Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum biomarkers for liver ﬁ brosis assessment

: Liver ﬁ brosis is the result of chronic liver injury of di ﬀ erent etiologies produced by an imbalance between the synthesis and degeneration of the extracellular matrix and dysregulation of physiological mechanisms. Liver has a high regenerative capacity in the early stage of chronic diseases so a prompt liver ﬁ brosis detection is important. Consequently, an easy and economic tool that could identify patients with liver ﬁ brosis at the initial stages is needed. To achieve this, many non-invasive serum direct, such as hyaluronic acid or metalloproteases, and indirect biomarkers have been proposed to evaluate liver ﬁ brosis. Also, there have been developed formulas that combine these biomarkers, some of them also introduce clinical and/or demographic parameters, like FIB-4, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ﬁ brosis score (NFS), enhance liver ﬁ brosis (ELF) or Hepamet ﬁ brosis score (HFS). In this manuscript we critically reviewed di ﬀ erent serum biomarkers and formulas for their utility in the diagnosis and progression of liver ﬁ brosis.
Heart Rate Response and Heart Rate Recovery After Harvard Step Test Between Young High Intensity Aerobic Athletes Smokers and Non-Smokers

Background: Smoking has an influence on physiological responses and exercise performance. Exercise training results in a slow resting heart rate through changes in cardiac autonomic balance in addition to intrinsic remodeling of the sinoatrial node. Compared with athletes in static sports, heart rate is slower in athletes involved in dynamic sports. However, not many studies have examined how smoking affects the heart rate response and heart rate recovery in high-intensity aerobic athletes. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study. Data on age, gender, body mass index, smoker or non-smoker status, resting heart rate, and blood pressure before the test were collected. Maximum heart rate, heart rate 1 minute after maximum, heart rate recovery, and blood pressure after the test were measured. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 24 program: unpaired t-test, Mann-Whitney test, ANCOVA. Results: A total of 50 samples were involved in the study, divided into 25 smoking athletes and 25 non-smoking athletes. The mean resting heart rate in smoking athletes was significantly higher (75 vs 66, p<0.001). The mean maximum heart rate was higher in smoking athletes but not statistically significant (149.5 vs 147.6, p=0.635). The mean 1-minute heart rate after the test was found to be significantly higher in smoking athletes (123 vs 112, p=0.018). The mean heart rate recovery was significantly lower in the smoking athletes (26.3 vs 35.2, p=0.002). Covariate analysis of age, gender, and body mass index did not have a simultaneous effect on resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, 1-minute heart rate after the test, and heart rate recovery (p>0.05). Conclusion: Resting heart rate and 1-minute heart rate after the Harvard Step Test were higher in young high-intensity aerobic athletes who were smokers. Heart rate recovery was lower in young high-intensity aerobic athletes who were smokers.
Visual snow syndrome A clinical and phenotypical description of 1,100 cases

Objective To validate the current criteria of visual snow and to describe its common phenotype using a substantial clinical database. Methods We performed a web-based survey of patients with self-assessed visual snow (n = 1,104), with either the complete visual snow syndrome (n = 1,061) or visual snow without the syndrome (n = 43). We also describe a population of patients (n = 70) with possible hallucinogen persisting perception disorder who presented clinically with visual snow syndrome.
Association of Phosphorylated Neurofilament Heavy Chain (pNF-H) Levels With Motor Function Achievement in Individuals With Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Treated With Nusinersen (S27.009)

Function Achievement in Individuals With Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Treated With Nusinersen Charlotte J. Sumner, Basil T. Darras, Francesco Muntoni, Thomas O. Crawford, Richard S. Finkel, Eugenio Mercuri, Darryl C. De Vivo, Maryam Oskoui, Eduardo Tizzano, Monique M. Ryan, Guolin Zhao, Marco Petrillo, Christopher Stebbins, Stephanie Fradette, Wildon Farwell Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital Foundation Trust, Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Hospital, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Neurosurgery, McGill University, Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Vall d’Hebron and CIBERER, Department of Neurology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Biogen
Summary: SNMMI Procedure Standard/EANM Practice Guideline for Estrogen Receptor Imaging of Patients with Breast Cancer Using 16α-[18F]Fluoro-17β-Estradiol PET.

The estrogen receptor (ER), a steroid hormone receptor important in female physiology, is a significant contributor to breast carcinogenesis and progression and, as such, is an important therapeutic target. Approximately 70% of breast cancers will express ER at presentation, and the determination of ER expression by tissue assay, usually by immunohistochemistry, is part of the standard of care for newly diagnosed breast cancer. ER expression is important in guiding the approach to treatment, especially with the increase in relevant systemic therapies. The ER-targeting imaging agent 16α-[18F]fluoro-17β-estradiol ([18F]FES) is approved for clinical use by regulatory agencies in France and the United States. Multiple studies suggest the advantages of [18F]FES PET in assessing tumor ER expression, the ability of both qualitative and quantitative [18F]FES PET measures to predict response to ER-targeted therapy, and the ability of [18F]FES PET to clarify equivocal staging and restaging results in patients with ER-expressing cancers. [18F]FES PET/CT may also be helpful in staging invasive lobular breast cancer and low-grade ER-expressing invasive ductal cancers and, in some cases, may be a substitute for biopsy. The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and the European Association of Nuclear Medicine in June 2023 released a procedure standard/practice guideline for [18F]FES PET ER imaging of patients with breast cancer. The goal of the standard/guideline is to assist physicians in recommending, performing, interpreting, and reporting the results of [18F]FES PET studies for patients with breast cancer and to provide clinicians with the best available evidence, inform them about areas where robust evidence is lacking, and help them deliver the best possible diagnostic efficacy and study quality for their patients. Also reviewed are standardized quality control, quality assurance, and imaging procedures for [18F]FES PET. The authors emphasize the importance of precision, accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility for both clinical management of patients and for use of [18F]FES PET in multicenter trials. A standardized imaging procedure, in combination with already published appropriate-use criteria, will help promote the use of [18F]FES PET and enhance subsequent research. This brief summary article reviews the content of the joint standard/guideline, which is available in its entirety at https://www.snmmi. org/ClinicalPractice/content.aspx? ItemNumber=6414&navItemNumbe=10790.
OVERLAPPING COMMUNITY DETECTION IN SOCIAL NETWORKS BASED ON STOCHASTIC SIMULATION

Community detection is a task of fundamental importance in social network analysis. Community structures enable us to discover the hidden interactions among the network entities and summarize the network information that can be applied in many applied domains such as bioinformatics, finance, e-commerce and forensic science. There exist a variety of methods for community detection based on different metrics and domain of applications. Most of these methods are based on the existing of the non-overlapping or sparse overlapping communities. Moreover, the experimental analysis showed that, overlapping areas of communities become denser than non-overlapping area of communities. In this paper, significant methods of overlapping community detection are compared according to well-known evaluation criteria. The experimental analyses on artificial network generation have shown that earlier methods of community detection will not discover overlapping communities properly and we offered suggestions for resolving them.
Influence of cigarette smoking on the Index of Cardiac Electrophysiological Balance in apparently healthy Angolans

Background: Tobacco use accelerates atherosclerosis and is one of the predictors of death from ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden death. A new non-invasive parameter, the Index of Cardiac Electrophysiological Balance (iCEB) between depolarization and repolarization of the action potential, was considered a new biomarker for the identification of patients at increased arrhythmic risk. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the iCEB in apparently healthy Angolans with habitual cigarette smoking compared to non-smokers. Subjects and methods: Data were obtained from the CardioBengo study, a cross-sectional community-based study in which a random sample of individuals aged between 15 and 84 years was selected. In total, 214 apparently healthy subjects, 102 smokers, and 112 non-smokers in the same age group were included in the final analysis. Results: The average age of the participants was 42.17 ± 13.04 years old and 26.6% of the sample was female. Smoking subjects had higher iCEB and corrected Index of Cardiac Electrophysiological Balance (iCEBc) values compared with non-smoking controls (4.39 vs. 4.25; p = 0.024, respectively), and (4.74 vs. 4.57; p = 0.030, respectively). Conclusions: In summary, iCEB and iCEBc were significantly higher in habitual smokers than in nonsmokers, which represents an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmogenesis in healthy habitual smokers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study performed in Africa to evaluate iCEB in smokers, making this type of study very important in low- and middle-income countries in the context of epidemiological transition.
Dynamic Magma Systems: Implications for Forecasting Volcanic Activity

Magma systems that supply volcanoes can extend throughout the crust and consist of mush (melt within a crystalline framework) together with ephemeral magma accumulations. Within a crystal-rich mush, slow processes of melt segregation and heat loss alternate with fast processes of destablisation and magma transport. Magma chambers form by two mechanisms: incremental magma intrusion into sub-solidus rocks or the segregation and rapid merging of melt-rich layers within mush regions. Three volcanic states reflect alternations of slow and fast processes: dormancy, unrest and eruption. Monitoring needs to detect processes of melt and fluid movements in the lower and middle crust during destabilisation to improve forecasting.
An Exploration of Dietary Strategies for Hypertension Management: A Narrative Review

This review aims to clarify the influence of various nutritional approaches in the management of hypertension. An extensive search of databases, namely, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science, was performed, covering the period from January 2012 to October 2023. We used keywords, such as "hypertension," "nutrition," "nutritional management," "nutrient intake," "dietary strategies," "DASH diet," "Mediterranean diet," and related terms. Hypertension, a grave global health concern, affects more than one billion people worldwide. Lifestyle modifications, including nutritional strategies, are important in non-pharmacological interventions. Dietary patterns, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean diets, which emphasize fruit and vegetable consumption, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing blood pressure. Certain nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, have significant effects on blood pressure. The mechanisms underlying these dietary strategies include vasodilation, improvement in endothelial function, regulation of sodium balance, and mitigation of oxidative stress. However, successful implementation of these strategies can be hindered by various factors, such as adherence challenges, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural preferences. In conclusion, robust evidence supports the effectiveness of nutritional strategies in the management of hypertension. DASH and Mediterranean diets, along with an increased intake of specific nutrients, contribute to blood pressure reduction. Hence, comprehensive lifestyle modifications, with a focus on nutritional changes, are recommended as primary or complementary treatments for hypertension. Addressing the identified barriers could enhance the efficacy and use of these dietary approaches in clinical practice.
Temperature Dependent Reflectance and Ellipsometry Studies on a CsPbBr3 Single Crystal

Inorganic halide perovskites have attracted enormous interest in recent years owing to their remarkable properties for next-generation optoelectronics. Yet their basic optical properties have been rarely explored, which failed to meet the demand of accelerating the progress of this emerging field. In this work, temperature dependent reflection spectroscopy and ellipsometry were carried out on a CsPbBr3 bulk perovskite single crystal. Two discernible optical transitions at around 2.4 and 3.4 eV with opposite temperature dependence are observed, indicating the complexity of the carrier-phonon scattering process in perovskites. The intrinsic transition energy, exciton–phonon interaction, exciton polariton and strong oscillator strength (∼1.3 × 1030 rad2/s2) of the three-dimensional Wannier–Mott excitons are revealed. We have acquired by ellipsometry measurement the wavelength dependent dielectric constants and the complex refractive indices that are vital for informed optical designs to achieve device perfor.
Effects of Dual-Release Hydrocortisone on Bone Metabolism in Primary and Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: A 6-Year Study

Abstract Context Patients with primary (PAI) and secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) experience bone metabolism alterations, possibly due to excessive replacement. Dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) has shown promising effects on several parameters, but bone metabolism has seldom been investigated. Objective We evaluated the long-term effects of once-daily DR-HC on bone in PAI and SAI. Methods Patients on immediate-release glucocorticoid therapy were evaluated before and up to 6 years (range, 4-6) after switching to equivalent doses of DR-HC, yielding data on bone turnover markers, femoral and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), and trabecular bone score (TBS). Results Thirty-two patients (19 PAI, 18 female), median age 52 years (39.4-60.7), were included. At baseline, osteopenia was observed in 38% of patients and osteoporosis in 9%, while TBS was at least partially degraded in 41.4%. Higher body surface area–adjusted glucocorticoid doses predicted worse neck (P < .001) and total hip BMD (P < .001). Longitudinal analysis showed no significant change in BMD. TBS showed a trend toward decrease (P = .090). Bone markers were stable, albeit osteocalcin levels significantly varied. PAI and SAI subgroups behaved similarly, as did patients switching from hydrocortisone or cortisone acetate. Compared with men, women exhibited worse decline in TBS (P = .017) and a similar trend for neck BMD (P = .053). Conclusion After 6 years of chronic DR-HC replacement, BMD and bone markers remained stable. TBS decline is more likely due to an age-related derangement of bone microarchitecture rather than a glucocorticoid effect. Our data confirm the safety of DR-HC replacement on bone health in both PAI and SAI patients.
Plowprint: Tracking Cumulative Cropland Expansion to Target Grassland Conservation

Conversion of grassland to cropland has accelerated over the past decade due to high crop prices, government incentives, and a growing global human population. Conversion of grasslands leads to loss of habitat and threatens the ability of the land to provide ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and reduced erosion. We developed a method for identifying remaining intact habitat across the Mississippi River Basin–Great Plains area by stacking subsequent years of the Cropland Data Layer (United States) and Annual Crop Inventory (Canada). We call the resulting cumulative plowed lands the “plowprint. ” The total size of the plowprint increased by 27,159,278 ha from 2009 to 2013. As of 2013, approximately one-third of the study area had been plowed. We conclude that developing the ability to monitor cumulative change over time will allow disparate agencies and organizations to align their goals, strategies, and activities, and to measure progress in a uniform way.
Modeling the Effects of Projected Sea Level Rise on Water Quality in Coastal Bangladesh

Climate models show that Bangladesh will experience high rates of change in temperature, precipitation, runoff, and local sea level rise rates by 2100. Sea level rise will result in the degradation of groundwater quality by causing vertical infiltration of brackish water from tidal channels and lateral intrusion of seawater into aquifers from the ocean. It is also likely that sea level rise will cause an increase in pH and ionic concentrations of the groundwater, which may result in the mobilization of arsenic into the water as a result of ionic competition for sorbing sites. Sea level rise maps were produced using Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data for sea level rise scenarios at 1 meter, 2 meters, and 5 meters and results indicate that populations of 28 million, 39 million, and 71 million people living in inundated zones will be affected, respectively. An examination of water quality data from the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and British Geological Survey (BGS) wells show that the water type is highly variable, with Na-Ca-Mg-HCO3 as the dominant water type and Na-Cl type in some wells close to the Bay of Bengal and tidal channels. Surface water salinity shows that all locations have a higher salinity in the dry season than in the wet season; Regional Climate Models (RCMs) and Global Climate Models (GCMs) for the region suggest that the dry seasons will become drier and wet seasons will become wetter, which is likely to exacerbate the problems of water salinization during dry seasons or droughts. Groundwater salinity distribution maps were produced for both shallow and deep wells and indicate that the shallow aquifer has a higher mean (4517 mg/l) and wider range (96 to 25,422 mg/l) of TDS concentrations than the mean (1213
Evaluating Nutritional Risk Factors for Delirium in Intensive-Care-Unit Patients: Present Insights and Prospects for Future Research

Malnutrition, hypercatabolism, and metabolic changes are well-established risk factors for delirium in critically ill patients. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, there is mounting evidence suggesting that malnutrition can cause a variety of changes that contribute to delirium, such as electrolyte imbalances, immune dysfunction, and alterations in drug metabolism. Therefore, a comprehensive metabolic and malnutrition assessment, along with appropriate nutritional support, may help to prevent or ameliorate malnutrition, reduce hypercatabolism, and improve overall physiological function, ultimately lowering the risk of delirium. For this aim, bioelectrical impedance analysis can represent a valuable strategy. Further research into the underlying mechanisms and nutritional risk factors for delirium is crucial to developing more effective prevention strategies. Understanding these processes will allow clinicians to personalize treatment plans for individual patients, leading to improved outcomes and quality of life in the intensive-care-unit survivors.
Exploration, exploitation and innovation performance: Disentangling environmental dynamism

Environmental dynamism has recently attracted the attention of scholars studying the relationships between exploration and exploitation strategies and innovation performance. Surprisingly, although extant research has already acknowledged its multidimensional character, it has only been analyzed in an aggregate fashion. In this paper, we distinguish two components of environmental dynamism, the pace of market evolution and the pace of technology evolution, and we elaborate on their different impacts in the context of exploration and exploitation strategies. More precisely, we argue that while a rapid pace of technology evolution has opposite impacts on the relationships between exploration (positive), exploitation (negative) and innovation performance, a rapid pace of market evolution positively affects both exploration and exploitation. Our findings provide substantial support for our prediction using a large panel of Spanish innovating firms for the period 2008-2012.
An integrative approach to species delimitation sinks three Chinese limestone karst Elatostema (Urticaceae) species

﻿Abstract Elatostema is recognized as a taxonomically difficult group due to the reduced nature of the tiny flowers and inflorescences, also the large number of species (ca 650 to 700). Different opinions on morphological species delimitation have resulted in instability, which is problematic in such a speciose group. In this paper, the taxonomic status of three putative species, E.robustipes, E.scaposum, E.conduplicatum and their hypothetical closest relatives, was revised using morphological and molecular observations. Morphological comparison suggested high similarity between E.robustipes & E.retrohirtum, E.scaposum & E.oblongifolium, E.conduplicatum & E.coriaceifolium, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses of four universal DNA barcodes (ITS, trnH-psbA, matK and rbcL) suggested that each species pair represents a single evolutionary lineage. Taking these two findings together, we propose E.robustipes to be a synonym of E.retrohirtum, E.scaposum a synonym of E.oblongifolium, and E.conduplicatum a synonym of E.coriaceifolium. Our results recover the number, shape and size of the bracts and bracteoles to be relatively stable characters, and the disposition of the male inflorescences on modified stems to be an unstable character, unsuitable for species delimitation in Elatostema.