Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variability of Regional Quadriceps Architecture in Trained Men Assessed by B-Mode and Extended Field Ultrasonography.

PURPOSE Regional muscle architecture measures are reported widely; however, little is known about the variability of these measurements in the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and anterior and lateral vastus intermedius. Quantifying this variability provides the purpose of this paper. METHODS Regional muscle thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA) and calculated and extended field of view (EFOV) fascicle length (FL) were quantified using ultrasonography in 26 participants across 51 limbs, on three occasions. To quantify variability, the typical error of measurement (TEM) was multiplied by two, and thresholds of 0.2-0.6 (small), 0.6-1.2 (moderate), 1.2-2.0 (large), 2.0-4.0 (very large) and >4.0 (extremely large) applied. Additionally, variability was deemed large when the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was <0.67 and coefficient of variation (CV) >10%; moderate when ICC>0.67 or CV<10% (but not both); and small when both ICC>0.67 and CV<10%. RESULTS MT of all muscles and regions had low to moderate variability (ICC=0.88-0.98, CV=2.4-9.3%, TEM=0.15-0.47). PA of the proximal and distal vastus lateralis (ICC=0.85-0.96, CV=3.8-8%) had low variability and moderate to large TEM (TEM=0.42-0.83). PA of the rectus femoris was found to have moderate to very large variability (ICC=0.38-0.74, CV=11.4-18.5, TEM=0.61-1.29) regardless of region. Extended field of view derived FL (ICC=0.57-0.94, CV=4.1-11.5%, TEM=0.26-0.88) was superior to calculated FL (ICC=0.37-0.84, CV=7.4-17.9%, TEM=0.44-1.33). CONCLUSIONS Variability of MT was low in all quadriceps muscles and regions. Only rectus femoris PA and FL measurements were highly variable. The EFOV technique should be utilized to assess FL where possible. Inferences based on rectus femoris architecture should be interpreted with caution.
Ubiquitin-mediated proteasome degradation regulates optic fissure fusion

ABSTRACT Optic fissure fusion is a critical event during retinal development. Failure of fusion leads to coloboma, a potentially blinding congenital disorder. Pax2a is an essential regulator of optic fissure fusion and the target of numerous morphogenetic pathways. In our current study, we examined the negative regulator of pax2a expression, Nz2, and the mechanism modulating Nlz2 activity during optic fissure fusion. Upregulation of Nlz2 in zebrafish embryos resulted in downregulation of pax2a expression and fissure fusion failure. Conversely, upregulation of pax2a expression also led to fissure fusion failure suggesting Pax2 levels require modulation to ensure proper fusion. Interestingly, we discovered Nlz2 is a target of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Siah. We show that zebrafish siah1 expression is regulated by Hedgehog signaling and that Siah1 can directly target Nlz2 for proteasomal degradation, in turn regulating the levels of pax2a mRNA. Finally, we show that both activation and inhibition of Siah activity leads to failure of optic fissure fusion dependent on ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation of Nlz2. In conclusion, we outline a novel, proteasome-mediated degradation regulatory pathway involved in optic fissure fusion. Summary: Optic fissure fusion, a key retinal morphogenic event highly sensitive to developmental signaling, is directly regulated by ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation uncovering a novel regulatory pathway potentially correlated to incidence of coloboma.
"Eat, my child". Overweight and obesity among children in developing countries

Childhood obesity in developing countries is a topic that hasn’t found its way in the economic literature yet. Despite the fact that obesity rates are rising worldwide and the phenomenon is very present even among the poorest of households in developing countries, most of the attention is still drawn towards industrialized ones. This paper utilizes the South African NIDS panel data set to highlight some of the aspects policy makers should bear in mind. In particular, drivers of the phenomenon and their resulting policy options that are widely used in industrialized countries may not be appropriate in a developing setting, especially in one where excess body weight is considered by many as a positive outcome.
Risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and mortality in patients with migraine receiving prophylactic treatments: An observational cohort study

Introduction This study quantified risks of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and mortality events among patients with migraine receiving prophylaxis. Methods Patients with migraine aged 18–65 years were identified from 2010 through 2015 within a United States administrative claims database. Topiramate initiators during follow-up were propensity score-matched separately to anticonvulsant, cardiovascular treatment, antidepressant, and other prophylactic treatment initiators. Incident outcomes were identified, and hazard ratios were calculated comparing outcome occurrence among topiramate initiators relative to each comparator. A case-control analysis was nested within the full migraine cohort, and odds ratios quantified the association between outcomes and use or non-use of individual prophylactic treatments (anticonvulsants, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, beta blockers, antihypertensives, tricyclic antidepressants, and other prophylactic treatments). Results The cohort included 119,243 patients with migraine. The matched topiramate initiators had a lower mortality risk versus antidepressant (hazard ratio: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.83) and anticonvulsant initiators (hazard ratio: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.84). In the case-control analysis, increased risks of several outcomes were observed with all prophylactic treatments relative to non-use of that treatment (odds ratios range from 1.54 to 7.90, and 95% CIs exclude 1.0) except for topiramate and calcium channel blockers. Conclusions Although increased risks for several outcomes were observed with certain prophylactic treatments, the treatments other than topiramate likely represent markers for outcome risk factors that developed or progressed after cohort entry, rather than being a direct effect of the treatments. Factors including migraine severity, frequency, and other treatment indications should be considered in future migraine prophylactic treatment safety assessments.
ALGINATE ENCAPSULATION OF PHANEROCHAETE CHRYSOSPORIUM FOR THE FUNGAL BIOCATALYSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING COMPOUNDS IN WASTEWATER

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), which include certain classes of pesticides and pharmaceuticals, are known to disrupt hormone functions in humans and other animals. These contaminants often make their way into wastewater, pass through traditional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and are discharged along with treated effluent into surface waters where they can threaten both human health and ecosystem well-being. Interception of these contaminants at WWTPs offers the best means of preventing their release into the environment. One method of removing EDCs is passive biological treatment using white rot fungus (WRF). WRF, with their powerful extracellular oxidative enzymes, have been found capable of mineralizing many common EDCs; yet, the development of an engineered fungal bioreactor for EDC removal has not yet been accomplished. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing WRF entrapped in an alginate matrix for the removal of EDCs from wastewater. Calcium alginate beads containing different amounts of fungal inoculum (5% and 15%) and formed under different conditions (in the presence or Na + , or without) were applied in batch airlift bioreactors containing wastewater from the Penn State WWTP under sterile conditions. The mechanical stability of the beads and the release of enzymes into reactor solution were monitored using enzyme assays, visual inspection, bead diameter measurements, and rheological data. Alginate beads were found to be stable in wastewater over the course of the experiment, as measured by bead diameter and visual inspection, though rheological data were inconclusive due to human error in conducting tests. While enzymes were not detected in solution, further investigation is necessary to determine whether enzymes were being produced, yet remained trapped in the alginate beads, where EDC degradation may, in fact, take place.
Coupled Application of Antioxidant Defense Response and Embryo Development in Amphipod Crustaceans in the Assessment of Sediment Toxicity

Survival rate, frequency of malformed embryos, and antioxidant defense system responses in the benthic amphipod Gmelinoides fasciatus from the Baltic Sea were measured to examine the effects of toxic sediments, and to assess the usefulness of these endpoints in sediment toxicity biotesting. A highly contaminated sediment sample from the Baltic Sea was diluted with sediment from a clean site to come up with a series of 5 test sediments with dilutions from 1:32 to 1:1024, and the reference sediment. The 1:32 dilution of the test sediment was analyzed for organotins (2862 µg tin [Sn] kg dry wt –1), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (6064 µg kg dry wt –1), and selected trace metals (e.g., copper 352 mg kg dry wt –1). The survival rate of G. fasciatus (10‐d toxicity test) was 100% in the reference and 1:1024 treatments, and began to decline from the 1:256 dilution onward. In a 28‐d experiment, various types of morphological malformations were observed in 11 to 80% of the amphipod embryos in the 1:64, 1:128, and 1:256 dilutions, with only <5% in the reference treatment. Also, elevated activities in the antioxidant defense system enzymes glutathione S‐transferase and catalase were observed in amphipods exposed to the contaminated sediments compared with the reference treatment, with responses at lower contamination levels compared with the appearance of malformations in the embryos. The results obtained illustrate the effectiveness of the combined application of embryonic malformations and antioxidant defense system biomarkers in amphipods in the assessment of sediment toxicity, and potentially also of sublethal effects of chemical contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2020–2031. © 2019 SETAC.
Antibiotics for acne vulgaris: using instagram to seek insight into the patient perspective

Abstract Objectives Monitoring of public social media posts is an underutilized method to understand patients’ perspectives regarding their condition and treatment. We investigated information shared by Instagram users of oral and topical antibiotics for treatment of acne vulgaris. Material and methods We performed a retrospective observational study of public Instagram posts assigned common hashtags to denote the use of antibiotics therapy for acne over nearly eight years. Results Dissatisfaction was more prevalent among users of oral antibiotics (25.6%) compared to users of topical antibiotics (9.8%), and negative tone among this group was most commonly due to lack of improvement in skin appearance. Reported side effects paralleled known side effects for oral and topical antibiotics. Conclusions Instagram may have utility in elucidating patient behavior and attitudes. Dermatologists should increase their social media presence in order to disqualify any incorrect information endorsed in ‘popular’ or commonly viewed posts.
Spatial Beta Regression Model with Random Effect

In many applications we have to encountered with bounded dependent variables. Beta regression model can be used to deal with these kinds of response variables. In this paper we aim to study spatially correlated responses in the unit interval. Initially we introduce spatial beta generalized linear mixed model in which the spatial correlation is captured through a random effect. Then the performances of the proposed model is evaluated via a simulation study, implementing Bayesian approach for parameter estimation. Finally the application of this model on two real data sets about migration rate and divorce rate in Iran are presented.
Long-term exposure to a 40-GHz electromagnetic field does not affect genotoxicity or heat shock protein expression in HCE-T or SRA01/04 cells

Abstract Millimeter waves are used in various fields, and the risks of this wavelength range for human health must be carefully evaluated. In this study, we investigated the effects of millimeter waves on genotoxicity and heat shock protein expression in human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) and human lens epithelial (SRA01/04) cells. We exposed the cells to 40-GHz millimeter waves at 1 mW/cm2 for 24 h. We observed no statistically significant increase in the micronucleus (MN) frequency or the level of DNA strand breaks in cells exposed to 40-GHz millimeter waves relative to sham-exposed and incubator controls. Heat shock protein (Hsp) expression also exhibited no statistically significant response to the 40-GHz exposure. These results indicate that exposure to 40 GHz millimeter waves under these conditions has little or no effect on MN formation, DNA strand breaks, or Hsp expression in HCE-T or SRA01/04 cells.
Taxonomy and DNA Sequencing of Crematogaster coriaria Mayr, 1872 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with Redescriptions of the Worker, Queen, and Male Castes

Crematogaster coriaria Mayr, 1872, is revised based on the nest series samples. The following new synonymies are proposed: C. coriaria Mayr, 1872 = C. coriaria fraudatrix Forel, 1911 syn. nov. = C. spengeli Forel, 1912 syn. nov. = C. spengeli taipingensis Forel, 1913 syn. nov. Worker, queen, and male castes of C. coriaria Mayr, 1872, are redescribed. The polymorphism of C. coriaria Mayr, 1872, was also discussed. DNA sequences were generated for C. coriaria Mayr, 1872, using an amplification of second half region of the mitochondrial gene COI with a total of 711 bp. The interspecific COI divergence is 17.4% for C. coriaria Mayr, 1872, and C. modiglianii Emery, 1900.
Regulation of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in health and disease

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is mainly produced in the bone and, upon secretion, forms a complex with a FGF receptor and coreceptor αKlotho. FGF23 can exert several endocrine functions, such as inhibiting renal phosphate reabsorption and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 production. Moreover, it has paracrine activities on several cell types, including neutrophils and hepatocytes. Klotho and Fgf23 deficiencies result in pathologies otherwise encountered in age‐associated diseases, mainly as a result of hyperphosphataemia‐dependent calcification. FGF23 levels are also perturbed in the plasma of patients with several disorders, including kidney or cardiovascular diseases. Here, we review mechanisms controlling FGF23 production and discuss how FGF23 regulation is perturbed in disease.
“Good Fences Make Good Neighbors”: How does the Human Gut Microchip Unravel Mechanism of Intestinal Inflammation?

ABSTRACT A microengineered human gut-on-a-chip has demonstrated intestinal physiology, three-dimensional (3D) epithelial morphogenesis, and longitudinal host-microbiome interactions in vitro. The modular accessibility and modularity of the microphysiological gut-on-a-chip can lead to the identification of the seminal trigger in intestinal inflammation. By coupling microbial and immune cells in a spatiotemporal manner, we discovered that the maintenance of healthy epithelial barrier function is necessary and sufficient to demonstrate the homeostatic tolerance of the gut. Here, we highlight the breakthrough of our new disease model and discuss the future impact of investigating the etiology and therapeutic targets in the multifactorial inflammatory bowel disease.
Characterization of Flagellotropic, Chi-Like Salmonella Phages Isolated from Thai Poultry Farms

Despite a wealth of knowledge on Salmonella phages worldwide, little is known about poultry-associated Salmonella phages from Thailand. Here, we isolated 108 phages from Thai poultry farms that infect Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Phages STm101 and STm118 were identified as temperate Siphoviridae phages. Genome sequencing and analyses revealed these phages share approximately 96% nucleotide sequence similarity to phage SPN19, a member of the Chi-like virus genus. PCR amplification of the gene encoding capsid protein E of the Chi-like phage was positive for 50% of phage isolates, suggesting a predominance of this phage type among the sampled poultry farms. In addition to the flagella, two phages required the lipopolysaccharide to infect and lyse Salmonella. Furthermore, phylogenomic analysis demonstrated that phages STm101 and STm118 formed a monophyletic clade with phages isolated from Western countries, but not from closer isolated phages from Korea. However, further investigation and more phage isolates are required to investigate possible causes for this geographic distribution.
Home improvement and system-based health promotion for sustainable prevention of Chagas disease: A qualitative study

Background Human transmission of Chagas disease (CD) most commonly occurs in domiciliary spaces where triatomines remain hidden to feed on blood sources during inhabitants’ sleep. Similar to other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), sustainable control of CD requires attention to the structural conditions of life of populations at risk, in this case, the conditions of their living environments. Considering socio-cultural and political dynamics involved in dwellings’ construction, this study aimed to explore social factors that contribute or limit sustainability of CD’s prevention models focused on home improvement. Methods and main findings Using Healthy Homes for Healthy Living (HHHL)—a health promotion strategy focused on improvement of living environments and system-based health promotion—as a reference, a qualitative study was conducted. Research participants were selected from three rural communities of a CD endemic region in southern Ecuador involved in HHHL’s refurbishment and reconstruction interventions between 2013 and 2016. Folowing an ethnographic approach, data were collected through interviews, participant observation, informal conversations and document analysis. Our results indicate that the HHHL model addressed risk factors for CD at the household level, while simultaneously promoting wellbeing at emotional, economic and social levels in local communities. We argue that sustainability of the CD prevention model proposed by HHHL is enhanced by the confluence of three factors: systemic improvement of families’ quality of life, perceived usefulness of control measures, and flexibility to adapt to emerging dynamics of the context. Conclusion HHHL’s proposed home improvement, facilitated through system-based rather than disease specific health promotion processes, enhances agency in populations at risk and facilitates community partnerships forged around CD prevention. Although an independent analysis of cost-effectiveness is recommended, structural poverty experienced by local families is still the most important factor to consider when evaluating the sustainability and scalability of this model.
Multiresponse Optimization and Environmental Analysis in Direct Recycling Hot Press Forging of Aluminum AA6061

Ecological manageability in manufacturing these days is a dire and exceptional issue and the principle concerns are identified with increasingly proficient utilization of energy and materials. Recycling can save a large amount greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the case of aluminum. The parameter on the innovative technique on the direct recycling was investigated by employing design of experiments, via hot press forging process (DR-HPF). Thus, reutilizing of aluminum chips AA6061 with full factorial 32 design of experiment comprising a variety of working temperature and holding time were employed. Central composite design (CCD) was applied to outline the experiments towards evaluating the influences of the hot press forging parameters to the three responses; ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation to failure (ETF), and global warming potential (GWP). In conjunction with this, the environmental impacts associated with DR-HPF process are evaluated alongside the resultant conventional recycling (CR) by using re-melting route as indication. Experimental measurements, literature analysis and industrial data were merged to acquire the analysis of aluminum recycling life cycle. Clear conclusions were successfully drawn through the attained results on the outlook proposed by solid state direct recycling for the purpose of reducing the environmental effects by taking material and energy conservation as one of the most essential impacting factor. The global warming potential of a DR-HPF route gives a significant environmental impact where it is reduced up to 69.2% in comparison to the conventional (melting) routes.
Bronchoscopic Ablative Therapies for Malignant Central Airway Obstruction and Peripheral Lung Tumors.

Bronchoscopic ablative therapies have been safely and successfully applied for the palliation of malignant central airway obstruction and have the potential for treating inoperable peripheral lung tumors. Proper understanding of technology-tissue interaction allows clinicians to optimize tissue effects, avoid intraoperative complications, predict response to therapy and potential adverse events. This article reviews the basic mechanisms of action and clinical data on bronchoscopic ablation using laser, electrosurgery, photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation and thermal vapor ablation for malignant central airway obstruction and peripheral lung tumors.
International Interdisciplinary Consensus Meeting on the Evaluation of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Abstract In September 2018, an international meeting of doctors of various disciplines, with expertise in the detection and treatment of DDH, was held in Csolyospalos, Hungary. The aim was to achieve consensus on the detection and early treatment of the condition and to develop a standardized system of teaching and training for hip ultrasound. There was strong agreement that US screening is essential. Specifically the Graf technique was selected as the technique of choice. Universal US screening was strongly favored. Screening should be carried out as soon as possible, but not later than the sixth week of age. US screening is cost-effective, does not result in overtreatment, and contributes to a reduction of long-term consequences. The essential principle of treatment is timely application of a device to achieve reduction, retention and maturation, by holding the hips in flexion, and a safe degree of abduction. It was agreed that the effectiveness of any screening policy depends on the correct scanning technique. Therefore, standardization of teaching and training of the Graf technique is mandatory. A unified teaching policy and materials should be developed for this purpose. Certification, re-certification and audit were discussed. The group, which has been formalized as the International Interdisciplinary Consensus Committee On DDH Evaluation (ICODE), will continue to meet and work towards establishing international consensus on DDH, standardizing and developing teaching and training of the Graf technique for hip US, and maintaining standards for detection and management.