Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can diet‐induced weight loss improve iron homoeostasis in patients with obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Despite the increasing worldwide prevalence of obesity and iron deficiency (ID), there are still no guidelines on how to treat and manage obesity‐related ID. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to investigate whether weight loss can re‐establish iron homoeostasis among subjects with unhealthy weight (overweight [OW] or obesity). PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systemically searched for studies that compared the iron status before and after a weight‐loss intervention. A random‐effects model was used to calculate the pooled and subgroup weighted mean differences (WMDs) of iron biomarkers. In total, 879 subjects were pooled across 14 studies. Improved haemoglobin was found in longitudinal studies (WMD = 2.50 g/dl, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88, 4.12 g/dl, I2 = 14%) but not in randomized controlled trials or after being stratified by dietary programmes. Significantly increased transferrin saturation was observed in pooled (WMD = 1.68%, 95% CI: 0.97%, 2.39%, I2 = 44%) and subgroup analyses. A meta‐regression showed that changes in the iron status were positively correlated with changes in the body mass index (BMI) and the intervention duration but negatively correlated with the baseline body weight/BMI, age, gender and a standard hypocaloric diet. Our data suggested that in spite of energy restrictions, weight loss may help re‐establish iron homoeostasis in people who are OW or obese.
Contextual influences on subjective alcohol response.

Prior research demonstrates contextual influences on drug responses in both animals and humans, although studies in humans typically focus on only one aspect of context (e.g., social) and examine a limited range of subjective experiences. The current study sought to address these limitations by examining the impact of both social and physical context on the full range of subjective alcohol effects. The sample included 448 young adult social drinkers (57% male, 66.5% White) randomly assigned to consume alcohol (target blood alcohol concentration of .08 g%) or placebo in 1 of 4 contexts (solitary lab, group lab, solitary bar, group bar). Results indicated that high arousal positive (HAP) effects of alcohol (e.g., talkative, lively) were stronger in nonbar relative to bar contexts and that low arousal positive (LAP) effects (e.g., relaxed, calm) were only present in the group lab context. There were also main effects of social context such that high arousal effects (both positive and negative) were stronger in group contexts, regardless of beverage condition. These findings highlight the importance of considering context when examining alcohol effects. Studies designed to isolate pharmacological HAP effects may benefit from a nonbar setting, and studies of LAP effects might be most effective in a simulated living room or home environment, although future studies are needed to directly address this possibility. Further, studies with an explicit focus on expectancies or that need strong control for expectancies might benefit from a group context, particularly when studying high arousal effects. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Regulators of H3K4 methylation mutated in neurodevelopmental disorders control axon guidance in Caenorhabditis elegans

ABSTRACT Post-translational histone modifications regulate chromatin compaction and gene expression to control many aspects of development. Mutations in genes encoding regulators of H3K4 methylation are causally associated with neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by intellectual disability and deficits in motor functions. However, it remains unclear how H3K4 methylation influences nervous system development and contributes to the aetiology of disease. Here, we show that the catalytic activity of set-2, the Caenorhabditis elegans homologue of the H3K4 methyltransferase KMT2F/G (SETD1A/B) genes, controls embryonic transcription of neuronal genes and is required for establishing proper axon guidance, and for neuronal functions related to locomotion and learning. Moreover, we uncover a striking correlation between components of the H3K4 regulatory machinery mutated in neurodevelopmental disorders and the process of axon guidance in C. elegans. Thus, our study supports an epigenetic-based model for the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, based on an aberrant axon guidance process originating from deregulated H3K4 methylation. Summary: Analysis of mutants lacking many known H3K4 regulators reveals the role of H3K4 methylation in C. elegans neuronal functions and suggests that aberrant axon guidance is a shared trait in neurodevelopmental diseases.
Novel swine biliary dilatation model with temperature-controlled endobiliary radiofrequency ablation: An effective tool for training in EUS-guided biliary drainage

Background and Objectives: EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is used as a rescue method after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. However, it is considered a technically challenging procedure. Phantoms and ex vivo biliary dilatation models have been used to enhance the learning of EUS-BD, but they provide a limited level of realism. The aim of this study was to develop a swine biliary dilatation model that uses temperature-controlled endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (EB-RFA) for training in EUS-BD. Materials and Methods: Target temperature-controlled (80°C at 7 or 10 W for 60–120 s) EB-RFA was performed on seven pigs. Two weeks after the EB-RFA, EUS examination was performed to confirm biliary dilatation, and EUS-BD was then attempted by performing a hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) or cholecystogastrostomy (CGS). Results: Twelve sessions of EB-RFA (11 at the distal common bile duct [CBD] and one at the proximal CBD) were successfully performed on the seven pigs. There were no immediate postprocedural adverse events. Two weeks after the procedures, clinical signs of jaundice were observed in all the pigs. EUS examination revealed massive intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary dilatations in all the pigs, and EUS-BD was attempted in the same session. HGS was performed on six pigs. Technical success was achieved in five of the six pigs (83.3%). Technical failure in HGS occurred during the stent deployment, and CGS was successfully performed on one pig. Conclusions: Our study shows that EB-RFA is an effective minimally invasive method for creating biliary dilatation models. It may be considered suitable for training in EUS-BD.
Assessment of pelvic lymph node metastasis in FIGO IB and IIA cervical cancer using quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI parameters.

PURPOSE We prospectively determined whether the quantitative parameters derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) are useful for predicting pelvic lymph node (LN) status in cervical cancer through node-by-node pathologic validation of images. METHODS Overall, 182 LNs harvested from 200 consecutive patients with 2018 FIGO stage IB-IIA cervical cancer (82 metastatic and 100 nonmetastatic) were used for node-by-node assessment. Each LN was quantitatively assessed using Ktrans, Ve, and Kep values. The short-axis diameter, ratio of the long-axis to short-axis diameter, and long-axis diameter were also assessed. Data on metastatic LNs were divided into four groups according to the FIGO staging system. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate statistically significant parameters derived from DCE-MRI for the differentiation of metastatic LNs from nonmetastatic LNs. RESULTS The mean short-axis diameter of metastatic LNs was significantly larger than that of nonmetastatic LNs (all P < 0.05) despite several overlaps. In comparison with nonmetastatic LNs, metastatic LNs showed a significantly lower Ktrans (all P <0.05); however, Kep and Ve were not significantly different (all P > 0.05). For IB3 and IIA2 cervical cancer, Ktrans had moderate diagnostic ability for differentiating metastatic LNs from nonmetastatic LNs (for IB3: area under the curve [AUC] 0.740, 95% CI 0.657-0.838, 61.7% sensitivity, 80.2% specificity, P = 0.007; for IIA2: AUC 0.786, 95% CI 0.650-0.846, 60.2% sensitivity, 81.8% specificity, P = 0.008). CONCLUSION Ktrans appears to be a useful parameter for detecting metastatic LNs, especially for IB3 and IIA2 cervical cancer.
Posterior Minimally Invasive Transpedicular Approach for Giant Calcified Thoracic Disc Herniation

Study Design: Retrospective case series. Objective: Posterior surgery for thoracic disc herniation was associated with increased morbidity and mortality and new minimally invasive approaches have been recommended for soft disc herniation but not for calcified central disc. The objective of this study is to describe a posterolateral microscopic transpedicular approach for central thoracic disc herniation. Methods: This is a single center retrospective review of all the cases of giant thoracic calcified disc herniation as defined by Hott et al. Presence of myelopathy, percentage of canal compromise, T2 hypersignal, ASIA score, and ambulatory status were recorded. This posterolateral technique using a tubular retractor was thoroughly described. Results: Eight patients were operated upon with a mean follow-up of 16 months. Mean canal compromise was 61%. Mean operative time was 228 minutes and mean operative bleeding was 250 mL. There were no cases of dural tear or neurologic degradation. Conclusion: This is the first report of posterior minimally invasive transpedicular approach for giant calcified disc herniation. There were neither cases of neurological deterioration nor increased rate of dural tears. This technique is thus safe and could be recommended for treatment of this rare disease.
AMPHIDINIUM CRYOPHILUM SP. NOV. (DINOPHYCEAE) A NEW FRESHWATER DINOFLAGELLATE. II. ULTRASTRUCTURE 1

The dinoflagellate Amphidinium cryophilum sp. nov. is one of the few gymnodinians to be studied at the ultrastructural level. It resembles other dinoflagellates in the structure of the nucleus, trichocysts, storage materials, flagella, mitochondria, and microbodies. Other features of A. cryophilum less commonly observed in related organisms include a network of small interconnected vesicles, a system of large, peripheral vacuoles, chloroplasts bound by two rather than three membranes, an accumulation body, thylakoid‐associated plastoglobuli, a vesiculated nuclear envelope, a complex tubular pusule, striated flagellar collars, collared pits, and a peduncle. The occurrence of a peduncle, a structure implicated in phagotrophy, in this autotrophic organism is noteworthy. The ultrastructure of the peduncle of A. cryophilum differs significantly from that reported in another dinoflagellate.
The role of availability of food and water to the adult Epiphyas postvittana, the light brown apple moth, in its reproductive performance

Female Epiphyas postvittana (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) moths were able to lay fertile eggs without feeding, but they require water to achieve their full reproductive potential. Fecundity of moths given water from emergence was not different from that of moths fed with 30% honey solution. Deprivation of feeding during the early stage (up to three days after emergence) showed no significant decrease in fecundity provided that honey solution was available from the age of four days after emergence. Starved moths laid less than 30% of the number of eggs laid by those fed with honey solution or water. Fecundity was correlated with moth weight at emergence when moths were fed with water or honey solution, but not when no food or water was provided. Moths of both sexes fed on honey solution copulated less frequently, lost body weight at a lower rate and had a greater longevity, compared with those fed with water or nothing. These results are discussed in relation to the reproductive strategy of this species.
Validation of synthesized normal resolution image data generated from high resolution acquisitions on a commercial CT scanner.

PURPOSE To validate a normal resolution (NR) simulation (NRsim) algorithm that uses high resolution (HR) or super high resolution (SHR) acquisitions on a commercial high resolution CT scanner by comparing image quality between NRsim generated images and actual NR images. NRsim is intended to allow direct comparison between normal resolution CT and HR/SHR reconstructions in clinical investigations, without repeating exams. METHODS The Aquilion Precision CT (Canon Medical Systems Corporation) high resolution CT scanner has three resolution modes resulting from detector binning in the channel (x-y) and row (z) directions. For NR, each detector element is 0.5 mm X 0.5 mm along the channel and row directions, 0.25 mm x 0.5 mm for HR, and 0.25 mm x 0.25 mm for SHR. The NRsim algorithm simulates NR acquisitions from HR or SHR acquisitions (termed NRHR and NRSHR , respectively) by downsampling the pre-log raw data in the channel direction for HR/SHR acquisitions, and row direction for SHR. The downsampled data is then reconstructed using the same process as NR. The axial MTF, slice sensitivity profile (SSP) and CT number accuracy were measured using the Catphan 600 phantom, and the 3D NPS was measured in water-equivalent phantoms for standard protocols across a range of size specific dose estimates (SSDE): head (6.2-29.8 mGy), lung (2.2-18.2 mGy), and body (5.6-19.4 mGy). The MTF and NPS measurements were combined to estimate low contrast detectability (LCD) using a non-prewhitening model observer with an eye filter for a 5 mm disk with 10 HU contrast. All metrics were compared for NR, NRHR and NRSHR images reconstructed using FBP and an iterative reconstruction algorithm (AIDR3D). We chose a 15% error threshold as a reasonable definition of success for NRsim when compared against actual NR based on published studies showing that a just-noticeable difference in image noise level for human observers is typically < 15%. RESULTS The axial MTF and SSPs for NRsim were in good agreement with NR demonstrated by a maximum difference of 5.1% for the MTF at 10% and 50% across materials (air, Teflon, LDPE, and polystyrene) and a maximum SSP difference of 2.2%. Noise magnitude differences were within 15% across the SSDE levels with the exception of below 4.5 mGy for the lung protocol with FBP. The relative RMSE of normalized NPS comparisons were all < 15%. Differences in CT numbers for NRsim reconstructions were within 2 HU of NR. LCD for NRsim was within 15% of NR with the exception of NRSHR for the lung protocol SSDE levels below 3.7 mGy with FBP. CONCLUSIONS NRsim, an algorithm for simulating NR acquisitions using HR and SHR raw data, was introduced and shown to generate images with spatial resolution, noise, HU accuracy and LCD largely equivalent to scans acquired using an actual NR acquisition. At SSDE levels below ~5 mGy for the lung protocol, differences in noise magnitude and LCD for NRSHR were > 15% which defines a region where NRsim degrades due to contributions from electronic noise.
Development and validation of a preoperative noninvasive predictive model based on circular tumor DNA for lymph node metastasis in resectable non-small cell lung cancer

Background Clinical lymph node staging in resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients not only indicates prognosis, but also determines primary treatment strategy. The demand of noninvasive tool for preoperative lymph node metastasis prediction remains significant. This study aimed to develop and externally validate a preoperative noninvasive predictive model based on circular tumor DNA (ctDNA) for the lymph node metastasis in resectable NSCLC patients. Methods Resectable NSCLC patients in TRACERx cohort were included as training group. Potential preoperative noninvasively accessible predictors were incorporated into the development of a nomogram via multivariate logistic regression. The predictive model was externally validated by a similar cohort from our hospital. Results Overall, 58 patients from TRACERx cohort were included as training group and 37 patients from our hospital were included as external validation group. Variant allele frequency (VAF) level of ctDNA was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (OR: 4.89, 95% CI: 1.22–19.54, P=0.03). The predictive model incorporating age, tumor size and VAF demonstrated satisfactory discrimination and calibration in both training group (AUC =0.77, 95% CI: 0.65–0.90, P=0.001) and external validation group (AUC =0.84, 95% CI: 0.70–0.99, P=0.005). Conclusions High VAF level in preoperative ctDNA may indicate lymph node metastasis of resectable NSCLC. And a preoperative noninvasive predictive model based on ctDNA for the lymph node metastasis in resectable NSCLC patients was developed and externally validated with satisfactory discrimination and calibration.
A Comparison of Pressure-Volume Curve Data Analysis Techniques

Schulte, P. J. and Hinckley, T. M. 1985. A comparison of pressure-volume curve data analysis techniques. —J. exp. Bot. 36: 1590-1602. Computer assisted analysis of data derived with the pressure-volume technique is currently feasible. In this study, various computer algorithms were used to analyse a variety of pressure-volume curve data sets. Comparisons were made with respect to estimates of osmotic potential, turgor loss point, symplastic fraction, and bulk modulus of elasticity. While osmotic potential estimation was fairly insensitive to the model used, estimates of the bulk modulus of elasticity appear to be highly dependent on the model used for analysis of the data.
Topography Correction for Distributed SAR Imaging: A Case Study for TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X

Multichannel synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation is a promising technique to mitigate the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) constraints inherent to single-channel SAR systems. The multichannel approach enables the acquisition of wide swathes while maintaining a high azimuth resolution. An important step during the multichannel processing for distributed SAR systems is the correction of the topographic phase. This phase is introduced by non-zero cross-track baselines between the antenna phase centers in a constellation or swarm of satellites. The paper in hand describes the processing approach which was exemplarily used for a multistatic experiment conducted with TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X. Challenges with the correction of the topographic phase are highlighted and the impact of the cross-track baseline is discussed.
Caspr2 interacts with type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor in the developing cerebellum and regulates Purkinje cell morphology

Contactin-associated protein-like 2 (Caspr2) is a neurexin-like protein that has been associated with numerous neurological conditions. However, the specific functional roles that Caspr2 plays in the central nervous system and their underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we report on a functional role for Caspr2 in the developing cerebellum. Using a combination of confocal microscopy, biochemical analyses, and behavioral testing, we show that loss of Caspr2 in the Cntnap2−/− knockout mouse results in impaired Purkinje cell dendritic development, altered intracellular signaling, and motor coordination deficits. We also find that Caspr2 is highly enriched at synaptic specializations in the cerebellum. Using a proteomics approach, we identify type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1) as a specific synaptic interaction partner of the Caspr2 extracellular domain in the molecular layer of the developing cerebellum. The interaction of the Caspr2 extracellular domain with IP3R1 inhibits IP3R1-mediated changes in cellular morphology. Together, our work defines a mechanism by which Caspr2 controls the development and function of the cerebellum and advances our understanding of how Caspr2 dysfunction might lead to specific brain disorders.
Advanced oxidation processes for waste water treatment: from laboratory-scale model water to on-site real waste water

ABSTRACT A process combining three steps has been developed as a tertiary treatment for waste water in order to remove micropollutants not eliminated by a conventional waste water treatment plant (WWTP). These three processes are ozonation, photocatalysis and granulated activated carbon adsorption. This process has been developed through three scales: laboratory, pilot and pre-industrial scale. At each scale, its efficiency has been assessed on different waste waters: laboratory-made water, industrial waste water (one from a company cleaning textiles and another from a company preparing culture media, both being in continuous production mode) and municipal waste water. At laboratory scale, a TiO2-based photocatalytic coating has been produced and the combination of ozonation-UVC photocatalytic treatment has been evaluated on the laboratory-made water containing 22 micropollutants. The results showed an efficient activity leading to complete or partial degradation of all compounds and an effective carbon for residual micropollutant adsorption was highlighted. Experiments at pilot scale (100 L of water treated at 500 L/h from a tank of 200 L) corroborated the results obtained at laboratory scale. Moreover, tests on municipal waste water showed a decrease in toxicity, measured on Daphnia Magma, and a decrease in micropollutant concentration after treatment. Finally, a pre-industrial container was built and evaluated as a tertiary treatment at the WWTP Duisburg-Vierlinden. It is shown that the main parameters for the efficiency of the process are the flow rate and the light intensity. The photocatalyst plays a role by degrading the more resistant micropollutants. Adsorption permits an overall elimination >95% of all molecules detected. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
How to measure top–down vs bottom–up effects: a new population metric and its calibration on Daphnia

Research on the role of top–down (predation) and bottom–up (food) effects in food webs has led to the understanding that the variability of these effects in space and time is a fundamental feature of natural systems. Consequently, our measurement tools must allow us to evaluate the effects from a dynamical perspective. A population-dynamics approach may be appropriate to the task. More specifically, because food and predators both affect birth rate, birth rate dynamics may be a key to understanding their impact on the population of interest. Based on the Edmondson–Paloheimo model for birth rate, we propose a new population metric to assess the relative strength of top–down vs bottom–up effects. The metric is the ratio of contributions of changes in proportion of adults and fecundity to change in birth rate. Proportion of adults reflects a top–down effect (predators are assumed to be size-selective), fecundity reflects a bottom–up effect, and birth rate appears as a common currency with which to compare the former and the latter. Using microcosm experiments and computer simulations on the cladoceran Daphnia, we calibrate the metric and show that, in both types of tests, the ratio of contributions is typically 0.5–0.7 under a strong bottom–up effect and 2.0–2.2 under a strong top–down effect. This provides experimental evidence that the ratio of contributions may allow one to distinguish a strong top–down effect from a strong bottom–up effect.