Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGlu3R) isoform playing neurodegenerative roles in astrocytes is prematurely up‐regulated in an Alzheimerʼs model

Subtype 3 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu3R) displays a broad range of neuroprotective effects. We previously demonstrated that mGlu3R activation in astrocytes protects hippocampal neurons from Aβ neurotoxicity through stimulation of both neurotrophin release and Aβ uptake. Alternative‐spliced variants of mGlu3R were found in human brains. The most prevalent variant, mGlu3Δ4, lacks exon 4 encoding the transmembrane domain and can inhibit ligand binding to mGlu3R. To date, neither its role in neurodegenerative disorders nor its endogenous expression in CNS cells has been addressed. The present paper describes for the first time an association between altered hippocampal expression of mGlu3Δ4 and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the preclinical murine model PDAPP‐J20, as well as a deleterious effect of mGlu3Δ4 in astrocytes. As assessed by western blot, hippocampal mGlu3R levels progressively decreased with age in PDAPP‐J20 mice. On the contrary, mGlu3Δ4 levels were drastically increased with aging in nontransgenic mice, but prematurely over‐expressed in 5‐month‐old PDAPP‐J20‐derived hippocampi, prior to massive senile plaque deposition. Also, we found that mGlu3Δ4 co‐precipitated with mGlu3R mainly in 5‐month‐old PDAPP‐J20 mice. We further showed by western blot that primary cultured astrocytes and neurons expressed mGlu3Δ4, whose levels were reduced by Aβ, thereby discouraging a causal effect of Aβ on mGlu3Δ4 induction. However, heterologous expression of mGlu3Δ4 in astrocytes induced cell death, inhibited mGlu3R expression, and prevented mGlu3R‐dependent Aβ glial uptake. Indeed, mGlu3Δ4 promoted neurodegeneration in neuron–glia co‐cultures. These results provide evidence of an inhibitory role of mGlu3Δ4 in mGlu3R‐mediated glial neuroprotective pathways, which may lie behind AD onset.
Spatial-Temporal Speckle Variance in the En-Face View as a Contrast for Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA)

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an adaptable depth-resolved imaging modality capable of creating a non-invasive ‘digital biopsy’ of the eye. One of the latest advances in OCT is optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), which uses the speckle variance or phase change in the signal to differentiate static tissue from blood flow. Unlike fluorescein angiography (FA), OCTA is contrast free and depth resolved. By combining high-density scan patterns and image processing algorithms, both morphometric and functional data can be extracted into a depth-resolved vascular map of the retina. The algorithm that we explored takes advantage of the temporal-spatial relationship of the speckle variance to improve the contrast of the vessels in the en-face OCT with a single frame. It also does not require the computationally inefficient decorrelation of multiple A-scans to detect vasculature, as used in conventional OCTA analysis. Furthermore, the spatial temporal OCTA (ST-OCTA) methodology tested offers the potential for post hoc analysis to improve the depth-resolved contrast of specific ocular structures, such as blood vessels, with the capability of using only a single frame for efficient screening of large sample volumes, and additional enhancement by processing with choice of frame averaging methods. Applications of this method in pre-clinical studies suggest that the OCTA algorithm and spatial temporal methodology reported here can be employed to investigate microvascularization and blood flow in the retina, and possibly other compartments of the eye.
Trendelenburg (Head‐Down tilt) and head rotation: Ultrasonographic effects on the internal jugular vein for catheterization safety

Most guidelines fail to specify patient positioning during central venous catheterization. The objective was to determine the effects of head‐down tilt (Trendelenburg position) and head rotation on the internal jugular vein (IJV). A prospective, observational, longitudinal, and descriptive study using healthy adult volunteers, of both sexes, was performed. The change in position and cross‐sectional areas (CSA) of the right IJV and common carotid artery (CA) were measured by ultrasonography during Trendelenburg position (TP) (0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°) and contralateral head‐rotation (HR) (0°, 45°, and 90°) for a total of 12 positions. The neutral supine position was first, randomizing the other 11 positions, with 5‐min rest intervals in between. Vital signs and symptoms were recorded. A total of 54 volunteers were recruited between the ages of 21 and 32, of which 30 were men. Any degree of TP or HR significantly increased the CSA. The largest area obtained was 1.78 cm2 with a TP15HR90 which did not have a statistical difference with TP10HR45 1.59 cm2. A HR90 tended to displace the IJV medially, overlaying the CA. Any degree of TP or HR will significantly increase CSA or the right IJV. A 5° to 10° TP is recommended when the patient's condition allows it, with a 45° HR, without significantly displacing the IJV anterior to the CCA.
Extent of degradation in three stage co-composting of fecal sludge and solid waste

ABSTRACT Co-composting of fecal sludge (FS) and solid waste (SW) allows recycling of essential nutrients into agriculture thereby closing the nutrient circle. In this study, temperature variation, the mass balance of forced and passive aeration in the composting process, and the extent of degradation with different stages were investigated. The extent of degradation was determined through the different composting process in the first, second, and third stages with different mix proportion of fecal sludge. Four sets of the initial waste mixture were prepared using SW and FS. SW and FS were mixed at four different ratios for four sets namely 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, and 75:25 (SW:FS). Forced aeration and passive aeration composting tests were done using a series of reactors according to a planned experimental program. The results show that (i) the mean maximum temperature of the first and second stage were 65°C and 56°C of passive, 67°C and 60°C of forced aeration, respectively which raised within seven days. (ii) According to the mass balance, total mass, moisture content, and volatile solids always decreased at every stage for passive and forced aeration processes, the degradation of the volatile solid in the composting process using forced aeration was more than in the passive aeration process. (iii) For the passive and forced aeration processes, the total BVS degradation of ranged between 82% and 89%, and 73% and 91%, respectively after 60 days. Therefore, it can be concluded that the percentage of BVS degradation in forced and passive aeration was not significantly different. Implications: The extent of degradation was determined through different composting processes in the three stages with different mixture proportion of fecal sludge and organic solid waste. The study showed that maximum temperature in composting ranged from 57°C to 67°C within one week. Co-composting process with passively and forced aeration process of peak temperature were almost same. Reduction of volatile solids at first stage was greater than second and third stages. Biodegradable volatile solids reduction in passive and forced aeration processes were not significantly different. The final product of composting was used in agricultural land.
In vitro and in vivo development of interspecies Asian elephant embryos reconstructed with pig enucleated oocytes

Abstract Interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) has an immense potential to rescue endangered animals and extinct species like mammoths. In this study, we successfully established an Asian elephant’s fibroblast cell lines from ear tissues, performed iSCNT with porcine oocytes and evaluated the in vitro and in vivo development of reconstructed embryos. A total of 7780 elephant–pig iSCNT embryos were successfully reconstructed and showed in vitro development with cleavage rate, 4-cell, 8-cell and blastocyst rate of 73.01, 30.48, 5.64, and 4.73%, respectively. The total number of elephant–pig blastocyte cells and diameter of hatched blastocyte was 38.67 and 252.75 μm, respectively. Next, we designed species-specific markers targeting EDNRB, AGRP and TYR genes to verify the genome of reconstructed embryos with donor nucleus/species. The results indicated that 53.2, 60.8, and 60.8% of reconstructed embryos (n = 235) contained elephant genome at 1-cell, 2-cell and 4-cell stages, respectively. However, the percentages decreased to 32.3 and 32.7% at 8-cell and blastocyst stages, respectively. Furthermore, we also evaluated the in vivo development of elephant–pig iSCNT cloned embryos and transferred 2260 reconstructed embryos into two surrogate gilts that successfully became pregnant and a total of 11 (1 and 10) fetuses were surgically recovered after 17 and 19 days of gestation, respectively. The crown-rump length and width of elephant–pig cloned fetuses were smaller than the control group. Unfortunately, none of these fetuses contained elephant genomes, which suggested that elephant embryos failed to develop in vivo. In conclusion, we successfully obtained elephant–pig reconstructed embryos for the first time and these embryos are able to develop to blastocyst, but the in vivo developmental failure needs further investigated.
Recurrent WWTR1 S89W mutations and Hippo pathway deregulation in clear cell carcinomas of the cervix

Clear cell carcinoma (CCC) of the cervix (cCCC) is a rare and aggressive type of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐negative cervical cancer with limited effective treatment options for recurrent or metastatic disease. Historically, CCCs of the lower genital tract were associated with in utero diethylstilbestrol exposure; however, the genetic landscape of sporadic cCCCs remains unknown. Here we sought to define the molecular underpinning of cCCCs. Using a combination of whole‐exome, targeted capture, and RNA‐sequencing, we identified pathogenic genetic alterations in the Hippo signaling pathway in 50% (10/20) of cCCCs, including recurrent WWTR1 S89W somatic mutations in 40% (4/10) of the cases harboring mutations in the Hippo pathway. Irrespective of the presence or absence of Hippo pathway genetic alterations, however, all primary cCCCs analyzed in this study (n = 20) harbored features of Hippo pathway deregulation at the transcriptomic and protein levels. In vitro functional analysis revealed that expression of the WWTR1 S89W mutation leads to reduced binding of TAZ to 14‐3‐3, promoting constitutive nuclear translocation of TAZ and Hippo pathway repression. WWTR1 S89W expression was found to lead to acquisition of oncogenic behavior, including increased proliferation, migration, and colony formation in vitro as well as increased tumorigenesis in vivo, which could be reversed by targeted inhibition of the TAZ/YAP1 complex with verteporfin. Finally, xenografts expressing WWTR1 S89W displayed a shift in tumor phenotype, becoming more infiltrative as well as less differentiated, and were found to be composed of cells with conspicuous cytoplasmic clearing as compared to controls. Our results demonstrate that Hippo pathway alterations are likely drivers of cCCCs and likely contribute to the clear cell phenotype. Therapies targeting this pathway may constitute a new class of treatment for these rare, aggressive tumors. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Two-Dimensional Unsupervised Feature Selection via Sparse Feature Filter

Unsupervised feature selection is a vital yet challenging topic for effective data learning. Recently, 2-D feature selection methods show good performance on image analysis by utilizing the structure information of image. Current 2-D methods usually adopt a sparse regularization to spotlight the key features. However, such scheme introduces additional hyperparameter needed for pruning, limiting the applicability of unsupervised algorithms. To overcome these challenges, we design a feature filter to estimate the weight of image features for unsupervised feature selection. Theoretical analysis shows that a sparse regularization can be derived from the feature filter by transformation, indicating that the filter plays the same role as the popular sparse regularization does. We deploy two distinct strategies in terms of feature selection, called multiple feature filters and single common feature filter. The former divides the optimization problem into multiple independent subproblems and selects features that meet the respective interests of each subproblem. The latter selects features that are in the interest of the overall optimization problem. Extensive experiments on seven benchmark datasets show that our unsupervised 2-D weight-based feature selection methods achieve superior performance over the state-of-the-art methods.
Preparing residents to practice integrated behavioral health care: Multi-site feasibility study of a competency-based curriculum

Objective Workforce development is essential for the dissemination of team-based integrated behavioral healthcare. There is limited literature on training family medicine residents to function within an integrated behavioral health (IBH) system. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and value of an IBH competency-based curriculum for family medicine residents across multiple programs. Methods Residency programs were recruited using professional listservs and networks to test a competency-based, multi-modal curriculum for preparing residents to practice IBH in primary care. Faculty instructors who led the workshop were invited to complete semi-structured interviews to examine the feasibility and appropriateness of the curriculum. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify, analyze, and report patterns. Residents completed a survey of perceived IBH skill and knowledge before and after training. A paired-sample t-test was used to determine significant differences pre- and post-training. Results All five instructors completed interviews. Results suggest IBH training is valuable. Instructors gave specific feedback on online modules, implementation flexibility, and adjusting faculty development to differing levels of experience. Nineteen of forty residents (48%) completed anonymous pre-, post-, and retrospective-training surveys. Residents reported an increase in competence after training. Conclusion The results of this pilot suggest that IBH training implementation is feasible, desirable, timely, and may improve resident ability to work on an IBH team. Training should accommodate variations in program structure and faculty expertise.
Development and Validation of a New Integrative Score Based on Various Systemic Inflammatory and Nutritional Indicators in Predicting Prognosis in Patients With Resectable Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Recent studies revealed that various inflammatory and nutritional indexes were associated with prognosis in esophageal cancer (EC). However, these studies only evaluated one or two indexes, and the prognostic value of these indexes individually or in combination is unclear. This study aimed to construct an integrative score based on various inflammatory and nutritional indexes for prognosis in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods A total of 421 consecutive patients were randomly divided into either a training or validation cohort at a ratio of 7:3 for retrospective analysis. Using logic regression analyses, independent risk factors from peripheral blood indexes were screened to construct an integrative score. The associations regarding the integrative score, clinical characteristics, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results Out of 20 indexes, hemoglobin (HB), C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were independent risk factors based on logical regression analyses. Then, an integrative score with the optimal cut-off value of . 67 was established according to the Combination Of HB, CAR, and PLR (COHCP). The area under the curve (AUC) indicated higher predictive ability of COHCP on prognosis than other indicators. Multivariate analyses revealed that COHCP serves as an independent prognostic score. Patients with COHCP low group (≤.67) had better 5-year CSS (57.3% vs 13.5%, P < .001) and OS (51.1% vs 12.3%, P < .001) than those with high group, respectively. Finally, the nomogram based on COHCP was established and validated regarding CSS and OS, which can accurately and effectively predict individual survival in resected ESCC. Conclusion The COHCP was a novel, simple, and useful predictor in resectable ESCC. The COHCP-based nomogram may accurately and effectively predict survival.
THE CHARACTERISTIC OF PATIENTS WITH FEMORAL FRACTURE IN DEPARTMENT OF ORTHOPAEDIC AND TRAUMATOLOGY RSUD DR. SOETOMO SURABAYA 2013 – 2016

Fracture is a neuromuscular damage due to tissue trauma or discontinue of bones. Fractures of the lower limbs due to accidents have the highest prevalence among other fractures in Indonesia. The aim of this study is to determine the characteristic of patients with femoral fracture in Department of Orthopedic RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya.This research is retrospective observational. We analyzed medical records of all stay in patient in Department of Traumatic and Orthopedic RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya during 1 January 2013 – 31 December 2016. Of the 972 enumerated, 112 subjects with femoral fracture were analyzed for study. The observed variable of patients’ profile include: sex, age, cause of fracture, type of wound, location of fracture, place of accident, time of accident.Our observational study during three years has concluded several findings as following. The most common cases of fracture is occurred at the age 15 – 24 with 40 cases (36%). Most of the cases is dominated by male gender (72%). Traffic accident (92%) is the major cause of fracture, which mostly occurred on the street (92%) at 06:01 A.M. until 12:00 A.M (28%). Closed wound (71%) is commonly found in femoral fracture. The most common type of femoral fracture has a closed wound (71%) and located in column of femur (46%). The most common cases of femoral fracture are occurred on male at the productive age due to traffic accident injury.
Impact of Motivation in the Sharing Economy and Perceived Security in Attitude and Loyalty toward Airbnb

The current study regarding the rapidly developing sharing economy businesses based on ICT explored how motivation for the sharing economy and perceived security affect both attitude and loyalty toward one of the sharing economy businesses, Airbnb. The results from the structural equation modeling analysis showed that enjoyment and reputation had a positive effect on attitude toward Airbnb, whereas other motivation aspects such as sustainability and economic benefits seemed not to have any significant effect. In addition, mobile users’ security perceptions of Airbnb, which were found to be significantly influenced by governmental regulations and Airbnb’s security policy, were likely to positively contribute to the attitudes toward Airbnb. Finally, the paper stressed the growing importance of consumers’ security perceptions for building a successful business based on the sharing economy while at the same time articulating the drivers that motivate enjoyment and reputation.
Design of dispersion compensating photonic crystal fibers

The dispersion limits the transmission severely,and must be compensated in long-distance transmission system.The dispersion compensating property in photonic crystal fibers(PCFs)is simulated with a vectorial effective-index approach in this paper.The relations between PCFs' structural parameters and dispersions are found.Byoptimizing the pitch∧,the diameter d,and the fill f,a dispersion as lower as -978.34 ps/(km.nm)has been obtained.It is difficult to realize in conventional dispersion com- pensation fiber.It is demonstrated there are huge potentials in designing dispersion compensating PCFs.
Sexually-transmitted hepatitis C virus reinfections among people living with HIV in Taiwan: the emerging role of genotype 6

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfections after successful treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) pose a significant challenge to HCV elimination, especially among high-risk people living with HIV (PLWH). In this study, PLWH who had achieved HCV viral clearance with DAAs were included between January 2018 and June 2021. PLWH having acquired HCV infections after 2017 were classified as “recent-infection group,” and those before 2017 as “remote-infection group,” and the incidences of HCV reinfection were compared between two groups. Clinical and behavioural characteristics were evaluated to identify associated factors with HCV reinfection. A total of 284 PLWH were included: 179 in the recent-infection group and 105 in the remote-infection group. After a median follow-up of 2.32 years (interquartile range [IQR], 0.13–3.94), the overall incidence of HCV reinfection was 5.8 per 100 person-years of follow-up (PYFU). The incidence in the recent-infection group was significantly higher than that in the remote-infection group (9.8 vs. 0.4 per 100 PYFU, p < 0.001). The leading HCV genotypes before DAA treatment were genotypes 2 (31.0%), 1b (26.8%), and 6 (21.8%); however, genotype 6 (58.8%) became predominant upon reinfection. Younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per 1-year increase, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90–0.99), condomless receptive anal sex (aOR, 14.5; 95% CI, 2.37–88.8), rimming (aOR, 3.87; 95% CI, 1.14–13.1), and recent syphilis (aOR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.26–5.91) were linked to HCV reinfections. In conclusion, PLWH acquiring HCV after 2017 had a significantly higher risk for sexually-transmitted HCV reinfections. The predominance of HCV genotype 6 reinfections suggests possible on-going clustered HCV infections among at-risk PLWH.
Comprehensive Comparison of Image Quality Aspects Between Conventional and Plane-Wave Imaging Methods on a Commercial Scanner

Coherent plane-wave compound imaging (CPWCI) is used as alternative for conventional focused imaging (CFI) to increase frame rates linearly with the ratio number of imaging lines to steering angles. In this study, the image quality was compared between CPWCI and CFI, and the effect of steering angles (range and number) and beamforming strategies was evaluated in CPWCI. In automated breast volume scanners (ABVSs), which suffer from reduced volume rates, CPWCI might be an excellent candidate to replace CFI. Therefore, the image quality of CFI currently in ABVS and CPWCI was also compared in an in vivo breast lesion. Images were obtained by a Siemens Sequoia ultrasound system, and two transducers (14L5 and 10L4) in a CIRS multipurpose phantom (040GSE) and a breast lesion. Phantom results showed that contrast sensitivity and resolution, axial resolution, and generalized contrast-to-noise ratio (gCNR; imaging depths <45 mm) were similar for most imaging sequences. CNR (imaging depths ≥45 mm), penetration, and lateral resolution were significantly improved for CPWCI (15 angles) compared to CFI for both transducers. In CPWCI, certain combinations of steering angles and beamforming methods yielded improved gCNR (small angles and delay-and-sum) or lateral resolution (large angles and Lu’s-fk). Image quality seemed similar between CPWCI and CFI (three angles incoherent compounded as in ABVS) by visual inspection of the in vivo breast lesion images.