Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vaccination against GnRH as a prelude to surgical castration of horses.

BACKGROUND Surgical castration is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in horses and is associated with various post-surgical complications ranging in severity. OBJECTIVES We investigated the effects of administering an anti-GnRH vaccine to colts for reduction of testis size on the incidence of complications associated with their subsequent surgical castration. STUDY DESIGN Randomised open controlled trial. METHODS Nineteen colts were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Treatment Groups V1-57 and V2-100 received two treatments of Improvac® (Zoetis, South Africa) before their castration in the field on either Day 57 or Day 100 following first treatment, respectively. Controls similarly received placebo treatments followed by castration on Day 57. Serial measurements of testicular dimensions and serum samples for measuring serum testosterone concentrations (STC) and anti-GnRH antibody titers (ABT) were obtained pre-and post- vaccination and on day of castration. Clinical data recorded for 10 days determined post-surgical complications. RESULTS All vaccinated colts showed a baseline STC concentration at castration with a strong ABT response. Mean testicular volume of Groups V1-57 and V2-100 reduced by 49.7 and 30.8%, respectively on Day 57 and this further reduced in Group V2-100 by 63.9% at castration on Day 100. Testis size was significantly correlated with post-surgical preputial (P=0.001) and scrotal (P=0.025) swelling. MAIN LIMITATIONS A study population of young light-horse breed colts and a relatively small sample size limited this pilot study. CONCLUSIONS Administering two doses of Improvac® in colts 28 days apart prior to castration effectively reduced their testicular volumes with associated significant post-surgical improvement in both the incidence and degree of local swelling. These results may inform mitigation of potential post-surgical complications associated with castration in the field.
Predicting bed voidage in solid-liquid fluidization.

Previously published solid-liquid fluidization data and new experimental data were correlated to develop an explicit expression for bed voidage, e, in solid–liquid systems. Based on the observed deviation between the voidage predicted by the Richardson–Zaki18) equation (eRZ) and the actual voidage, this new correlation assumes the forme = ePK + (1 – ePK)eRZA exp(B(1 – eRZ)where A = 2.2n + 8dP/D and B = 2.1n. ePK is the “packed” bed or the static bed voidage (i.e., e when the superficial liquid veIocity, UL, is zero), n is the Richardson–Zaki18) exponent, and dP/D is the particle diameter-to-column diameter ratio. A total of 811 data points were correlated with Reynolds numbers based on terminal velocity, Ret, ranging from 0.7 to 3200. The correlation satisfactorily predicts voidage with a standard deviation of less than 5%.
Agreement between rebound (Icare ic200) and applanation tonometry (Perkins) in patients with primary congenital glaucoma

To examine agreement between intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements made using the rebound tonometer Icare ic200 (RT200) and the Perkins handheld applanation tonometer (PAT) in patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). The impacts of several covariables on measurements using the two devices were also assessed.
Evaluation of factors related to the success of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether the success of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE), performed in patients with advanced bone maturation is related to factors such as midpalatal suture (MPS) maturation, age, sex, or bicortical mini-implant anchorage. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-eight cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of adults and post-pubertal adolescents treated by MARPE were included in the sample. CBCT images before (T0) and after expansion (T1) were used to evaluate the skeletal changes and the success or failure of MARPE. Axial images of MPS were extracted from T0 and classified into one of the five maturation stages. The correlation between MARPE success and the factors of age, sex, MPS maturation, and bicortical mini-implant anchorage was investigated. RESULTS Only the age showed a statistically significant negative correlation with MARPE success and all the skeletal measures. There was an 83.3% success rate among individuals aged 15 to 19 years, 81.8% from 20 to 29 years, and 20% from 30 to 37 years. MPS maturation showed a negative correlation with the expansion effect. Subjects with stages B or C of MPS maturation showed a 100% success rate, followed by stage D (62.5%) and stage E (58.3%). CONCLUSIONS As age increased, there was a decrease in MARPE success and the skeletal effects of maxillary expansion. Sex and bicortical mini-implant anchorage were not shown to be relevant factors. There was no correlation between MPS maturation and MARPE success; however, it was observed that all cases of MARPE failure were classified as stage D or E of MPS maturation.
Estimation of breeding value, genetic parameters and maternal effects of economic traits in rural male parent line chicken using pedigree relationships in an animal model.

Breeding value (BV), genetic parameters and additive genetic, and maternal effects were evaluated on growth and production traits utilizing data from eight generations employing animal model in a rural male parent line (PD-6) chicken at ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad, India. The least squares means (LSM) for body weight (BW) and shank length (SL) up to 6 weeks of age varied significantly (p ≤ .01) among the generations and hatches. BW increased significantly (p ≤ .01) over the generations and decreased with the hatches. Sex also had a significant effect on BW and shank length except for BW at 0 day (BW0). LSM for BW (BW6) and Shank length (SL6) at 6 weeks of age were 598.84 ± 0.79 g and 74.57 ± 0.04 mm, respectively. Males recorded significantly (p ≤ .01) higher BWs and shank length. All the production traits were significantly (p ≤ .01) influenced by the generation effect. The overall LSM for age at sexual maturity (ASM), egg production at 40 weeks (EP40) and egg weight at 40 weeks (EW40) were 164.93 ± 0.23 days, 74.66 ± 0.40 eggs and 54.79 ± 0.08 g, respectively. Model 3 with additive, maternal permanent environmental and residual effects was the appropriate model for BW2, BW4, BW6, SL4 and SL6, whereas Model 4 with maternal effects was the best for BW0. The heritability estimates for BW6 and SL6 were 0.22 ± 0.02 and 0.18 ± 0.02, respectively. Model 1 with additive direct and residual effects was the best appropriate model for all the production traits. The heritability estimates of EP40 and EW40 were 0.16 ± 0.04 and 0.34 ± 0.05, respectively. BW and shank length were highly correlated with significant (p ≤ .05) positive association from different components. The correlation coefficient from direct additive component between egg production and BW40 was negative, while it was positive with less magnitude between egg production and BW20. The egg production and egg weights had a negative association at different ages. BV of SL6, the primary trait of selection, was significant (p ≤ .05) across the generations and increased linearly with an average genetic gain of 1.05 mm per generation. BV of BW6 was also significant (p ≤ .05) and increased linearly as correlated response with an average genetic response of 22.34 g per generation. BV of EP40 showed an increasing trend with a genetic gain of 0.02 eggs per generation. The EW 40 also increased linearly with an average genetic gain of 0.06 g. The average inbreeding coefficient of the population was 0.015. The study concluded that the population was in ideal status with a linearly increasing trend of average BV with negligible inbreeding over the eight generations of selection.
Management of refractory angina: an update.

Despite the use of anti-anginal drugs and/or percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting, the proportion of patients with coronary artery disease who have daily or weekly angina ranges from 2% to 24%. Refractory angina refers to long-lasting symptoms (for >3 months) due to established reversible ischaemia, which cannot be controlled by escalating medical therapy with the use of 2nd- and 3rd-line pharmacological agents, bypass grafting, or stenting. While there is uncertain prognostic benefit, the treatment of refractory angina is important to improve the quality of life of the patients affected. This review focuses on conventional pharmacological approaches to treating refractory angina, including guideline directed drug combination and dosages. The symptomatic and prognostic impact of advanced and novel revascularization strategies such as chronic total occlusion PCI, transmyocardial laser revascularization, coronary sinus occlusion, radiation therapy for recurrent restenosis, and spinal cord stimulation are also covered and recommendations of the 2019 ESC Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Coronary Syndromes discussed. Finally, the potential clinical use of current angiogenetic and stem cell therapies in reducing ischaemia and/or pain is evaluated.
Self‐Injurious behavior in rhesus macaques: Issues and challenges

Some monkeys housed in research facilities develop abnormal behavior ranging from stereotypic to the more serious condition of self‐injurious behavior (SIB). We initially sought to understand how and why monkeys engaged in SIB and more importantly why only a small percentage of laboratory monkeys, with seemingly similar housing and background, developed this disorder. Of particular importance was the recognition that different pathways might lead to SIB and that strong individual differences would affect the manifestation of this disorder and the response to treatment. We developed a comprehensive plan to identify effective treatment and prevention strategies. We started with characterizing the disorder in terms of prevalence and types of environments in which it was found. We then conducted observations on a cohort of SIB and control monkeys to identify conditions associated with SIB (e.g., disordered sleep) as well as clinical disease states and congenital defects that could be precipitating factors. We examined the environmental events that triggered episodes of SIB in monkeys with the disorder and evaluated three models that might explain the reinforcement contingencies associated with SIB, including tension reduction, self‐stimulation, and social communication. Possible treatments for SIB such as environmental enrichment, social housing, and pharmacotherapy were tested by our group and others. To date, no single treatment has been found to abolish SIB, and each of these treatments is impacted by individual differences. To develop possible prevention strategies, we examined colony management and health records to find risk factors for SIB. These risk factors generalized to other facilities, and considerable effort was expended by all behavioral managers at these facilities to reduce early life stress exposure, to minimize the length of individual cage housing by emphasizing pair housing, and to reduce the possible stressfulness of various veterinary/medical procedures by implementing positive reinforcement training.
Can Online Communication Prevent Depression Among Older People? A Longitudinal Analysis

Evidence on the association between internet usage and incidence of depression remains mixed. We examined the associations between different categories of internet usage and developing clinical depression. We used data from the 2013 and 2016 waves of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) comprising 12,333 physically and cognitively independent adults aged ≥65 years. Participants were engaged in seven categories of internet usage: communication with friends/family, social media, information collection about health/medicine, searching for medical facilities, purchase of drugs and vitamins, shopping, and banking. We found that internet use for communication had a protective influence on the probability of developing clinical depression defined as the Geriatric Depression Scale scores ≥5 or self-reported diagnosed depression. Our findings support the role of online communication with friends/family in preventing clinical depression among older people. Online communication could be particularly useful in the COVID-19 crisis because many families are geographically dispersed and/or socially distanced.
A two-stage Generalized Method of Moments model for feedback with time-dependent covariates

Correlated observations in longitudinal studies are often due to repeated measures on the subjects. Additionally, correlation may be realized due to the association between responses at a particular time and the predictors at earlier times. There are also feedback effects (relation between responses in the present and the covariates at a later time), though these are not always relevant and are often ignored. All these cases of correlation must be accounted for as they can have different effects on the regression coefficients. Several authors have provided models that reflect the direct and delayed impact of covariates on the response, utilizing valid moment conditions to estimate the relevant regression coefficients. However, there are applications when one cannot ignore the effect of the responses on future covariates. A two-stage model to account for the feedback, modeling the direct as well as the delayed effects of the covariates on future responses and vice versa is presented. The use of the two-stage model is demonstrated by revisiting child morbidity and its impact on future values of body mass index using Philippines health data. Also, obesity status and its feedback effects on physical activity and depression levels using the Add Health dataset are analyzed.
Newborn anthropometry, maternal capital, and altitude in the highland population from the province of Jujuy, Argentina.

OBJECTIVE To analyze variability in newborn (NB) anthropometry among Jujenean NBs as a function of geographic altitude (500 m to ≈4000 masl), maternal anthropometry and other maternal characteristics within the maternal capital framework. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data obtained from 41,371 mother/child pairs recorded in the Jujuy Perinatal Information System (SIP) between 2009 and 2014, including: NB and maternal weight, length/height and BMI; gestational age (corrected); maternal age, educational level, nutritional status, and marital status; birth interval; and planned pregnancy. Based on the declared place of residence, the prevalence of unsatisfied basic needs (% UBN) was determined and the data was split into two altitudinal groups: highlands (HL, >2500 masl) and lowlands (LL, <2500 masl). ANOVA, Chi-squared and Pearson tests were applied as needed. Statistical associations between the response variables-NB weight, length and BMI-and maternal and environmental variables were tested using a Generalized Additive Mixed Model (GAMM). RESULTS All NB and maternal anthropometric variables were lower in HL compared to LL; they also presented negative correlations with altitude, except NB length. Apart from gestational age and birth interval, HL and LL presented statistically significant differences in all study variables. GAMM results showed that maternal anthropometry was the main influence on NB weight and length. DISCUSSION Of all the maternal capital features examined, only maternal anthropometric variables were found to protect offspring against the negative impact of HL environments.
Clinical effectiveness of anorganic bovine-derived hydroxyapatite matrix/cell-binding peptide grafts for regeneration of periodontal defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: To ascertain clinical effectiveness of anorganic bovine-derived hydroxyapatite matrix/cell-binding peptide (ABM/P-15) for regeneration of periodontal defects. Materials & methods: Electronic databases (National Library of Medicine [Medline by PubMed], Cochrane Library [Wiley], CINAHL [EBSCO] and Medline [EBSCO]) were systematically searched up to December 2019. Randomized controlled clinical trials comparing ABM/P-15 grafts to conventional surgery for intrabony and gingival recession defects were included and evaluated intrabony defects including clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth and gingival recession. Results: A significant gain in CAL (1.37 mm), and reduction in probing depth (1.22 mm) were shown by ABM/P-15 grafts than open flap debridement (p < 0.00001). The subgroup analysis also showed better results for ABM/P-15 grafts in CAL gain for intrabony defects. For furcation and gingival recession defects, no significant difference was seen. Conclusion: The adjunct use of ABM/P-15 grafts in conventional periodontal surgery is useful for periodontal regeneration of intrabony defects.
“Treasure Your Exceptions”—Studying Human Extreme Phenotypes to Illuminate Metabolic Health and Disease: The 2019 Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement Lecture

The study of humans with genetic mutations which lead to a substantial disturbance of physiological processes has made a contribution to biomedical science that is disproportionate to the rarity of affected individuals. In this lecture, I discuss examples of where such studies have helped to illuminate two areas of human metabolism. First, the control of insulin sensitivity and its disruption in states of insulin resistance and second, the regulation of energy balance and its disturbances in obesity.
Mortality Benefits and Control Costs of Improving Air Quality in Mexico City: The Case of Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicles

Diesel vehicles are significant contributors to air pollution in Mexico City. We estimate the costs and mortality benefits of retrofitting heavy‐duty vehicles with particulate filters and oxidation catalysts. The feasibility and cost‐effectiveness of controls differ by vehicle model‐year and type. We evaluate 1985 to 2014 model‐year vehicles from 10 vehicle classes and five model‐year groups. Our analysis shows that retrofitting all vehicles with the control that maximizes expected net benefits for that vehicle type and model‐year group has the potential to reduce emissions of primary fine particles (PM2.5) by 950 metric tons/year; cut the population‐weighted annual mean concentration of PM2.5 in Mexico City by 0.90 µg/m3; reduce the annual number of deaths attributable to air pollution by over 80; and generate expected annual health benefits of close to 250 million US$. These benefits outweigh expected costs of 92 million US$ per year. Diesel retrofits are but one step that should viewed in the context of other efforts––such as development of an integrated public transportation system, promotion of the rational use of cars, reduction of emissions from industrial sources and fires, and redesign of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area to reduce urban sprawl––that must be analyzed and implemented to substantially control air pollution and protect public health. Even if considering other potential public health interventions, which would offer greater benefits at the same or lower costs, only by conducting, promoting, and publishing this sort of analyses, we can make strides to improve public health cost‐effectively.
Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Health Care Personnel Working in a Pediatric COVID-19 Unit.

OBJECTIVES: The paucity of symptoms and the difficulties in wearing personal protective equipment make children a potential source of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection for health care workers (HCWs). Previous experience in pediatric settings reported high rate of intrahospital SARS-CoV-2 transmission in HCWs caring for children. We aimed at investigating the rate and determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs working in a regional reference center in the Southern Italy. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted to monitor the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs and investigate the relation between the infection rate and hours of exposure or number and characteristics of procedures, including nasopharyngeal swab, high-flow oxygen delivery, suctioning of airway secretions, sputum induction, and nebulizer administration. RESULTS: After 5 months of monitoring, 425.6 hours of SARS-CoV-2 exposure (18.5 hours per person), and 920 hospital procedures, no case of nosocomial transmission was reported among the 23 HCWs enrolled in the study. CONCLUSIONS: The application of stringent preventive measures, also outside the area dedicated to patients' care, can effectively control infection spreading also in pediatric settings.
Does continuous positive airways pressure treatment improve clinical depression in obstructive sleep apnea? A randomized wait‐list controlled study

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent sleep disorder that is associated with a range of adverse daytime sequelae, including significantly higher rates of clinical depression than is seen in the general community. Improvements in depressive symptoms occur after treatment of the primary sleep disorder, suggesting that comorbid depression might be an intrinsic feature of OSA. However, there are limited data on whether treatment for OSA in patients diagnosed with clinical depression improves mood symptoms meaningfully enough to lead to the remission of the psychiatric diagnosis.