Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative assessment of the lumbar intervertebral disc via T2 shows excellent long-term reliability

Methodologies for the quantitative assessment of the spine tissues, in particular the intervertebral disc (IVD), have not been well established in terms of long-term reliability. This is required for designing prospective studies. 1H water T2 in the IVD (“T2”) has attained wider use in assessment of the lumbar intervertebral discs via magnetic resonance imaging. The reliability of IVD T2 measurements are yet to be established. IVD T2 was assessed nine times at regular intervals over 368 days on six anatomical slices centred at the lumbar spine using a spin-echo multi-echo sequence in 12 men. To assess repeatability, intra-class correlation co-efficients (ICCs), standard error of the measurement, minimal detectable difference and co-efficients of variation (CVs) were calculated along with their 95% confidence intervals. Bland-Altman analysis was also performed. ICCs were above 0.93, with the exception of nuclear T2 at L5/S1, where the ICC was 0.88. CVs of the central-slice nucleus sub-region ranged from 4.3% (average of all levels) to 10.1% for L5/S1 and between 2.2% to 3.2% for whole IVD T2 (1.8% for the average of all levels). Averaging between vertebral levels improved reliability. Reliability of measurements was least at L5/S1. ICCs of degenerated IVDs were lower. Test-retest reliability was excellent for whole IVD and good to excellent for IVD subregions. The findings help to establish the long-term repeatability of lumbar IVD T2 for the implementation of prospective studies and determination of significant changes within individuals.
Tibial Macrostructure and Microarchitecture Adaptations in Women During 44 Weeks of Arduous Military Training

Bone adapts to unaccustomed, high‐impact loading but loses mechanosensitivity quickly. Short periods of military training (≤12 weeks) increase the density and size of the tibia in women. The effect of longer periods of military training, where the incidence of stress fracture is high, on tibial macrostructure and microarchitecture in women is unknown. This observational study recruited 51 women (age 19 to 30 years) at the start of 44 weeks of British Army Officer training. Tibial volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), geometry, and microarchitecture were measured by high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT). Scans of the right tibial metaphysis (4% site) and diaphysis (30% site) were performed at weeks 1, 14, 28, and 44. Measures of whole‐body areal bone mineral density (aBMD) were obtained using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Blood samples were taken at weeks 1, 28, and 44, and were analyzed for markers of bone formation and resorption. Trabecular vBMD increased from week 1 to 44 at the 4% site (3.0%, p < .001). Cortical vBMD decreased from week 1 to 14 at the 30% site (−0.3%, p < .001). Trabecular area decreased at the 4% site (−0.4%); trabecular bone volume fraction (3.5%), cortical area (4.8%), and cortical thickness (4.0%) increased at the 4% site; and, cortical perimeter increased at the 30% site (0.5%) from week 1 to 44 (p ≤ .005). Trabecular number (3.5%) and thickness (2.1%) increased, and trabecular separation decreased (−3.1%), at the 4% site from week 1 to 44 (p < .001). Training increased failure load at the 30% site from week 1 to 44 (2.5%, p < .001). Training had no effect on aBMD or markers of bone formation or resorption. Tibial macrostructure and microarchitecture continued to adapt across 44 weeks of military training in young women. Temporal decreases in cortical density support a role of intracortical remodeling in the pathogenesis of stress fracture. © 2021 Crown copyright. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). This article is published with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen's Printer for Scotland.
Sarcoidosis during treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis: a rare case report and review of the literature

The coexistence of pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary sarcoidosis is rare. Further, the morphological features of pulmonary tuberculosis with comorbid pulmonary sarcoidosis are similar to those of tuberculosis alone. There are obvious clinical, histological, and radiological similarities between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis, which makes differential diagnosis very challenging, particularly in countries with a high burden of tuberculosis. Here, a rare case of computed tomography (CT) findings of sarcoidosis that developed during tuberculosis treatment is reported. The 46-year-old male patient had no significant symptoms and was undergoing treatment for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Chest CT revealed enlargement of multiple lymph nodes, without cystic or necrotic changes, in the mediastinum and both hili, and post-infectious changes consistent with the sequelae of tuberculosis infection in the left upper lobe. Chest radiographic evidence was accompanied by compatible clinical features and noncaseating granulomas on biopsy. As the patient was clinically stable, corticosteroid treatment was not initiated. To date, the patient remains without specific symptoms and outpatient follow-ups continue. Although rare, sarcoidosis may occur during treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, and requires attention for diagnosis and treatment. The present case draws a radiological picture of how tuberculosis evolved to sarcoidosis.
Microbiome analysis of feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL) and feline oral health

Introduction Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL) is one of the most common and painful oral diseases of the cat. It is characterised by tooth resorption due to destructive activity of odontoclasts. FORL can result in tooth loss. While the aetiology of FORL is not clearly understood, it is thought to be multifactorial and bacteria are likely to play a major role. Hypothesis Dysbiosis of the normal feline oral microbiota leads to an alteration in commensal bacteria populations, which results in the development of FORL. Aim The purpose of the current study was to determine the composition of the microbiomes associated with feline oral health and FORL. Methodology Supragingival plaque was collected from 25 cats with a healthy oral cavity and 40 cats with FORL. DNA was extracted from each sample, the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene amplified by polymerase chain reaction and amplicons sequenced. Diversity and species richness analyses were performed, principal component analysis was used to explore differences between the oral microbiomes of healthy cats and those with FORL, and linear discriminant analysis effect size was used to assess differences between the groups. Results The six most abundant bacterial genera identified were Bergeyella , Capnocytophaga, Lampropedia, Morexella, Porphyromonas and Treponema . Two-step cluster analysis of the data identified two FORL sub-groups (FORL-1, FORL-2). The FORL-2 sub-group was very similar to the healthy group, whilst the FORL-1 sub-group was clearly different from both the FORL-2 sub-group and the healthy groups. In this analysis, Capnocytophaga (P <0.001) and Lampropedia (P <0.01) were found at significantly lower levels and Porphyromonas at a slightly higher level in the FORL-1 sub-group compared to the healthy and FORL-2 sub-groups. Microbial diversity was found to be less in the FORL-1 sub-group than in the healthy group. Lampropedia sp. , a phosphate-accumulating oral commensal species, was significantly lower in the FORL-1 sub-group. Conclusion The oral microbiota associated with the FORL-1 sub-group is distinct from that found in the healthy group and FORL-2 sub-group. Lampropedia species may influence the local calcium-phosphate ratio, which could be a factor in tooth and bone resorption observed in FORL.
Supplementary Bovine Colostrum Feedings to Formula-Fed Preterm Pigs Improve Gut Function and Reduce Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text ABSTRACT Objectives: Exclusive feeding with bovine colostrum (BC) protects preterm pigs against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and BC has recently been tested as a supplement to a mother's own milk or formula (FOR) for very preterm infants. Using preterm pigs as a model for infants, we investigated if BC has gut- and NEC-protective effects at different proportions of the daily enteral intake given as BC. Methods: Sixty-eight caesarean-delivered preterm piglets (90% gestation) were allocated into four groups with increasing proportions of eight daily bolus feedings as BC: BC00 (only FOR feeding), BC25 (25% BC), BC50 (50% BC), or BC75 (75% BC). On day 5, the gut was collected for biochemical analyses. Results: Body growth was increased in BC50 and BC75 piglets (2-fold, P < 0.05 vs BC00). The incidence of mild NEC-like lesions was similar among groups (67–86%), but BC75 reduced severe NEC-like lesions (27% vs 79% in BC00, P < 0.05). BC50 and BC75 improved hexose absorption and mucosal structure and reduced gut permeability (P < 0.05 vs BC00), while enzyme activities (lactase, aminopeptidase N and A, dipeptidyl peptidase IV) were improved in all pigs fed BC (P < 0.05). Across the measured variables, beneficial effects were most clear for the BC75 group, including reductions in colon tissue cytokine levels (interleukin 8, interleukin 1β, tumor necrosis factor α) and expression of immune- and apoptosis-related genes (LBP, TLR4, TLR2, IL8, STAT3, IL17, C3, all P < 0.05, relative to BC00). Conclusion: A proportion of 50–75% of daily enteral intake as BC is required to improve the intestinal structure, function, immunology, and NEC resistance in preterm piglets also fed formula. Further studies are required to show if and how supplementary BC may support gut development in preterm infants during the immediate postnatal period. It is challenging to translate results on optimal feeding regimens between species, and preterm infants would not receive a majority of their daily enteral intake as BC.
Locomotor activities of individuals with lower-limb amputation

Background: Ambulatory individuals with lower-limb amputation perform a variety of locomotor activities, but the step count distribution of these activities is unknown. Objective: To describe a novel method for activity monitoring and to use it to count steps taken while walking straight ahead on level ground, turning right and left, up and down stairs, and up and down ramps. Study Design: This is an observational study. Methods: A portable instrument to record leg motion was placed on or inside the prosthetic pylon of 10 individuals with unilateral transtibial amputations. Participants first walked a defined course in a hospital environment to train and validate a machine learning algorithm for classifying locomotor activity. Participants were then free to pursue their usual activities while data were continuously collected over 1-2 d. Results: Overall classification accuracy was 97.5% ± 1.5%. When participants were free to walk about their home, work, and community environments, 82.8% of all steps were in a straight line, 9.0% were turning steps, 4.8% were steps on stairs, and 3.6% were steps on ramps. Conclusion: A novel activity monitoring method accurately classified the locomotion activities of individuals with lower-limb amputation. Nearly 1 in 5 of all steps taken involved turning or walking on stairs and ramps.
Academic motivation scale - reliability and validity evidence among undergraduate nursing students*

Objective: to assess the evidence of validity and reliability of the academic motivation scale (AMS) based on the internal structure. Method: this is a methodological study with 205 undergraduate nursing students. Dimensionality/internal structure of the AMS was assessed using factor analysis in the context of exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) and reliability of the factors was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha (α) coefficient and composite reliability (CR) coefficient. Results: acceptable fit indexes were obtained (CFI = 0.92; RMSEA = 0.07; SRMR = 0.06) for a three-dimensional model: intrinsic motivation (10 items; α = 0.84; CR = 0.86); extrinsic motivation (8 items; α = 0.84; CR = 0.90); and demotivation (4 items; α = 0.84; CR = 0.88). A significant correlational pattern was found for the motivation continuum. Conclusion: the dimensionality analysis for the AMS presented a model with three factors: intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation and demotivation, and was considered a reduced alternative to the original version of seven factors. This study helped assess the validity of the measurement instrument and its theory refinement; further studies should be conducted to assess its invariance property.
Optimizing Bromelain Extration by Reversed Micelles from Pineapple Fruit

The present work aimed at optimizing the conditions for bromelain extraction by reversed micelles from pineapple juice (Ananas comosus). A micro-column with pulsed caps was employed in the continuous extraction. The cationic micellar solution was composed of BDBAC as surfactant, isooctane as solvent and hexanol as co-solvent. Assays of enzyme activity and total protein were performed to samples of the heavy aqueous phase from the backward extraction. It was found that the maximum purification factor obtained was about 3 and the best values of the independent variables surfactant agent, co-solvent and salt concentrations, pH of the back and forward extractions – were, respectively: 100 mM, 10% v/v, 1 M, 3.5 and 8. For the continuous extractor, the effects over the purification factor and the productivity were analysed. The independent variables optimal point was determined: ratio between light phase flow and total flow rate equal to 0.67 and 1 s for the time interval between the pulses. This optimal point led to a productivity of 1.29 mL/min and a purification factor of 4.96.
Clinical course and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in multiple sclerosis patients treated with disease-modifying therapies - the Polish experience.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to report the course and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in Poland. A major concern for neurologists worldwide is the course and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with MS treated with different DMTs. Although initial studies do not suggest an unfavourable course of infection in this group of patients, the data is limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 396 MS patients treated with DMTs and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from 28 Polish MS centres. Information concerning patient demographics, comorbidities, clinical course of MS, current DMT use, as well as symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, need for pharmacotherapy, oxygen therapy, and/or hospitalisation, and short-term outcomes was collected up to 30 January 2021. Additional data about COVID-19 cases in the general population in Poland was obtained from official reports of the Polish Ministry of Health. RESULTS There were 114 males (28.8%) and 282 females (71.2%). The median age was 39 years (IQR 13). The great majority of patients with MS exhibited relapsing-remitting course (372 patients; 93.9%). The median EDSS was 2 (SD 1.38), and the mean disease duration was 8.95 (IQR 8) years. Most of the MS patients were treated with dimethyl fumarate (164; 41.41%). Other DMTs were less frequently used: interferon beta (82; 20.70%), glatiramer acetate (42; 10.60%), natalizumab (35;8.84%), teriflunomide (25; 6.31%), ocrelizumab (20; 5.05%), fingolimod (16; 4.04), cladribine (5; 1.26%), mitoxantrone (3; 0.76%), ozanimod (3; 0.76%), and alemtuzumab (1; 0.25%). The overall hospitalisation rate due to COVID-19 in the cohort was 6.81% (27 patients). Only one patient (0.3%) died due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and three (0.76%) patients were treated with mechanical ventilation; 106 (26.8%) patients had at least one comorbid condition. There were no significant differences in the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection regarding patient age, duration of the disease, degree of disability (EDSS), lymphocyte count, or type of DMT used. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Most MS patients included in this study had a favourable course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The hospitalisation rate and the mortality rate were not higher in the MS cohort compared to the general Polish population. Continued multicentre data collection is needed to increase the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection impact on the course of MS in patients treated with DMTs.
Focus on the Positive: A Qualitative Study of Positive Experiences Living With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

The purpose of this study was to identify positive experiences associated with diabetes from the perspective of adults diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. We conducted in-depth face-to-face and telephone interviews with adults with diabetes. Participants focused on positive and supportive experiences with their peers and community, improved health behaviors, personal growth, and engagement in diabetes advocacy. Communicating positive experiences about diabetes may help clinicians and educators reframe the negative messages commonly shared with people with diabetes.
Clonal Evolution of a High-Grade Pediatric Glioma With Distant Metastatic Spread

Objective High-grade glioma (HGG) rarely spreads outside the CNS. To test the hypothesis that the lesions were metastases originating from an HGG, we sequenced the relapsing HGG and distant extraneural lesions. Methods We performed whole-exome sequencing of an HGG lesion, its local relapse, and distant lesions in bone and lymph nodes. Results Phylogenetic reconstruction and histopathologic analysis confirmed the common glioma origin of the secondary lesions. The mutational profile revealed an IDH1/2 wild-type HGG with an activating mutation in EGFR and biallelic focal loss of CDKN2A (9p21). In the metastatic samples and the local relapse, we found an activating PIK3CA mutation, further copy number gains in chromosome 7 (EGFR), and a putative pathogenic driver mutation in a canonical splice site of FLNA. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate tumor spread outside the CNS and identify potential genetic drivers of metastatic dissemination outside the CNS, which could be leveraged as therapeutic targets or potential biomarkers.
Comment on “Circadian rhythms in the absence of the clock gene Bmal1”

Ray et al. (Reports, 14 February 2020, p. 800) report apparent transcriptional circadian rhythms in mouse tissues lacking the core clock component BMAL1. To better understand these surprising results, we reanalyzed the associated data. We were unable to reproduce the original findings, nor could we identify reliably cycling genes. We conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support circadian transcriptional rhythms in the absence of Bmal1.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Use in Clinical Trials for On-Market Diabetes Drugs

To the best of our knowledge, there are no published data on the historical and recent use of CGM in clinical trials of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of diabetes. We analyzed 2,032 clinical trials of 40 antihyperglycemic therapies currently on the market with a study start date between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2019. According to ClinicalTrials.gov, 119 (5.9%) of these trials used CGM. CGM usage in clinical trials has increased over time, rising from <5% before 2005 to 12.5% in 2019. However, it is still low given its inclusion in the American Diabetes Association’s latest guidelines and known limitations of A1C for assessing ongoing diabetes care.
Models of Regional Economic Development: Illustrations Using U.S. Data

Abstract Considering stagnating regional prosperity levels and growing inter-regional disparities in many economies, this paper appeals for a renewed research agenda to deepen our understanding of regional economic development. This is done by discussing different conceptual perspectives, their empirical applications and open questions and suggestions for future research. Conventional approaches view development as an outcome of and dependent upon local economic structure. That is, high regional performance is associated with specific regional industrial and human capital mixes. We argue that to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms that drive regional economic development it is helpful to apply a relational approach that pays attention to the networks between economic actors across different spatial scales, from local to global. These generate knowledge as well as access to technologies, resources and markets, thereby catalyzing income growth. To support regional policy agendas, it is further necessary to go beyond identifying regularities that structure development and engage with differing regional pathways by conducting systematic comparative analyses of local contextual and institutional conditions.
Water splitting photoelectrocatalysis : the conception and construction of a photoelectrocatalytic water splitting cell

Solar water splitting by photoelectrocatalysis is a proposed long term solution for the production of renewable hydrogen. A wired dual photosystem photoelectrocatalytic cell is thermodynamically considered to possess the highest attainable solar-to-hydrogen efficiency. To realize a photoelectrocatalytic water splitting cell for practical application, facile fabrication methods and abundant low cost materials are essential. This research investigates tungsten trioxide (WO3) and bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) as thin film n-photoanodes to complete the oxygen evolution half reaction for water splitting application in a tandem dual photosystem photoeletrocatalyic water splitting cell. These thin films are fabricated by low cost, robust, scalable, sol-gel dip coating methods and characterized by several techniques to verify the physical characteristics and photochemical performance. WO3 and BiVO4 are optimized by nanostructuration, interfacial surface modification, and addition of surface co-catalysts to increase performance and stability in acidic and neutral conditions, respectively. These materials are coupled with a copper (II) oxide p-photocathode to drive the hydrogen evolution reaction in a photoelectrocatalyic cell to complete the water splitting reaction. The photoelectrocatalytic cell constructed is inspired by previous literature reports encompassing an innovative tandem dual photosystem approach. As a result, this research reports one of the only entirely metal oxide based photoelectrocatalytic water splitting cells, fabricated by inexpensive, unexcessive techniques, resulting in a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 0.01% and an applied bias to photon efficiency of 0.06%.