Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Adequacy of Dialysis in Patients on CAPD

Karl D. Nolph Adequacy of dialysis is a vague term, which has never been well defined, and no universally accepted objective criteria exist for such adequacy. All proposed laboratory measurements can be influenced by multiple variables in a clinical setting. Clinical signs and symptoms also are subject to the influence of pathophysiological processes, which may operate in patients with or without uncontrolled uremia. Uremia itself is a clinical syndrome whose signs and symptoms are attributed to retained toxic substances, but even this has not been proved. Thus, all those involved in the care of dialysis patients are forced to use "our best clinical judgement" to determine whether our patients would benefit from more dialysis. This editorial will summarize some of my own thought processes and biases , which operate while I am arriving at such a judgement.
Rotator cuff healing and repair: recent advances in tissue engineering and biologic augmentation

Despite the frequency of rotator cuff tendinopathies, rotator cuff repair procedures still have high failure rates. Thus, new treatment strategies that accelerate healing and improve regeneration are needed. Tissue engineering approaches, which include the implantation of extracellular matrix scaffolds, cells, and/or growth factors, can be applied to modulate the healing process, improving biomechanical properties and functional outcomes of the repaired tendon. In particular, the microstructural properties of extracellular matrix scaffolds can influence cell migration, protein synthesis, and fiber organization in healing tendon. Through manufacturing techniques, such as three-dimensional printing, the properties of these scaffolds can be optimized for rotator cuff regeneration. In addition to scaffolds, implantation of stem cells and tenocytes has been shown to increase healing rates and reduce inflammation in animal models but has not been tested clinically. Many growth factors also are present at the wound site during healing, but studies attempting to recreate these conditions during healing with platelet-rich plasma have found little evidence supporting its use. Systematic treatments, including anti-inflammatory medication and metalloproteinase inhibitors, are commonly used in rotator cuff tendinopathies but have adverse effects that inhibit tendon healing. A variety of tissue engineering and biologic treatments for rotator cuff tendinopathy are currently being developed, but challenges still remain before they can be applied clinically.
Application of dental stem cells in regenerative medicine

Recent discoveries in the field of stem cells place dental professionals at the forefront of helping their patients with potentially life-saving therapies derived from a patient′s own stem cells obtained from deciduous or permanent teeth. Stem cells have opened doors of great hope in that these cells produced in large quantities through cell cultures could be injected into failing tissues and organs, which would replace these damaged cells with fresh ones. The emerging field of personalized medicine has focused on the ability of stem cells to grow and regenerate tissues using a patient′s own stem cells for biologically compatible therapies and individually tailored treatments. This review discusses the information available on the different types of dental stem cells (DSCs) and their potential role in both dental and medical regenerative therapies.
Do Regional Social and Material Characteristics Influence Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Decision-Making? The Ontario Grade 8 HPV Vaccine Cohort Study

Aims: Although social and material characteristics are known determinants of health behaviours, there is noinformation on whether these factors influence human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine decision -making. Moreover, few studies consider the potentially important influence of regional -level factors on HPV vaccine use. The objective Original ResearchArticle
Revised chronology of Neogene DSDP holes from the World Ocean

After nearly 30 years of growth in geochronologic knowledge, the originally published age models for many older deep sea marine sections have become badly outdated. In this report we present newly revised age models for Neogene sediments from 94 DSDP holes. Biostratigraphic data for planktonic foraminifers, calcareous nannofossils, diatoms and radiolarians, paleomagnetic and other stratigraphic data were compiled from the original Initial Reports volumes of DSDP. The Berggren et al. (1985 doi:10.1130/0016-7606(1985)96 2.0. CO;2) scale was used for the age of magnetic reversals, and a variety of recent papers were used to establish a standard modern set of calibrations for marine microfossil events to the magnetic reversal scale. New age vs depth plots were made for each hole, and for each a new line of correlation was created. All tabulated stratigraphic data, new age models, and age depth plots are given as appendices to the report.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome

ABSTRACTExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be a lifesaving intervention in patients with severe respiratory failure and in patients with medically refractory cardiac failure post-cardiac surgery. ECMO uses a venous cannula to drain blood into a circuit where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged; blood is returned to the patient bypassing the pulmonary system (venovenous ECMO) or via an arterial cannula to bypass the lungs and heart (venoarterial ECMO).
Dynamic Responses of the Caudal Neurosecretory System (CNSS) Under Thermal Stress in Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Temperature is a critical environmental factor that affect most biological and physiological processes in fish. The caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS) is unique to fish and is proved to maintain homeostasis during seasonal alterations. However, the dynamic expression and secretion pattern of its major hormones, corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), urotensin I (UI), and urotensin II (UII), and their response to thermal stress has not been studied. CRH, UII and cortisol in plasma, gene expression levels of CRH, UI, and UII in the CNSS of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) were therefore characterized. UI- and UII-positive Dahlgren cells, as well as cell proliferation in the CNSS, were also quantified. The results showed that plasma cortisol and CRH were increased in both low temperature (LT) and high temperature (HT) groups. However, there was no difference in plasma UI and UII during thermal stress. In CNSS, CRH, UI, and UII mRNA levels were all significantly elevated in response to acute hypothermal stress and recovered back to the control (normal) level after 8 days of adaptation. During hyperthermal challenge, gene expression of CRH and UI only significantly increased after 8-days of transfer but no change in UII was observed. We also demonstrated an increasing percent of UI-positive Dahlgren cells in the CNSS of 8-days hyperthermal stressed fish. However, no BrdU-labeled Dahlgren cells were found among the three treatment groups. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the CNSS is subjected to dynamic responses under thermal stress and expands upon the role of the CNSS in thermoregulation. The dynamic responses of hormone levels and the gene expression of CRH, UI and UII in CNSS are all involved in the process of hyper- or hypo-thermal stress and adaptation.
XANTHINE NEPHROLITHIASIS IN JUVENILE CAPTIVE GIANT OTTERS (PTERONURA BRASILIENSIS)

Abstract: Nephrolithiasis has been reported in several aquatic mammals including bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), small clawed otters (Amblonyx cinereus), European river otters (Lutra lutra), North American river otters (Lontra canadensis), northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris), and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Compositions of calculi in previous cases were predominantly calcium oxalate or ammonium acid urate. Xanthine urolithiasis is rare in veterinary medicine. Primary cases (without exposure to xanthine dehydrogenase inhibitors) occur as a consequence of hereditary xanthinuria, although the causal mutation has only been discovered in a subset of cases. Five captive juvenile giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) from two facilities were diagnosed with nephrolithiasis: three siblings from one set of parents and two siblings from another pair. Serum analyte assays revealed renal compromise in affected individuals. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the presence of nephrolithiasis in one individual. Postmortem evaluation identified extensive bilateral nephrolithiasis on gross necropsy in four of five cases. Calculus analyses identified 100% xanthine composition. Histologic examination revealed marked nephrolithiasis with associated tubular necrosis and gastric mineralization. Nutrient composition of the diet including mineral and purine content was assessed. No association between diet and nephroliths was found in this study. This is the first report of xanthine nephrolithiasis in aquatic mammals. The potential role of diet and genetics in xanthine nephrolithiasis in the small inbred population of giant otters under human care needs further investigation to assess the implications of this disease process for the long-term captive management of this species.
To Ban or Not to Ban? Reviewing an Ongoing Dilemma on Sea Turtle Egg Trade in Terengganu, Malaysia

Legal trade in sea turtles and their eggs remains a reality in many countries where conservation of this marine endangered species does exist. This duality is a conflict to some who appeal for a total trade ban, which may have implications on local livelihoods. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA), this paper considers the dilemma by empirically examining the context of the state’s legislation, particularly the Terengganu Turtle Enactment (TTE) and its “haves” – what is legally provided on paper, the available capitals in hand, and the actual implementation carried out in practice – to elucidate whether a trade ban is indeed the immediate solution for improving sea turtle conservation in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia, which is an important rookery in Southeast Asia. Findings based on data collected through extensive archival research and in-depth interviews with officers of the state who manage sea turtles as well as those whose past and current livelihoods depend on the trade indicate that (1) sea turtles are a transformative natural capital that the Terengganu legislation supports on paper via a pro-conservation concession system; (2) in putting paper into practice, those involved in its implementation have strategically mobilized available resources to achieve a balanced outcome between conservation and livelihood; and (3) institutional absenteeism, financial handicap, and ambiguous legal protection status of nesting beaches are issues that need addressing to fulfill the true potential of this legislation. However, a better conservation outcome is administratively possible via a full conservation–concession system that lists all beaches under the TTE to ensure the sustainability of sea turtles and local livelihoods, in preparation for the ultimate long-term goal: total conservation via a trade ban without which conservation of the species remains precarious not only at state but also at national and regional levels.
Lipid Nanoparticles Potentiate CpG-Oligodeoxynucleotide-Based Vaccine for Influenza Virus

Current influenza vaccines are generally effective against highly similar (homologous) strains, but their effectiveness decreases markedly against antigenically mismatched (heterologous) strains. One way of developing a universal influenza vaccine with a broader spectrum of protection is to use appropriate vaccine adjuvants to improve a vaccine's effectiveness and change its immune properties. Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) with unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) motifs (CpG ODNs), which are Toll-like-receptor 9 (TLR9) agonists, are among the most promising adjuvants and are already being used in humans. However, the development of novel delivery vehicles to improve adjuvant effects in vivo is highly desirable. Here, we assessed the potential of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as CpG ODN delivery vehicles in mice to augment the vaccine adjuvant effects of CpG ODN and enhance the protective spectrum of conventional influenza split vaccine (SV). In vitro, compared with CpG ODN, LNPs containing CpG ODNs (LNP-CpGs) induced significantly greater production of cytokines such as IL-12 p40 and IFN-α by mouse dendritic cells (DCs) and significantly greater expression of the co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on DCs. In addition, after subcutaneous administration in mice, compared with CpG ODN, LNP-CpGs enhanced the expression of CD80 and CD86 on plasmacytoid DCs in draining lymph nodes. LNP-CpGs given with SV from H1N1 influenza A virus improved T-cell responses and gave a stronger not only SV-specific but also heterologous-virus-strain-specific IgG2c response than CpG ODN. Furthermore, immunization with SV plus LNP-CpGs protected against not only homologous strain challenge but also heterologous and heterosubtypic strain challenge, whereas immunization with SV plus CpG ODNs protected against homologous strain challenge only. We therefore demonstrated that LNP-CpGs improved the adjuvant effects of CpG ODN and broadened the protective spectrum of SV against influenza virus. We expect that this strategy will be useful in developing adjuvant delivery vehicles and universal influenza vaccines.
Strength of Ventral Tegmental Area Connections With Left Caudate Nucleus Is Related to Conflict Monitoring

Successful learning requires the control of attention to monitor performance and compare actual versus expected outcomes. Neural activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) has been linked to attention control in animals. However, it is unknown whether the strength of VTA connections is related to conflict monitoring in humans. To study the relationship between VTA connections and conflict monitoring, we acquired diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data on 50 second language learners who we have previously studied. We performed probabilistic tractography to document VTA connections with the dorsal striatum and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and administered the Flanker task in which subjects were required to monitor and report conflicts in visual stimuli. Reaction times (RTs) indexed students’ conflict monitoring. Probabilistic tractography revealed distinct neural connections between the VTA and the dorsal striatum and ACC. Correlational analyses between tractography and flanker RTs revealed that the strength of VTA connections with the left caudate nucleus was negatively correlated with RTs recorded in the presence of conflicts. This provides the first evidence to suggest that VTA connections with the left caudate nucleus are related to conflict monitoring in humans.
Population genetic structure and variability in Lindera glauca (Lauraceae) indicates low levels of genetic diversity and skewed sex ratios in natural populations in mainland China

Lindera glauca (Lauraceae) is a tree of economic and ecological significance that reproduces sexually and asexually via apomictic seeds. It is widely distributed in the low-altitude montane forests of East Asia. Despite the potential implications of a mixed reproductive system in terms of genetic diversity, few studies have focused on this aspect. In this study, the genetic structure of wild populations of L. glauca was investigated via genetic analyses. Overall, 13 nuclear microsatellites (nSSRs) and five chloroplast microsatellites (cpSSRs) were used to genotype 300 individual plants, taken from 20 wild populations (a small sample size in some wild populations is due to the limitation of its specific reproduction, leading to certain limitations in the results of this study) and two cultivated populations ranging across nearly the entire natural distribution of mainland China. The populations exhibited low levels of genetic diversity (nSSR: AR = 1.75, Ho = 0.32, He = 0.36; cpSSR: Nb = 2.01, Hrs = 0.40), and no significant effect of isolation by distance between populations existed, regardless of marker type (nSSR: R2 = 0.0401, P = 0.068; cpSSR: R2 = 0.033, P = 0.091). Haplotype networks showed complex relationships among populations, and the H12 haplotype was predominant in most populations. Analyses of molecular variance obtained with nuclear markers (Fsc = 0.293, FST = 0.362) and chloroplast markers (Fsc = 0.299, FST = 0.312) were similar. The migration ratio of pollen flow versus seed flow in this study was negative (r = −1.149). Results suggest that weak barriers of dispersal between populations and/or the similarity of founders shared between neighbors and distant populations are indicative of the gene flow between populations more likely involving seeds. Wild L. glauca in mainland China was inferred to have highly skewed sex ratios with predominant females. In addition, some populations experienced a recent bottleneck effect, especially in Gujianshan, Chongqing, and southwest China (population GJS). It is suggested that few wild male individuals should be conserved in order to maintain overall genetic diversity in the wild populations of this species. These findings provide important information for the sustainable utilization and preservation of the overall genetic diversity of L. glauca.
The Interaction of CDH20 With β-Catenin Inhibits Cervical Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion via TGF-β/Smad/SNAIL Mediated EMT

Cancer-associated cadherin 20 (CDH20) is a novel identified cadherin that is genetically altered in several types of human cancer, including cervical cancer. However, its involvement in the progression of cervical cancer remains unknown. In this study, we show that CDH20 was downregulated in clinical cervical cancer samples and its expression correlated with cervical cancer clinical features. CDH20 negatively regulated the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. CDH20 increased the expression and promoted the cytoplasm and membrane translocation of β-catenin, and interacted with β-catenin. Mechanistically, CDH20/β-catenin suppressed transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by downregulating Snail through reducing the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2/3. Taken together, our data suggest that CDH20 may act as a tumor suppressor that interacts with β-catenin to inhibit cervical cancer cell migration and invasion via TGF-β/Smad/Snail mediated EMT.
How Do Spatiotemporal Parameters and Lower-Body Stiffness Change with Increased Running Velocity? A Comparison Between Novice and Elite Level Runners

Abstract This study aimed to examine the effect of running velocity on spatiotemporal parameters and lower-body stiffness of endurance runners, and the influence of the performance level on those adaptations. Twenty-two male runners (novice [NR], n = 12, and elite runners [ER], n = 10) performed an incremental running test with a total of 5 different running velocities (10, 12, 14, 16, 18 km/h). Each condition lasted 1 min (30 s acclimatization period, and 30 s recording period). Spatiotemporal parameters were measured using the OptoGait system. Vertical (Kvert) and leg (Kleg) stiffness were calculated according to the sine-wave method. A repeated measures ANOVA (2 x 5, group x velocities) revealed significant adaptations (p < 0.05) to increased velocity in all spatiotemporal parameters and Kvert in both NR and ER. ER showed a greater flight time (FT) and step angle (at 18 km/h) (p < 0.05), longer step length (SL) and lower step frequency (SF) (p < 0.05), whereas no between-group differences were found in contact time (CT) nor in the sub-phases during CT at any speed (p ≥ 0.05). ER also showed lower Kvert values at every running velocity (p < 0.05), and no differences in Kleg (p ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, lower SF and Kvert and, thereby, longer FT and SL, seem to be the main spatiotemporal characteristics of high-level runners compared to their low-level counterparts.
Relationship Between Risk Factors and Brain Reserve in Late Middle Age: Implications for Cognitive Aging

Background Brain reserve can be defined as the individual variation in the brain structural characteristics that later in life are likely to modulate cognitive performance. Late midlife represents a point in aging where some structural brain imaging changes have become manifest but the effects of cognitive aging are minimal, and thus may represent an ideal opportunity to determine the relationship between risk factors and brain imaging biomarkers of reserve. Objective We aimed to assess neuroimaging measures from multiple modalities to broaden our understanding of brain reserve, and the late midlife risk factors that may make the brain vulnerable to age related cognitive disorders. Methods We examined multimodal [structural and diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), FDG PET] neuroimaging measures in 50–65 year olds to examine the associations between risk factors (Intellectual/Physical Activity: education-occupation composite, physical, and cognitive-based activity engagement; General Health Factors: presence of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions (CMC), body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, smoking status (ever/never), CAGE Alcohol Questionnaire (>2, yes/no), Beck Depression Inventory score), brain reserve measures [Dynamic: genu corpus callosum fractional anisotropy (FA), posterior cingulate cortex FDG uptake, superior parietal cortex thickness, AD signature cortical thickness; Static: intracranial volume], and cognition (global, memory, attention, language, visuospatial) from a population-based sample. We quantified dynamic proxies of brain reserve (cortical thickness, glucose metabolism, microstructural integrity) and investigated various protective/risk factors. Results Education-occupation was associated with cognition and total intracranial volume (static measure of brain reserve), but was not associated with any of the dynamic neuroimaging biomarkers. In contrast, many general health factors were associated with the dynamic neuroimaging proxies of brain reserve, while most were not associated with cognition in this late middle aged group. Conclusion Brain reserve, as exemplified by the four dynamic neuroimaging features studied here, is itself at least partly influenced by general health status in midlife, but may be largely independent of education and occupation.