Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Resistance Arteriolar Tone: Integration of Multiple Mechanisms

Introduction: Physiological system complexity represents an imposing challenge to gaining insight into how arteriolar behavior emerges. Further, mechanistic complexity in arteriolar tone regulation requires that a systematic determination of how these processes interact to alter vascular diameter be undertaken. Methods: The present study evaluated the reactivity of ex vivo proximal and in situ distal resistance arterioles in skeletal muscle with challenges across the full range of multiple physiologically relevant stimuli and determined the stability of responses over progressive alterations to each other parameter. The five parameters chosen for examination were (1) metabolism (adenosine concentration), (2) adrenergic activation (norepinephrine concentration), (3) myogenic activation (intravascular pressure), (4) oxygen (superfusate PO2), and (5) wall shear rate (altered intraluminal flow). Vasomotor tone of both arteriole groups following challenge with individual parameters was determined; subsequently, responses were determined following all two- and three-parameter combinations to gain deeper insight into how stimuli integrate to change arteriolar tone. A hierarchical ranking of stimulus significance for establishing arteriolar tone was performed using mathematical and statistical analyses in conjunction with machine learning methods. Results: Results were consistent across methods and indicated that metabolic and adrenergic influences were most robust and stable across all conditions. While the other parameters individually impact arteriolar tone, their impact can be readily overridden by the two dominant contributors. Conclusion: These data suggest that mechanisms regulating arteriolar tone are strongly affected by acute changes to the local environment and that ongoing investigation into how microvessels integrate stimuli regulating tone will provide a more thorough understanding of arteriolar behavior emergence across physiological and pathological states.
Gender, Socioeconomic, and Health Characteristics Associated to Dermatological Visits in Italy: Secondary Analysis of a National Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Very few studies have investigated possible role of sociodemographic factors in terms of differences in access to dermatologic visits, and almost all of them have been conducted in health system realities where insurance companies play an important role in terms of access to healthcare providers. To our knowledge in Italy, there is lack of studies carried out with the aim to investigate possible role of sociodemographic factors regarding differences in outpatient dermatologic use for a variety of dermatologic conditions. Indeed, some investigations have been focused on specific dermatologic conditions without analyzing the big and extremely wide picture of skin diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze possible variables associated with tendency to access dermatological visits. Methods: We analyzed data from the multipurpose Italian cross-sectional Health Interview Survey routinely carried out by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT). Mixed effect logistic regression models have been built to evaluate factors independently associated with dermatological visit. Results: Of the 119,073 subjects, only 2.3% underwent a dermatological visit. People older than 44 years old are less likely of undergoing a dermatological visit as well as people married/cohabiting, separated/divorced, and widowed, with low economic resources and living in southern and islands areas. Upper education levels are associated to increased probability of having a dermatological visit as well as lowering class of self-perceived health status and living in northern and central areas. Conclusion: This study shows an association between the odds of having dermatological visits and some sociodemographic factors. This could generate possible health disparities in dermatological disease outcomes.
Continuous corn with moldboard tillage: Residue and fertility effects on soil carbon

ABSTRACT: Greenhouse gas emissions from soil depend on land use, cropping systems, and tillage methods. The impact of 30 years of continuous corn (Zea mays L.) with moldboard plow tillage was evaluated from four treatments and a control: silage removal versus grain removal, each with low [83 kg N ha−1 (74 lb N ac−1)] and high [166 kg N ha−1 (148 lb N ac−1)] fertility, and no added fertilizer with grain removal. Soil organic carbon (SOC) changes over a 30-yr period were measured, as well as tillage-induced CO2 loss immediately after moldboard plowing, in the spring of 1996. The 24 h cumulative tillage-induced CO2 loss was not significantly different among treatments (excluding the control). Total C, total N, and C:N ratio in the soil remained virtually unchanged after 30 yr in fertilized treatments. All four treatments produced the same SOC content [21.9 g kg−1 (2.2%)] in the 0 - 20 cm (0 - 8 in) depth. The cumulative total input of 241 Mg ha−1 (107 t ac−1) of aboveground stover from the high fertility grain treatment, compared to none from the high fertility silage treatment, yielded no differences in SOC. Fertilizer N rates of 83 and 166 kg ha−1 (74 and 148 lb ac−1) produced no difference in SOC or associated C:N ratios. Moldboard plow tillage caused rapid soil degassing that masked fertilizer and stover removal and/or return effects on SOC. This uncontrolled SOC decline agreed with other studies in this region, indicating that the soils were sources of CO2 regardless of other agronomic practices, as long as moldboard plow tillage was used.
Remote Connection of the Northeast Asian Summer Rainfall Variation Revealed by a Newly Defined Monsoon Index

Abstract A new northeast Asian summer monsoon index is introduced to investigate the characteristics of the northeast Asian summer rainfall variation, including Korea, Japan, and northeast China, and its possible connection to the tropical and midlatitude circulations. The summer precipitation over northeast Asia is separated into two components associated with tropical forcing and midlatitude dynamics using this monsoon index. The connection between the northeast Asian summer rainfall and ENSO is clearly identified by separating the Tropics-related component from the northeast Asian summer rainfall. That is, the Tropics-related precipitation over northeast Asia tends to be enhanced after the mature phase of El Nino. On the other hand, it is revealed that the extratropics-related component of summer precipitation is connected to the Eurasian wave pattern with no significant lag correlation. The intensity of the western North Pacific anticyclone modulated by ENSO is a key factor in the variation of the nor.
The roles of DGAT1 and DGAT2 in human myotubes are dependent on donor patho‐physiological background

The roles of DGAT1 and DGAT2 in lipid metabolism and insulin responsiveness of human skeletal muscle were studied using cryosections and myotubes prepared from muscle biopsies from control, athlete, and impaired glucose regulation (IGR) cohorts of men. The previously observed increases in intramuscular triacylglycerol (IMTG) in athletes and IGR were shown to be related to an increase in lipid droplet (LD) area in type I fibers in athletes but, conversely, in type II fibers in IGR subjects. Specific inhibition of both diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) 1 and 2 decreased fatty acid (FA) uptake by myotubes, whereas only DGAT2 inhibition also decreased fatty acid oxidation. Fatty acid uptake in myotubes was negatively correlated with the lactate thresholds of the respective donors. DGAT2 inhibition lowered acetate uptake and oxidation in myotubes from all cohorts whereas DGAT1 inhibition had no effect. A positive correlation between acetate oxidation in myotubes and resting metabolic rate (RMR) from fatty acid oxidation in vivo was observed. Myotubes from athletes and IGR had higher rates of de novo lipogenesis from acetate that were normalized by DGAT2 inhibition. Moreover, DGAT2 inhibition in myotubes also resulted in increased insulin‐induced Akt phosphorylation. The differential effects of DGAT1 and DGAT2 inhibition suggest that the specialized role of DGAT2 in esterifying nascent diacylglycerols and de novo synthesized FA is associated with synthesis of a pool of triacylglycerol, which upon hydrolysis results in effectors that promote mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation but decrease insulin signaling in skeletal muscle cells.
Adjuvants to prevent reformation of adhesions following adhesiolysis for Asherman syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Two international guidelines published on the management of Asherman syndrome (AS) have made recommendations on various adjuvant methods to prevent intrauterine reformation. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these methods when used in primary or secondary prevention settings is different. Our aim is to assess the effectiveness of various adjuvant methods for the secondary prevention of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs). Articles were considered eligible if they included subjects with AS before surgery and compared a chosen method with either a control or a comparison group (using another method). The primary outcome was the IUA reformation rate at follow-up hysteroscopy. A total of 29 studies [15 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 14 cohort studies] were included. Adhesion reformation with various methods to prevented IUA reformation when compared with controls were: second-look hysteroscopy: [risk ratio (RR): 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05–0.90 (p = 0.02)]; intrauterine contraceptive device: RR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.36–1.12 (p = 0.12); continuous intrauterine balloon: RR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.05–0.68 (p = 0.01); intermittent intrauterine balloon: RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31–0.80 (p = 0.004); anti-adhesion gel: RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.58–1.10 (p = 0.17); amnion graft: RR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44–0.91 (p = 0.01).
The Subcortical Default Mode Network and Alzheimer Disease: A systematic review and Activation Likelihood Estimation Meta-Analysis

The default mode network is a central cortical brain network suggested to play a major role in several disorders, and to be particularly vulnerable to the neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimers disease. Subcortical involvement in the default mode network and its alteration in Alzhimers disease remains largely unknown. We performed a systematic review, meta-analysis, and empirical validation of the subcortical default mode network in healthy adults, combined with a systematic review, meta-analysis, and network analysis of the involvement of subcortical default mode areas in Alzheimers disease. Our results show that, besides the well-known cortical default mode network brain regions, the default mode network consistently includes subcortical regions, namely the thalamus, lobule and vermis IX and right Crus I/II of the cerebellum, and the amygdala. Network analysis also suggests the involvement of the caudate nucleus. In Alzheimers disease, we observed a left-lateralized cluster of decrease in functional connectivity which covered the medial temporal lobe and amygdala and showed overlap with the default mode network in a portion covering parts of the left anterior hippocampus and left amygdala. An increase in functional connectivity was also found in the right anterior insula. These results confirm the consistency of subcortical contributions to the default mode network in healthy adults and highlight the relevance of the subcortical default mode network alteration in Alzheimers disease.
The fluorescence‐based competitive counterflow assay developed for organic anion transporting polypeptides 1A2, 1B1, 1B3 and 2B1 identifies pentamidine as a selective OATP1A2 substrate

Organic anion transporting polypeptides OATP1A2, OATP1B1, OATP1B3 and OATP2B1 are Na+‐ and ATP‐independent exchangers of large, organic compounds, encompassing structurally diverse xenobiotics, including various drugs. These OATPs influence intestinal absorption (OATP2B1), hepatic clearance (OATP1B1/3) and blood to brain penetration (OATP1A2, OATP2B1) of their drug substrates. Consequently, OATP‐mediated drug or food interactions may lead to altered pharmacokinetics and toxicity. During drug development, investigation of hepatic OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 is recommended by international regulatory agencies. Most frequently, OATP‐drug interactions are investigated in an indirect assay, i.e., by examining uptake inhibition of a radioactive or fluorescent probe. However, indirect assays do not distinguish between transported substrates and non‐transported OATP inhibitors. To fill this hiatus, a novel assay, termed competitive counterflow (CCF) has been developed and has since been applied for several OATPs to differentiate between substrates and non‐transported inhibitors. However, previous OATP CCF assays, with the exception of that for OATP1B1, used radioactive probes. In the current study, we demonstrate that sulforhodamine 101 or pyranine can be used as fluorescent probes in a CCF assay to identify transported substrates of OATP1A2, or OATPs 1B1, 1B3 and 2B1, respectively. With the help of the newly developed fluorescence‐based CCF method, we identify the FDA‐approved anti‐protozoal drug, pentamidine as a unique substrate of OATP1A2. Furthermore, we confirm the selective, OATP1A2‐mediated uptake of pentamidine in a cytotoxicity assay. Based on our results, OATP1A2 may be an important determinant of pentamidine transport through the blood–brain barrier.
Numerical modelling of an evolving gold-lode system: structural and lithological controls on ore-shoot formation in the Magdala goldmine, western Victoria

Variable distribution of elevated gold grades in the Magdala Central Lode system is controlled by preferential and localised reactivation of pre-existing faults in a progressively rotating stress field. Populations of slickenline lineations on fault surfaces in combination with extension vein arrays associated with the faults indicate Central Lode formed initially during southwest – northeast compression, but was subsequently locally reactivated during east – west compression on lower angle fault segments to produce a series of ore-shoots within the overall lode system. A series of 2D cross-section numerical models have been used to examine how deformation and fluid flow are portioned at different stages of the lode evolution. Models have been constructed in the plane estimated to contain maximum and minimum principal stresses during the events leading up to, and during, mineralisation as indicated by the lineation and extension vein data. Results of the models show that during southwest – northeast compression, a major shear zone forms along the boundary between the Stawell Facies and the overlying Albion Formation consistent with the extent and location of the Central Lode Shear Zone. In a second series of models it is shown that during east – west compression, shear failure is considerably more localised to regions overlying lower angle lithological contacts. This localisation of shear failure in these east – west compression models shows strong correlation with the distribution of gold in grade shell models, confirming the structural and lithological factors identified as controlling the mineralisation.
Modeling and Hindcasting of the Mass Balance of Werenskioldbreen (Southern Svalbard)

Abstract The authors propose a model of glacial mass balance based on correlations with meteorological observations and data from climate re-analysis. The minimum input data required include the following: average monthly temperature on the glacier and in its vicinity during summertime for a reference time period, average monthly air temperature, and average precipitation total at the nearest weather station or from re-analysis. This model was used to hindcast the mass balance and its components at Werenskioldbreen (southern Svalbard) over the period 1912–2005. The hindcast specific mass balance was then used to estimate the change in the thickness of the snout of Werenskioldbreen over the period 1958–1990. These results were compared with results obtained using a cartographic method. Comparing the topographic maps, the glacier front lowered 28.7 m on average over 32 years. The average difference in the calculation of the change in glacier thickness between these two methods amounted to 3.7 m (based on meteorological data) and 0.2 m (using ERA-40). The discrepancy of less than 13% confirmed that the method is a reasonably accurate way of predicting past glacier mass balance. The proposed method can find a broad application in hindcasting the mass balances of small Svalbard glaciers where observation data are scarce or nonexistent.
Natural history and surgical outcome of incidentally discovered clinically nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas

Objectives The incidental diagnosis of nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPMAs) is becoming more prevalent with the spread of modern brain imaging techniques. We sought to uncover new data about their natural history and surgical outcome. Design This is a retrospective single-center observational study. Methods Among 210 patients seen for a NFPMA between 2010 and 2019, 70 (33%) were discovered incidentally (i-NFPMA). We analyzed outcomes in a total of 65 patients with available follow-up data. Results Mean age at diagnosis (± s.d.) was 60 ± 14 years and mean maximal diameter was 20.0 ± 7.3 mm. At diagnosis, 29 patients (45%) had pituitary hormone deficits (LH/FSH 41%, TSH 29%, ACTH 15%) and 12% had visual field deficits. 26 patients underwent initial surgery, while 12 had delayed surgery after initial surveillance. In the surveillance group, the risk of tumor growth was estimated at 10%/year. Patients with hormonal deficits at diagnosis experienced earlier growth at 24 months (P < 0.02). Overall, surgical resection of the i-NFPMA led to stable or improved endocrine function in 91% of patients, with only 6% postoperative permanent diabetes insipidus. Moreover, surgery was more effective in preserving intact endocrine function (10/12) than restoring altered endocrine function to normal (6/22, P = 0.03). Conclusion About one-third of NFPMAs are now discovered incidentally and a significant subset may be responsible for unrecognized endocrine and visual deficits. Under surveillance the risk of further tumor growth is significant (10%/year) and seems to occur faster in patients already harboring an endocrine deficit. Early surgical removal before onset of endocrine deficits appears to lead to better endocrine outcome.
Farm management and economic factors associated with bulk tank total bacterial count in Holstein dairy herds in Iran

Abstract The objectives of this research were (1) to study different factors affecting milk total bacterial count (TBC) and (2) to estimate the economic value associated with TBC in Holstein dairy herds in Iran. The relationships between bulk tank TBC and farm management and economic factors were examined on 56 randomly selected intensive dairy farms. Herd management factors associated with bulk tank TBC were determined using mixed linear models. The median bulk tank TBC for the sample herds was 299 (range 81–1185) × 103 cfu/ml. The average economic premium opportunity from bulk tank TBC was US$ 1.32 per ton of milk ranging from US$ 0.02 per ton of milk for herds applying wet tissue procedures as teat cleaning material and washing the water troughs three times per day to US$ 5.20 per ton of milk for herds with dirty barns. Results showed that the following management factors were associated with low TBC and high economic value: frequency of cleaning water troughs, teat cleaning material, the frequency of milk delivery to the processor, bedding material, herd size, education level of workers, udder washing material, material of milking parlor wall, frequency of disinfection of the calving area, presence of veterinarian, water quality control, having a hospital pen and barn hygiene. In conclusion, our findings highlight the need to pay more attention to farm management issues, particularly farm hygiene practices to reduce milk TBC and so reduce the economic burden of TBC in dairy herds in Iran.
Socially Acquired Nocebo Effects Generalize but Are Not Attenuated by Choice

Abstract Background Socially observing a negative treatment-related experience has been shown to modulate our own experience with the same intervention, leading to worsened health outcomes. However, whether this social learning generalizes to similar but distinct interventions has not been explored nor what manipulations can reduce these effects. Purpose To determine whether socially acquired nocebo effects can be generated by observing a negative experience with a similar, but distinct intervention, and whether choice can reduce these effects. Methods Across three experiments, a community sample of healthy adults (N = 336) either watched a confederate report cybersickness to the same Virtual Reality (VR) activity they were assigned to (Social Modeling: Consistent); a similar, but different VR activity (Social Modeling: Inconsistent); or did not view the confederate (No Social Modeling). Participants were either given choice over the VR (Choice) or assigned by the experimenter (No Choice). Results Across the experiments, there was significantly greater cybersickness in both Social Modeling groups relative to No Social Modeling, while the two Social Modeling groups did not differ. There was no significant effect of Choice or a Choice by Social Modeling interaction. Social Modeling elicited greater anxiety and expectancies for cybersickness. Furthermore, these mechanisms mediated the association between social modeling and cybersickness. Conclusions Socially acquired side-effects were demonstrated to generalize to similar, but distinct interventions, highlighting the diffuse and robust effect social modeling can have on our experiences. However, choice did not attenuate the experience of cybersickness, highlighting the need for alternative methods to counteract the effect of social modeling.
An asymmetric mode of tropical Indian Ocean rainfall variability in boreal spring

[1] An analysis of observational estimates has revealed an asymmetric mode of boreal spring rainfall and wind variability over the tropical Indian Ocean. The asymmetric mode is characterized by opposite rainfall and surface wind anomalies north and south of the equator. This mode is associated with a cross-equatorial gradient in sea surface temperature anomalies. The evolution of this mode is related to air-sea interactions in the tropical Indian Ocean. In particular, surface heat fluxes play an important role in the initiation, development, and decay of this mode. The occurrence of this mode in observations is closely linked to both El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole mode. Coupled general circulation model experiments indicate that this mode can occur in the absence of ENSO. The variability associated with this mode enhances ENSO's teleconnection to the Indian Ocean and affects the seasonal transition in the tropical Indian Ocean.