Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional status of surgically treated pineal cyst patients

Background: Microsurgical removal represents a well-accepted treatment option for symptomatic benign pineal cysts (PCs). However, very few studies have quantitatively evaluated the functional status of surgically treated PC patients. Methods: A detailed analysis of preoperative, immediate postoperative, and long-term clinical and radiological characteristics was performed. The functional status of the patients was categorized using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS). In addition, a comparative analysis between pediatric and adult patients with PCs was carried out. Results: Overall, pediatric patients experienced better long-term mRS scores than adults. The differences between the pre-, the immediate post-, and the last postoperative mRS of the patients were statistically significant for the total population (P < 0.001). All patients obtained a CCOS of 11 or more, which reflects a good/optimal result after microneurosurgery. The type of the surgical approach was independently associated with the postoperative complications (P < 0.01), more frequently reported with the midline supracerebellar infratentorial (SCIT) approach than with its paramedian modification. Conclusion: The functional status of properly selected symptomatic patients with PCs may improve significantly after their surgical management through a paramedian SCIT approach in sitting position.
Does juvenile Baltic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) smell the enemy?

Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus), also known as Baltic sturgeon, is considered extinct in German waters. Fish-rearing for conservation purposes still relies on classical hatchery technology producing fish not well suited for facing life in the wild, lacking behavioural skills such as foraging or anti-predation. Predation is hence a major source of mortality in newly stocked individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate if naïve Baltic sturgeon juveniles were able to smell and recognize a common predator, sander (Sander lucioperca). Over a period of 30 days, three tanks from each group of Baltic sturgeon were attached to a rearing tank with sander (sander unit) and, as a control, carp (carp unit). Morphology of the dorsal scutes, distribution within the tank, stress (glucose, lactate and cortisol) and gene expression of brain plasticity and cognition were studied in comparison to the control group (carp unit). No significant differences were observed in any of the parameters measured. Thus, we conclude that naïve Baltic sturgeon is not able to innately recognize potential predators and future studies should focus on implementing predator odour together with chemical alarm substances.
Landscape of RNA editing reveals new insights into the dynamic gene regulation of spermatogenesis based on integrated RNA-Seq

Spermatogenesis is an important physiological process associated with male infertility. But whether there are RNA editings (REs) and what’s the role of REs during the process are still unclear. In this study, we integrated published RNA-Seq datasets and established a landscape of REs during the development of mouse spermatogenesis. 7530 editing sites among all types of male germ cells were found, which enrich on some regions of chromosome, including chromosome 17 and both ends of chromosome Y. Totally, REs occur in 2012 genes during spermatogenesis, more than half of which harbor at two different sites of the same gene at least. We also found REs mainly occur in introns, coding regions (CDSs) and intergenic regions. Moreover, about half of the REs in CDSs can cause amino acids changes. Finally, based on our adult male Kunming mice, we verified that there is a non-synonymous A-to-I RNA editing site in Cog3 during spermatogenesis, which is conserved not only between species but also across tissues. In short, based on the power of integrating RNA-Seq datasets, we provided the landscape of REs and found their dynamic changes during mouse spermatogenesis. This research strategy is general for other types of sequencing datasets and biological problems.
Occurrence of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and Tritrichomonas foetus dna in bulls from Alagoas State, Brazil

The aim of the present study is to diagnose the occurrence of infections caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and Tritrichomonas foetus in reproducer bulls from Alagoas State breeders, Brazil. The total of 162 preputial smegma samples were collected from nelore bulls from ten rural properties in the East, Agreste and Sertão mesoregions. The samples were subjected to the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique in order to assess C. fetus subsp. venerealis and Tritrichomonas foetus DNA and cultivated in Modified Diamond Medium (DMM) for Tritrichomonas foetus isolation. Four point nine percent (4.9% - 8/162) of the evaluated bulls were infected with C. fetus subsp. venerealis and 3.0% (5/162) of the sample were infected with T. foetus, which was not isolated in any of the assessed animals. Based on our results, there was C. fetus subsp. venerealis and T. foetus DNA in bulls from Alagoas State, Brazil. Accordingly, it is necessary performing laboratory examinations in animals living in properties breeding animals for reproduction purpose in order to monitor and control such infections.
Methods of biological maceration in the preparation of bat skulls: benefits and limitations

Osteologic collections are used as an aid to scientific and teaching activities, to provide information on specific vertebrate characteristics, such as body support, posture, mode of locomotion, feeding habits and ecological niche. Known techniques for cleaning entire skeletons or mammalian skulls vary according to the destination of the material, the objective of the study, the taxonomic group, and the size of the specimen. The objective of this study was to test three different methods of maceration for cleaning bat skulls (traditional biological maceration, controlled biological maceration using Dermestes maculatus and controlled biological maceration using necrophagous fly larvae). The methods were carried out during five consecutive months, and the minimum and maximum times taken by each method were recorded and documented. Cleaning by fly larvae was the least costly method; the whole process was carried out during the preparation of the osteologic material. The flies ovulated directly on the pieces and the time spent was relatively short. Cleaning by dermestid larvae also resulted in clean parts in a short period, however, its culture needs specific maintenance conditions, since the size of the colony oscillates according to environmental temperature.
Estimating statistical power for event-related potential studies using the late positive potential

The late positive potential (LPP) is a common measurement used to study emotional processes of subjects in event-related potential (ERP) paradigms. Despite its extensive use in affective neuroscience, there is presently no gold standard for how to appropriately power ERP studies using the LPP in within-subject and between-subjects experimental designs. The present study investigates how the number of trials, number of subjects, and magnitude of the effect size affect statistical power in analyses of the LPP. Using Monte Carlo simulations of ERP experiments with varying numbers of trials, subjects, and effect sizes, we measured the probability of obtaining a statistically significant effect in 1,489 different experiments repeated 1,000 times each. Predictably, our results showed that statistical power increases with increasing numbers of trials and subjects and at larger effect sizes. In addition, we found that higher levels of statistical power can be achieved with lower numbers of subjects and trials and at lower effect sizes in within-subject than in between-subjects designs. Furthermore, we found that, as subjects are added to an experiment, the slope of the relationship between effect size and statistical power increases and shifts to the left until the power asymptotes to nearly 100% at higher effect sizes. This suggests that adding more subjects greatly increases statistical power at lower effect sizes (<1 µV) compared with more robust (>1.5 µV) effect sizes.
Identification of Hemin-binding Protein of Oral Streptococci via Electrophoresis in SDS Polyacrylamide Gel

Background and Objectives: It has been reported that hemin binding proteins are involved in the mechanism of obtaining iron in some bacteria. Oral streptococci in the dental plaque are assumed to acquire iron through hemin or hemin compounds. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of a protein (hemin binding protein) involved in the hemin binding mechanism of oral streptococci. Methodology: In this study, we investigated the presence of proteins involved in hemin binding of oral streptococci through sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis using hemin-agarose beads. Results: As a result of SDS-PAGE analysis, similar or different sizes of hemin binding protein bands were observed depending on the strains belonging to streptococci. The molecular weight of hemin binding protein in Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus rattus, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus oralis were approximately 95 kDa, 43 kDa, 43 kDa, 39 kDa, and 39 kDa, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the presence of hemin binding protein in streptococci was confirmed and the proteins involved in hemin binding in different species of oral streptococci may be different.
Improving longitudinal spinal cord atrophy measurements for clinical trials in multiple sclerosis by using the generalised boundary shift integral (GBSI)

Spinal cord atrophy is a common and clinically relevant feature of multiple sclerosis (MS), and can be used to monitor disease progression and as an outcome measure in clinical trials. Spinal cord atrophy is conventionally estimated with segmentation-based methods (e.g., cross-sectional spinal cord area (CSA)), where spinal cord change is calculated indirectly by numerical difference between timepoints. In this thesis, I validated the generalised boundary shift integral (GBSI), as the first registration-based method for longitudinal spinal cord atrophy measurement. The GBSI registers the baseline and follow-up spinal cord scans in a common half-way space, to directly determine atrophy on the cord edges. First, on a test dataset (9 MS patients and 9 controls), I have found that GBSI presented with lower random measurement error, than CSA, reflected by lower standard deviation, coefficient of variation and median absolute deviation. Then, on multi-centre, multi-manufacturer, and multi–field‐strength scans (282 MS patients and 82 controls), I confirmed that GBSI provided lower measurement variability in all MS subtypes and controls, than CSA, resulting into better separation between MS patients and controls, improved statistical power, and reduced sample size estimates. Finally, on a phase 2 clinical trial (220 primary-progressive MS patients), I demonstrated that spinal cord atrophy measurements on GBSI could be obtained from brain scans, considering their quality and association with corresponding spinal cord MRI-derived measurements. Not least, 1-year spinal cord atrophy measurements on GBSI, but not CSA, were associated with upper and lower limb motor function. In conclusion, spinal cord atrophy on the GBSI had higher measurement precision and stronger clinical correlates, than the segmentation method, and could be derived from high-quality brain acquisitions. Longitudinal spinal cord atrophy on GBSI could become a gold standard for clinical trials including spinal cord atrophy as an outcome measure, but should remain a secondary outcome measure, until further advancements increase the ease of acquisition and processing.
Ranking Online Social Users by Their Influence

We introduce an original mathematical model to analyze the diffusion of posts within a generic online social platform. The main novelty is that each user is not simply considered as a node on the social graph, but is further equipped with his/her own Wall and Newsfeed, and has his/her own individual self-posting and re-posting activity. As a main result using our developed model, we derive in closed form the probabilities that posts originating from a given user are found on the Wall and Newsfeed of any other. These are the solution of a linear system of equations, which can be resolved iteratively. In fact, our model is very flexible with respect to the modeling assumptions. Using the probabilities derived from the solution, we define a new measure of per-user influence over the entire network, the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Psi $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-score, which combines the user position on the graph with user (re-)posting activity. In the homogeneous case where all users have the same activity rates, it is shown that a variant of the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Psi $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-score is equal to PageRank. Furthermore, we compare the new model and its <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Psi $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-score against the empirical influence measured from very large data traces (Twitter, Weibo). The results illustrate that these new tools can accurately rank influencers with asymmetric (re-)posting activity for such real world applications.
Essays in Information and Incentives

This thesis consists of three chapters that theoretically consider different ways in which incentives can be provided through information. Chapter 1 is an infor- mation design with moral hazard problem in which a planner wants to optimally motivate a time-inconsistent agent by providing feedback. I provide conditions under which the optimal feedback takes a simple form of a cutoff. Chapter 2 and 3 consider whether or not a firm would want to choose to be transparent about pay within the organisation. Chapter 2 considers a static set-up, and Chapter 3 considers a dynamic set-up. The main finding—across the two chapters—is that as the value of retaining the best workers goes up, then transparency becomes more favourable.
Moxibustion as an Adjuvant Therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 23 Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective This systematic review aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of moxibustion for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods Nine databases were searched to identify relevant evidence up to March 8, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that tested moxibustion + basic treatments versus basic treatments alone for patients with CKD and reported, at least, one of the outcomes of interest were included. In the meta-analyses, the mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the effect size. Results Twenty-three RCTs (n = 1571) with a moderate to high risk of bias were included. The pooled estimates showed that compared with the controls, patients after moxibustion had a significant reduction in serum creatinine (MD −17.34 μmol/L, 95% CI −28.44 to −6.23; I2 = 87%), 24-hour urine protein excretion (MD −0.75 g/h, 95% CI −1.07 to −0.42; I2 = 84%), and blood urea nitrogen (MD −0.63 mmol/L, 95% CI −1.09 to −0.18; I2 = 37%) and a significant improvement in the quality of life (MD 10.18, 95% CI 3.67 to 16.69; I2 = 57%). Moxibustion did not show a significant effect on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), creatinine clearance, or hemoglobin. The subgroup analyses showed that a longer course of moxibustion (>8 weeks) and indirect moxibustion had a greater effect on reducing serum creatinine. The effect of moxibustion on blood urea nitrogen changed to be nonsignificant after excluding RCTs with a high risk of bias (MD −0.96 mmol/L, 95% CI −2.96 to 1.03). Only one adverse event of burn was reported. Conclusions This systematic review suggests that, as an adjuvant therapy, moxibustion may improve serum creatinine, urinary protein excretion, blood urea nitrogen, and quality of life in patients with CKD. Moxibustion may not have effects on eGFR, creatinine clearance, or hemoglobin. The quality of evidence is weakened by the limitations of risk of bias, heterogeneity, and imprecision.
Circulating Irisin Level and Thyroid Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Both thyroid hormones and irisin have profound influences on the metabolism of the human body. Based on their similarities, several studies have been conducted to explore changes in irisin levels in patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement and the MOOSE reporting guideline. Based on a preregistered protocol (PROSPERO—CRD42019138430), a comprehensive search of eight databases was performed from inception to April 2020. Studies with original data collected from patients with thyroid dysfunction were included. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the different types of clinical manifestations and patient characteristics. The quality of each study and the presence of publication bias were assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa score (NOS) and funnel plot with Egger's test, respectively. A total of 11 studies with 1210 participants were included. Ten studies were identified as high-quality studies. Pooled analysis indicated decreased irisin levels in patients with hypothyroidism (MD -10.37, 95% CI -17.81 to -2.93). Subgroup analysis revealed an even lower level of irisin in patients with clinical-type hypothyroidism (MD -17.03, 95% CI -30.58 to -3.49) and hypothyroidism caused by autoimmune disease (MD -19.38, 95% CI -36.50 to -2.26). No differences were found after achieving euthyroid status from levothyroxine treatment in patients with hypothyroidism compared with controls. No differences were found between patients with hyperthyroidism and controls. Correlation analyses revealed a possible negative correlation between irisin and TSH and positive correlations between irisin and both fT3 and fT4. Irisin was correlated with TSH receptor antibodies.
Very severe COVID-19 in the critically ill in Tunisia

Introduction SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging health threat outbreak. It may cause severe viral pneumonia with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome requiring critical care. Aim: to describe clinical features and outcomes of critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods it was a retrospective study carried out in the medical ICU of Farhat Hached teaching hospital between March 11 and May 7, 2020. All consecutive patients with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 were included. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were collected by reviewing medical records. Results during the study period, 10 critically ill patients with COVID-19 were enrolled. Mean age, 51.8±6.3 years; 8(80%), male. The most common comorbidities were; diabetes mellitus, 6(60%), obesity 2(20%), chronic kidney disease 2(20%) and hypertension 1(10%). Mean SAPS II, 23.2±1.8. The mean arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen ratio at admission was 136.2±79.7. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation was used in 4(40%) patients and 7(70%) received invasive mechanical ventilation. Tidal volume and PEEP were set respectively within the median [IQR] of, 5.7[5.6-6.3]ml/Kg and 10.7[6.5-11.7]cm H2O. Plateau pressure was monitored in the median [IQR] of 27.9 [25.9-28.5] cm H2O. Four patients received hydroxychloroquine alone and five hydroxychloroquine associated with an antiviral. Five patients developed respectively hyperactive (n=2), hypoactive (n=2) and mixed delirium (n=1). Mortality rate was at 70%. Conclusion this study demonstrated a particular profile of COVID-19 in the critically ill as a severe presentation in aged males with comorbidities presenting with an ARDS-like and neurological impairment with poor prognosis. The only survivals seem to have benefited from noninvasive ventilatory support.
Seed Storage Indicates the High Stability of Babaçu Oil (Attalea vitrivir Zona)

Because the babaçu palm (Attalea vitrivir) has been considered for incorporation into programs of biofuel production, in this work we evaluated the influence of the geographic origins and storage conditions of babaçu palm seeds on the quantity and quality of their extracted oils. Seeds harvested from three different areas were stored for 12 months under natural environmental conditions (mean temperature 25 ºC), under refrigeration (4 ºC), or in a freezer (-20 °C). We determined their water and oil contents, acidity and peroxide levels, refractive indices, and their fatty acid profiles. The original water content of the seeds was 4.9%, becoming reduced by half during storage. Oil represented 53% of the seed weight, with lauric acid predominating throughout storage. The seed oil demonstrated high oxidative stability, with low levels of acidity and peroxide formation, independent of seed origin or storage conditions. The high quality of Attalea vitrivir oil and its stability confirm its potential for agroindustrial use.
Changes in phenolics and antioxidant capacity during short storage of ready-to-drink green tea (Camellia sinensis) beverage at commercial conditions

Bragantia, Campinas, v. 78, n. 1, p.141-145, 2019 ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to evaluate the changes of phenolics and antioxidant capacity of a ready-to-drink green tea beverage during short storage at commercial conditions. The total phenols (Folin-Ciocalteu), total catechins (4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde) and total non-catechins (difference between total phenols and total catechins) were evaluated as part of phenolic analysis, while antioxidant capacity was evaluated by using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical. At the beginning of the experiment, the levels of total phenols, total catechins and total non-catechins were 1220.69 ± 29.73, 636.94 ± 14.60 and 584.75 ± 15.12 milligrams of catechin per liter of sample, respectively; these values decreased to 674.38 ± 26.52, 424.54 ± 11.29 and 251.83 ± 37.81 milligrams of catechin per liter of sample, respectively, after nine days of storage. The losses of phenolics at the POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY Note
Linear Quadratic Tracking Based On Reinforcement Learning And Motor Speed Control Without System Dynamics

Linear Quadratic Tracking Based on Reinforcement Learning and Motor Speed Control without System Dynamics by Shuo Tang Master of Science in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Northeastern University, June 2020 Dr. Rifat Sipahi, Advisor This thesis reviews the ideas of reinforcement learning and looks into the detail of three popular methods: dynamic programming, Monte Carlo method and temporal-difference method. Dynamic programming is the core idea of reinforcement learning. Grid world and cliff walking problems show how reinforcement learning works to find the optimal path, or policy. The thesis also reviews the knowledge of linear quadratic control problem. Two common methods are reviewed. One is the standard method for LQR problem and the other one is a causal solution with an augmented system. Some concepts of them are related to dynamic programming. Related to this, some algorithms of solving linear quadratic tracking problem are presented based on reinforcement learning. To this end, augmented systems are created and the problem appears in the form of two system state vectors with different value matrices. Both offline algorithms with known system dynamics and online algorithms without system dynamics are investigated. According to the state vector of systems and the property of strategies, these algorithms are clearly classified. The simulation is done to testify the algorithms. The linear quadratic tracking control of motor speed is carried out with one second sampling time in an experimental setting. It turns out that the controller gain converges and the motor speed can track the reference perfectly.