Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Underwater Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure with Ventilator-Derived Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Premature Neonates Ready for Extubation

Objective and methods: As the result of vigorous bubbling, infants receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) by an underwater seal (bubble CPAP) were observed to have vibrations of their chests at frequencies similar to high-frequency ventilation (HFV). We performed a randomized crossover study in 10 premature infants ready for extubation to test whether bubble CPAP contributes to gas exchange compared to conventional ventilator-derived CPAP. Measurements of tidal volume and minute volume were made using the Bear Cub neonatal volume monitor, and gas exchange was measured using an oxygen saturation monitor and a transcutaneous carbon dioxide (tcpCO2) monitor. Results: There was a 39% reduction in minute volume (p < 0.001) and a 7% reduction in respiratory rate (p = 0.004) with no change in tcpCO2 or O2 saturation for infants supported with bubble versus ventilator-derived CPAP. Conclusions: The lack of difference in blood gas parameters associated with a decrease in the infant’s minute volume and respiratory rate with bubble CPAP compared with ventilator-derived CPAP suggests that the chest vibrations produced with bubble CPAP may have contributed to gas exchange. Bubble CPAP may offer an effective and inexpensive option for providing respiratory support to premature infants.
Direct antimicrobial susceptibility testing for acute urinary tract infections in women

Despite its theoretical advantages, direct antimicrobial susceptibility testing (DST) of urine specimens remains controversial largely because of concerns regarding its accuracy, particularly with mixed cultures. To evaluate the performance of DST in the setting of acute urinary tract infection (UTI), we performed DST using 25 traditional and contemporary antimicrobial agents on urine specimens from 162 women with suspected acute uncomplicated UTI, and compared these results with the results of standardized disk diffusion susceptibility tests done on the same specimens. Direct tests were interpretable for 129 specimens, i.e., 80% of all specimens and 85% of the 152 specimens that met the culture criteria for UTI. Of the 2,983 individual comparisons between the direct and standard tests, 0.8% represented very major errors, 0.6% represented major errors, 3.1% represented minor errors, and 95.5% were in agreement. Errors were more common in association with older antimicrobial agents and agents with a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, non-Escherichia coli strains, low urine bacterial concentrations, sparse or mixed growth in the direct test, and the presence of multiple significant organisms in urine. The urine leukocyte concentration was > or = 15/mm3 in all subjects and did not differentiate between specimens that gave an interpretable direct test and those that did not. Calculation of the sensitivity of DST in identifying antimicrobial resistance supplemented conventional error rate analysis. We conclude that when used selectively and interpreted carefully, DST of urine specimens offers an efficient, rapid, and accurate method for antimicrobial susceptibility determination for acute UTI, particularly when the urine bacterial concentration is > 10(5) CFU/ml.
Functional connectivity maps based on hippocampal and thalamic dynamics may account for the default‐mode network

The default‐mode network (DMN) has been reported to comprise a set of inter‐connected transmodal cortical areas, including the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), medial prefrontal cortex, posterior inferior parietal lobule, lateral temporal region and others. However, the subcortical constituents of the DMN are still not clear. This study aimed to examine whether the correlation maps derived from subcortical structures may also account for neural pattern of the DMN. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resting‐state functional MRI scans of 36 subjects were selected from the Rockland sample (Nathan Kline Institute). The hippocampus and thalamus were chosen as subcortical regions of interest (ROIs). Each ROI was partitioned into composite modules which in turn provided simplified and representative dynamics of blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signals. PCC‐seeded and ROI‐based correlation maps were compared by conjunction analyses and paired t‐tests (corrected P < 0.05). Our results unveiled that the hippocampus‐, thalamus‐ and PCC‐centred correlation patterns actually overlapped to a substantial degree. Integrating the signals in the thalamus and hippocampus altogether fully explained the PCC‐seeded DMN. Supplementary analyses based on the BOLD dynamics in several subcortical nuclei (caudate, putamen and globus pallidus) were dissimilar to the DMN. The DMN derived from the ROI/seed‐based approach may represent combined limbic and region‐specific informatics (and their closely interacting neural substrates). The possible causes for previous methods of task‐induced deactivation and seed‐based correlation that failed to depict the holistic limbic picture are discussed. The neocortical manifestation of DMN may reflect the limbic information in the transmodal brain regions.
Assessing covariate balance when using the generalized propensity score with quantitative or continuous exposures

Propensity score methods are increasingly being used to estimate the effects of treatments and exposures when using observational data. The propensity score was initially developed for use with binary exposures (e.g., active treatment vs. control). The generalized propensity score is an extension of the propensity score for use with quantitative exposures (e.g., dose or quantity of medication, income, years of education). A crucial component of any propensity score analysis is that of balance assessment. This entails assessing the degree to which conditioning on the propensity score (via matching, weighting, or stratification) has balanced measured baseline covariates between exposure groups. Methods for balance assessment have been well described and are frequently implemented when using the propensity score with binary exposures. However, there is a paucity of information on how to assess baseline covariate balance when using the generalized propensity score. We describe how methods based on the standardized difference can be adapted for use with quantitative exposures when using the generalized propensity score. We also describe a method based on assessing the correlation between the quantitative exposure and each covariate in the sample when weighted using generalized propensity score -based weights. We conducted a series of Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the performance of these methods. We also compared two different methods of estimating the generalized propensity score: ordinary least squared regression and the covariate balancing propensity score method. We illustrate the application of these methods using data on patients hospitalized with a heart attack with the quantitative exposure being creatinine level.
A group recommendation strategy based on user's interaction behavior

With the enrichment of social activities, people are more inclined to group activities in life, study and work. Therefore, how to make a recommendation for group user has become a research hotspot. As the result of the existed recommendation systems are designed for individuals, this paper proposes a group recommendation method based on user's interaction behavior. First, a global trust estimation model based on the interaction between users is proposed, which can be used to estimate the global trust of each user. Second, each user's score of the project can be obtained through collaborative filtering. In the third step, the results obtained in the above two parts are combined to obtain the scoring prediction model proposed in this paper. Finally, according to the characteristics of the group itself, a model GROUP-MAE which is more suitable for evaluating the accuracy of group recommendation systems is proposed in this paper. By comparing experiments on EPINIONS_EXTENDED dataset, it is shown that the proposed model is superior to the traditional cooperative fusion strategy in precision and accuracy.
Energy Balance over One Athletic Season

Introduction Magnitude and variation in energy balance (EB) components over an athletic season are largely unknown. Purpose We investigated the longitudinal changes in EB over one season and explored the association between EB variation and change in the main fat-free mass (FFM) components in highly trained athletes. Methods Eighty athletes (54 males; handball, volleyball, basketball, triathlete, and swimming) were evaluated from the beginning of the season to the main competition stage. Resting and total energy expenditure (REE and TEE, respectively) were assessed by indirect calorimetry and doubly labeled water, respectively. Physical activity energy expenditure was calculated as TEE − 0.1 TEE − REE. Fat mass (FM), FFM, and bone mineral were evaluated with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; changed body energy stores were calculated as 1.0(&Dgr;FFM/&Dgr;time) + 9.5(&Dgr;FM/&Dgr;time). Total-body water (TBW) and its compartments were assessed through dilution techniques, and total-body protein was calculated from a four-compartment model, with body volume assessed by air displacement plethysmography. Results Although a negative EB of −17.4 ± 72.7 kcal·d−1 was observed (P < 0.05), EB varied widely among sports and across sex groups resulting in a net weight increase (0.7 ± 2.3 kg) that is attributable to significant changes in FFM (1.2 ± 1.6 kg) and FM (−0.7 ± 1.5 kg) (P < 0.05). EB was related with TBW and intracellular water (r = 0.354, r = 0.257, P < 0.05, respectively), regardless of sex, sports, and age. Conclusions The mean negative EB observed over the season resulted from the rate of FM use and FFM accretion, but with a large variation by sex and sports. TBW, but not total-body protein or mineral balance, explained the magnitude of EB, which means that athletes under a positive or a negative EB showed a TBW expansion or shrinkage, respectively, specifically within the cells, over one athletic season.
Three dimensional typological studies using scanning electron microscopy for characterization of Termitomyces pellets obtained from submerged growth conditions

Abstract There are gaps in existing understanding of fungal pellet growth dynamics. We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological characterization of the biomass organization of Termitomyces pellets for seven species: T. microcarpus (TMI1), T. albuminosus (TAL1, TAL2), T. striatus (TSTR), T. aurantiacus (TAUR), T. heimii (THE1, THE2), T. globulus (TGLO) and T. clypeatus (TCL1, TCL2, TCL3, TCL4, TCL5). We assessed the utility of SEM for morphological and structural characterization of Termitomyces spp. in three dimensional (3D) pellet form to identify ideal pellet morphology for industrial use. Typological classification of Termitomyces species was based on furrows, isotropy, total motifs and fractal dimensions. The pellets formed were entangled and exhibited highly compacted mycelial mass with microheterogeneity and microporosity. The mean density of furrows of Termitomyces species was between 10,000 and 11,300 cm/cm2, percentage isotropy was 30−80 and total motifs varied from 300 to 2500. TGLO exhibited the highest furrow mean density, 11243 cm/cm2, which indicated a compact, cerebroid structure with complex ridges and furrows, whereas TAL2 exhibited the lowest furrow density. TMI1a exhibited a high percentage isotropic value, 74.6, TSTR exhibited the lowest, 30.9. Total motif number also was used as a typological classification parameter. Fractal values were 2.64−2.78 for various submerged conditions of Termitomyces species. TAL1 exhibited the highest fractal dimension and TAL2 the lowest, which indicates the complexity of branching patterns. Three-dimensional SEM image analysis can provide insight into pellet micromorphology and is a powerful tool for exploring topographical details of pellets.
Spironolactone and the risk of urinary tract cancer in patients with hypertension: a nationwide population-based retrospective case–control study

Aim: This was a nationwide study by National Health Insurance Research Database to investigate the risk of urinary tract cancers (UTCs) for renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors including spironolactone. Methods: A total of 32 167 UTC patients with hypertension were enrolled in the National Health Insurance program between 2005 and 2011. Results: Among different subclasses of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for UTC risk was 1.00 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96–1.04] in angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, 1.22 (95% CI = 1.18–1.26) in patients who received angiotensin II receptor blockers, 0.91 (95% CI = 0.87–0.96) in spironolactone. Spironolactone is associated with a significantly lower risk of prostate cancer (adjusted OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.82–0.94) in the male patients. A similar trend was observed in the female patients for the risk of bladder cancer (adjusted OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.72–0.92). Conclusion: Our findings show that a lower risk of UTCs significantly associated with spironolactone in patients.
A practical guideline for the haematological management of major haemorrhage

The aim of this guideline is to provide recommendations for the haematological management of major haemorrhage in any clinical situation, with practical guidance for Clinical Haematologists and laboratory staff on the content and delivery of major bleeding protocols, including the use of blood components and transfusion alternatives. Management of major haemorrhage in any setting requires a multidisciplinary approach. There have been advances in techniques for resuscitation as well as surgical, radiological and endoscopy interventions, to control bleeding alongside critical care support, but these are beyond the scope of this document. These updated guidelines are based on new studies, which have provoked reassessment of the principles of managing major haemorrhage in all clinical situations, and which mandate much closer working between hospital blood banks and emergency departments to provide timely transfusion support for patients with major bleeding. Alongside changes in the use of blood component therapy, the importance of antifibrinolytics has been demonstrated in the study by the Clinical Randomization of Antifibrinolytics in Significant Haemorrhage (CRASH-2) collaborators (2010). The recognition that tranexamic acid (TA) benefited not only those with massive haemorrhage but also the larger number of patients with, or at risk of, significant haemorrhage (i.e. not only those fulfilling the criteria for massive bleeding) has led to an expansion of our guidelines from massive to major haemorrhage so that we can include this group. Methods
Autonomic Nervous Activity during Sleep in Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction

No data are available on the autonomic system during sleep in patients with stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of acute ischemic stroke on the autonomic cardiovascular system during sleep, and to correlate autonomic activity with the clinical status of patients. Ten patients with ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery were studied by means of an all-night polysomnographic recording within the 1st week of the onset of symptoms and at the 3-week follow-up examination. Power spectrum analysis of the heart rate variability was performed using an autoregressive algorithm in 180 consecutive electrocardiographic RR intervals. Spectral power was calculated in 3 main frequency bands: high frequency (HF), 0.15–0.4 Hz; low frequency (LF), 0.04–0.15 Hz; very low frequency (VLF), <0.04 Hz. The data were compared with those of 10 age-matched controls. A significant increase in VLF (p < 0.0005) and a decrease in HF (p < 0.0002) components were found in ischemic stroke patients. The sympathetic-parasympathetic balance (VLF + LF/HF) was higher in patients than controls (p < 0.005). However, these components changed significantly during sleep, revealing a physiological pattern. These power spectral data were still present at the 3-week follow-up. The 4 patients who developed cardiac arrhythmias showed higher sympathetic-parasympathetic balance than patients without arrhythmias (p < 0.05). These data suggest a sympathetic predominance in patients with acute ischemic stroke during sleep. However, the flexible and dynamic properties of the autonomic nervous system are preserved. Cardiac arrhythmias following stroke may be related to the degree of sympathetic predominance.
Hippocampal CA1 activity correlated with the distance to the goal and navigation performance

Coding the distance to a future goal is an important function of a neural system supporting navigation. While some evidence indicates the hippocampus increases activity with proximity to the goal, others have found activity to decrease with proximity. To explore goal distance coding in the hippocampus we recorded from CA1 hippocampal place cells in rats as they navigated to learned goals in an event arena with a win‐stay lose‐shift rule. CA1 activity was positively correlated with the distance ‐ decreasing with proximity to the goal. The stronger the correlation between distance to the goal and CA1 activity, the more successful navigation was in a given task session. Acceleration, but not speed, was also correlated with the distance to the goal. However, the relationship between CA1 activity and navigation performance was independent of variation in acceleration and variation in speed. These results help clarify the situations in which CA1 activity encodes navigationally relevant information and the extent to which it relates to behavior.
Noninvasive Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and the Afirma Gene-Expression Classifier.

BACKGROUND It is now recognized that noninvasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (NFVPTC) is a distinct subset of FVPTC with an exceedingly indolent clinical course. The Afirma gene-expression classifier (GEC) helps guide clinicians in the management of thyroid nodules with indeterminate fine-needle aspiration (FNA) results. Thyroid surgery is recommended for nodules with a suspicious Afirma result, whereas observation is deemed reasonable for most nodules with a benign result. The aim of this study was to confirm that the Afirma test detects NFVPTCs and to determine how many carcinomas detected by the Afirma GEC represent NFVPTCs. METHODS From a database of 249 FNAs sent for Afirma testing between January 2012 and October 2014, a search was conducted for cases with a preceding FNA diagnosis of atypia/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) or suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (SFN), a suspicious Afirma result, and a corresponding resection specimen reviewed at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The diagnoses of the prior FNAs and subsequent resection specimens were recorded. Slides for all resection specimens with a diagnosis of FVPTC were reviewed to identify NFVPTCs. RESULTS Sixty-three cases met the inclusion criteria. The preceding FNA diagnosis was AUS/FLUS in 34 (54%) cases and SFN in 29 (46%) cases. The surgical resection specimen demonstrated 16 (25%) FVPTCs, five (8%) follicular thyroid carcinomas, one (2%) classical type PTC, and 41 (65%) benign tumors/nodules. Of the 16 FVPTCs, 14 (88%) were NFVPTCs. Thus, NFVPTCs accounted for 64% of the carcinomas in the cohort. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the Afirma GEC detects NFVPTCs and that many of the carcinomas detected by Afirma are NFVPTCs. While all care should be individualized and include clinical and sonographic assessment, these results suggest lobectomy as opposed to total thyroidectomy should be considered for nodules with a preceding AUS/FLUS or SFN on cytology and a suspicious Afirma result.
A comprehensive analysis of neurotrophins and neurotrophin tyrosine kinase receptors expression during development of zebrafish

Neurotrophins (NTF) are a family of secreted nerve growth factors with affinity for tyrosine kinase (Ntrk) and p75 receptors. To fully understand the variety of developmental roles played by NTFs, it is critical to know when and where genes encoding individual ligands and receptors are transcribed. Identification of ntf and ntrk transcripts in zebrafish development remains to be fully characterized for further uncovering the potential function(s) of the NTF signal transduction pathway. Here, we conducted a systematic analysis of the expression profiles of four ntf and five ntrk genes during zebrafish development using whole‐mount in situ hybridization. Our study unveils new expression domains in the developing embryo, confirms those previously known, and shows that ntf and ntrk genes have different degrees of cell‐ and tissue‐type specificity. The unique and overlapping expression patterns here depicted indicate the coordination of the redundant and divergent functions of NTFs and represent valuable tools for deciphering the molecular pathways involved in the specification and function of embryonic cell types.
Division Plane Orientation Defects Revealed by a Synthetic Double Mutant Phenotype1[OPEN]

The tangled1air9 double mutant had synthetic division plane orientation and root growth and cell file rotation defects that are rescued by full-length TAN1-YFP and only partially by TAN1-YFP deletion constructs. TANGLED1 (TAN1) and AUXIN-INDUCED-IN-ROOTS9 (AIR9) are microtubule-binding proteins that localize to the division site in plants. Their function in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) remained unclear because neither tan1 nor air9 single mutants have a strong phenotype. We show that tan1 air9 double mutants have a synthetic phenotype consisting of short, twisted roots with disordered cortical microtubule arrays that are hypersensitive to a microtubule-depolymerizing drug. The tan1 air9 double mutants have significant defects in division plane orientation due to failures in placing the new cell wall at the correct division site. Full-length TAN1 fused to yellow fluorescent protein, TAN1-YFP, and several deletion constructs were transformed into the double mutant to assess which regions of TAN1 are required for its function in root growth, root twisting, and division plane orientation. TAN1-YFP expressed in tan1 air9 significantly rescued the double mutant phenotype in all three respects. Interestingly, TAN1 missing the first 126 amino acids, TAN1-ΔI-YFP, failed to rescue the double mutant phenotype, while TAN1 missing a conserved middle region, TAN1-ΔII-YFP, significantly rescued the mutant phenotype in terms of root growth and division plane orientation but not root twisting. We use the tan1 air9 double mutant to discover new functions for TAN1 and AIR9 during phragmoplast guidance and root morphogenesis.