) was more than that of bacterial cellulose (60.73%). This study obviously showed the ability of low quality date syrup, a suitable and cheap carbon source, to be used as a substrate in a fermentation medium for production of cellulose by Gluconacetobacter xylinus.
Assessment of Rational Design of Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Fly Ash and Limestone Powder in Terms of Long-Term Durability

Self-compaction concrete (SCC) is ranked among the main technological innovations of the last decades. Hence, it introduces a suitable possibility for further utilization of supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) in terms of sustainable development. The aim of the work is the assessment of a new approach to binder design, which takes into consideration the activity of the used mineral additive. The proposed approach, which allows a systematic design of a binding system with varied properties of the used mineral additive, was studied on ternary blends consisting of Portland cement (PC), limestone powder and fly ash (FA). The verification was conducted on SCC mixtures in terms of their workability, mechanical properties and the most attention was paid to long-term durability. The long-term durability was assessed on the basis of shrinkage measurement, freeze-thaw resistance and permeability tests including initial surface absorption, chloride migration, water penetration and an accelerated carbonation test, which was compared with the evolution of carbonation front in normal conditions. The durability of studied mixtures was evaluated by using durability loss index, which allow general assessment on the basis of multiple parameters. The carbonation resistance had a dominant importance on the final durability performance of studied mixtures. The experimental program revealed that the proposed design method is reliable only in terms of properties in fresh state and mechanical performance, which were similar with control mixture. Despite suitable results of freeze-thaw resistance and shrinkage, an increasing amount of fly ash in terms of the new design concept led to a fundamental increase of permeability and thus to decay of long-term durability. Acceptable properties were achieved for the lowest dosage of fly ash.
THE BREEDING BEHAVIOUR AND BIOLOGY OF THE SHORT‐BILLED FORM OF THE WHITE‐TAILED BLACK COCKATOO CALYPTORHYNCHUS FUNEREUS

Summary The breeding biology of the short-billed form of the White-tailed Black Cockatoo was studied at two main study areas, Coomallo Creek, an area with large tracts of uncleared lands, and Manmanning, an area of extensive clearing with little native vegetation remaining. The study was based on individually marked birds. The actions of females selecting and preparing their nest hollow ensured that other females were kept away from the area of that nest, resulting in nests being spaced out through the study areas. Eggs were laid between July and November with birds at Manmanning starting about four weeks after those at Coomallo Creek. Clutch size was a maximum of two and incubation took 28–29 days. Hatching success was higher for two-egg clutches than for one-egg clutches. There were no differences between fledging success for one-egg or two-egg clutches at either area, but fledging success at Manmanning was lower than that of Coomallo Creek. Rates of growth for weight and length of folded left wing were calculated for nestlings from both areas. These rates of growth were compared within areas between years and between areas within years. There were differences in rates of growth of nestlings from Coomallo Creek compared with those from Manmanning and these differences were related to shortages of food at Manmanning. The annual survival of tagged adults was calculated at 61–69% and that of juveniles over the first 12 months after fledging at 15%. The survival figures for adults seemed too low and it is suggested that the wearing of wing-tags may place the individual at a selective disadvantage compared with an untagged individual.
Age‐related changes in the biophysical and morphological characteristics of mouse cochlear outer hair cells

Age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) is a very heterogeneous disease, resulting from cellular senescence, genetic predisposition and environmental factors (e.g. noise exposure). Currently, we know very little about age‐related changes occurring in the auditory sensory cells, including those associated with the outer hair cells (OHCs). Using different mouse strains, we show that OHCs undergo several morphological and biophysical changes in the ageing cochlea. Ageing OHCs also exhibited the progressive loss of afferent and efferent synapses. We also provide evidence that the size of the mechanoelectrical transducer current is reduced in ageing OHCs, highlighting its possible contribution in cochlear ageing.
Psychological Risk Factors that Predict Social Networking and Internet Addiction in Adolescents

Adolescents’ addictive use of social media and the internet is an increasing concern among parents, teachers, researchers and society. The purpose was to examine the contribution of body self-esteem, personality traits, and demographic factors in the prediction of adolescents’ addictive use of social media and the internet. The participants were 447 Spanish adolescents aged 13−16 years (M = 14.90, SD = 0.81, 56.2% women). We measured gender, age, body self-esteem (body satisfaction and physical attractiveness), personality traits (extraversion, neuroticism, disinhibition and narcissism) and social networking and internet addiction (internet addiction symptoms, social media use, geek behaviour, and nomophobia). The effects of gender, age, body self-esteem and personality on the different dimensions of internet addiction were estimated, conducting hierarchical linear multiple regression analysis and a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The results evidenced different pathways explaining four types of adolescents’ internet addiction: gender and disinhibition were the most relevant predictors of addiction symptoms; gender combined with physical attractiveness best explained social media use; narcissism and neuroticism appear to be the most relevant predictors of geek behaviour; and narcissism was the variable that best explained nomophobia. Furthermore, the advantages and differences between both methodologies (regressions vs. QCA) were discussed.
Antioxidant, Physicochemical, and Cellular Secretion of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Properties of Oat Bran Protein Hydrolysates

The aim of this work was to determine the physicochemical and biological activities of hydrolyzed proteins from sonicated oat brans. In addition to the control bran sample, two types of pre-treatment procedures—namely, ultrasonic bath and probe-type sonication—were performed to extract proteins, followed by hydrolysis with various proteases. Physicochemical analyses showed that Flavourzyme-hydrolysates had greater amounts of aromatic amino acids, Papain-hydrolysates low surface charges (−0.78 to −1.32 mV) compared to the others (−3.67 to −9.17 mV), and Alcalase-hydrolysates a higher surface hydrophobicity. The hydrolysates had good radical scavenging activities but, as the ultrasonic pre-treatment of the brans showed, in certain cases there was a reduction in activities of up to 22% for ROO• and HO• and 15% for O2•− radicals. In anti-diabetic tests, the maximum inhibition of α-amylase was 31.8%, while that of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 was 53.6%. In addition, the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 in NCI-H716 cells was enhanced by 11.5% in the presence of hydrolysates.
Poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase inhibition sequesters NAD+ to potentiate the metabolic lethality of alkylating chemotherapy in IDH mutant tumor cells.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential cofactor metabolite and is the currency of metabolic transactions critical for cell survival. Depending on tissue context and genotype, cancer cells have unique dependencies on NAD+ metabolic pathways. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) catalyze oligomerization of NAD+ monomers into poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) chains during cellular response to alkylating chemotherapeutics, including procarbazine or temozolomide. Here, we find that, in endogenous IDH1 mutant tumor models, alkylator-induced cytotoxicity is markedly augmented by pharmacologic inhibition or genetic knockout of the PAR breakdown enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG). Both in vitro and in vivo, we observe that concurrent alkylator and PARG inhibition depletes freely available NAD+ by preventing PAR breakdown, resulting in NAD+ sequestration and collapse of metabolic homeostasis. This effect reversed with NAD+ rescue supplementation, confirming the mechanistic basis of cytotoxicity. Thus, alkylating chemotherapy exposes a genotype-specific metabolic weakness in tumor cells that can be exploited by PARG inactivation.
Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation versus conventional mechanical ventilation to treat refractory hypoxemia in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a retrospective cohort study

Objective To compare the treatment outcome of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) versus mechanical ventilation in hypoxemic patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at a referral center that started offering VV-EMCO support in 2010. Methods This retrospective cohort study enrolled adults with severe ARDS (PaO2/FiO2 ratio of <100 with FiO2 of ≥90 or Murray score of ≥3) who were admitted to the intensive care unit of Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand) from January 2010 to December 2018. All patients were treated using a low tidal volume (TV) and optimal positive end-expiratory pressure. The primary outcome was hospital mortality. Results Sixty-four patients (ECMO, n = 30; mechanical ventilation, n = 34) were recruited. There was no significant difference in the baseline PaO2/FiO2 ratio (67.2 ± 25.7 vs. 76.6 ± 16.0), FiO2 (97 ± 9 vs. 94 ± 8), or Murray score (3.4 ± 0.5 vs. 3.3 ± 0.5) between the ECMO and mechanical ventilation groups. The hospital mortality rate was also not significantly different between the two groups (ECMO, 20/30 [66.7%] vs. mechanical ventilation, 24/34 [70.6%]). Patients who underwent ECMO were ventilated with a significantly lower TV than patients who underwent mechanical ventilation (3.8 ± 1.8 vs. 6.6 ± 1.4 mL, respectively). Conclusion Although VV-ECMO promoted lower-TV ventilation, it did not improve the in-hospital mortality rate. Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials. gov (NCT 04031794).
NeuroHeal Reduces Muscle Atrophy and Modulates Associated Autophagy

Muscle wasting is an unmet medical need which leads to a reduction of myofiber diameter and a negative impact on the functional performance of daily activities. We previously found that a new neuroprotective drug called NeuroHeal reduced muscle atrophy produced by transient denervation. Aiming to decipher whether NeuroHeal has a direct role in muscle biology, we used herein different models of muscle atrophy: one caused by chronic denervation, another caused by hindlimb immobilization, and lastly, an in vitro model of myotube atrophy with Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNFα). In all these models, we observed that NeuroHeal reduced muscle atrophy and that SIRT1 activation seems to be required for that. The treatment downregulated some critical markers of protein degradation: Muscle Ring Finger 1 (MuRF1), K48 poly-Ub chains, and p62/SQSTM1. Moreover, it seems to restore the autophagy flux associated with denervation. Hence, we envisage a prospective use of NeuroHeal at clinics for different myopathies.