Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of Morphological Details of Nondegenerated Lumbar Intervertebral Discs on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Insights From a Comparison Between Computed Tomography Discograms and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objective To gain better insight into the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of morphological intervertebral disc (IVD) details, such as annular and nucleus pulposus dimensions, by comparing contemporaneously obtained MRI and postdiscogram computed tomography (CT) scans of nondegenerated IVDs. Methods Axial T2-weighted images and same-day postdiscography CTs, acquired after the MRI, of 26 normal-appearing lumbar IVDs (control IVDs at discography) were compared. The location and extent of central hyperintense zone on MRI and the extent of contrast distribution on CT relative to the IVD width (in anteroposterior [AP] and lateral planes) were assessed, with difference in measures between the modalities used to provide apparent inner annulus thickness and to estimate dimensions of also the outer annulus and location of nucleus pulposus. Results The mean (SD) extent of contrast distribution on CT discograms (53.1% [6.6%] and 58.1% [8.7%] of AP and lateral IVD width) was smaller than (P < 0.001 for both), and correlated weakly (r = 0.31 and 0.32 for AP and lateral planes) with corresponding measurements (58.4% [5.3%] and 65.7% [5.9%], respectively) for central hyperintense zone at MRI. The center of contrast opacification on CT discograms was located posterior to that of central T2 hyperintense zone on MRI in AP (P < 0.01), without any difference in lateral direction (P = 0.60). Conclusions Normal-appearing lumbar IVDs are supported by outer annulus of larger relative thickness anteriorly, seen on both modalities. The shown discrepancy between the central T2 hyperintense zone and contrast distribution on CT discogram might reflect the inner annulus or structural changes within the borderzone nucleus and annulus. The exact nucleus size and inner annulus thickness could not be established due to a variable permeation of contrast across the central hyperintense zone on T2-weighted images.
SHORT-ROOT Controls Cell Elongation in the Etiolated Arabidopsis Hypocotyl

Transcriptional regulation, a core component of gene regulatory networks, plays a key role in controlling individual organism’s growth and development. To understand how plants modulate cellular processes for growth and development, the identification and characterization of gene regulatory networks are of importance. The SHORT-ROOT (SHR) transcription factor is known for its role in cell divisions in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). However, whether SHR is involved in hypocotyl cell elongation remains unknown. Here, we reveal that SHR controls hypocotyl cell elongation via the transcriptional regulation of XTH18, XTH22, and XTH24, which encode cell wall remodeling enzymes called xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs). Interestingly, SHR activates transcription of the XTH genes, independently of its partner SCARECROW (SCR), which is different from the known mode of action. In addition, overexpression of the XTH genes can promote cell elongation in the etiolated hypocotyl. Moreover, confinement of SHR protein in the stele still induces cell elongation, despite the aberrant organization in the hypocotyl ground tissue. Therefore, it is likely that SHR-mediated growth is uncoupled from SHR-mediated radial patterning in the etiolated hypocotyl. Our findings also suggest that intertissue communication between stele and endodermis plays a role in coordinating hypocotyl cell elongation of the Arabidopsis seedling. Taken together, our study identifies SHR as a new crucial regulator that is necessary for cell elongation in the etiolated hypocotyl.
Treatment of Sciatica and Lumbar Radiculopathy with an Intervertebral Foramen Opening Protocol: Pilot Study in a Hospital Emergency and In-patient Setting

ABSTRACT Aims Perform a pilot study of a static nerve root foramen opening protocol for lumbar radiculopathy from disc hernia in an emergency hospital setting to establish if patients could execute the protocol, consistency would occur across outcomes, superior outcomes would occur in the experimental group, and if the protocol would be safe. Methods Patients with sciatica arrived of their own volition at the local emergency hospital department, were admitted for care and were randomized into two groups: 1) control (n = 10): forward bending, walking, and medication; and 2) experimental (n = 10) as control subjects, plus a static lumbar foramen opening protocol using flexion and contralateral lateral flexion (side-lying). Outcomes were back and leg pain (i.e. visual analog scale), disability (i.e. EuroQol5D5L and Oswestry) and straight leg raise. Results At admission, the baseline outcome variables between groups were not significantly different. All patients had moderate or large disc hernias on MRI and 75% had neurological deficits in electrophysiology. At discharge, patients in the experimental group were significantly better (p ≤ .05) than controls in all outcomes. Statistical analysis of the outcomes produced greater significance, effect sizes and minimal clinically important differences in the experimental group. Patients in the experimental group consumed less medication than control patients (21% versus 79%), including less than half the opioids (tramadol). No adverse responses occurred. Conclusions Patients could perform the protocol and superior outcomes occurred, with no adverse effects. The data support more detailed study of therapeutic efficacy, days in hospital, costs, conversion to surgery, and medication consumption, including opioids.
Chromosomal aberrations, DNA damage, and biochemical disturbances induced by silver nanoparticles in mice: role of particle size and natural compounds treatment

Abstract Context Nanotechnology is widely used nowadays in several fields of industry, engineering, and medicine, the biological action mechanisms of AgNPs, which mainly involve the release of silver ions (Ag+), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Objective The potential toxicity AgNPs of damages to hepatic cells, hesperidin, and naringin role for their protective effect against the increase of ROS due to AgNPs toxicity. They can be restored, most cellular biochemical parameters, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and histopathological analysis. Materials and methods Toxicity was induced by an oral dose of Ag NPs of (20–100 nm) for one month, after that treated with hesperidin, naringin (100 mg/kg) for three weeks, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH) and catalase were estimated. Also, aminotransferases (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), albumin, and total bilirubin were determined, following Chromosomal aberrations, DNA breaks, and histological analyses Results hesperidin, and naringin treatment, recorded amelioration in most biochemical, genetic, and spermatogenesis disturbances Also, histological Investigations were improved. Conclusion Their biological safety problems, such as potential toxicity on cells, tissue, and organs should be paid enough attention, hesperidin and naringin amelioration fundamental alterations, as hepatic architectural and DNA damage, related to its role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Monocytic MDSCs homing to thymus contribute to age-related CD8+ T cell tolerance of HBV

HBV exposure in children usually causes chronic infection, and HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cells are rarely detected in this situation. We find that mMDSCs, cross-presenting HBsAg, migrate to the thymus and eliminate HBsAg-specific CD8+ thymocytes, resulting in a specific tolerance to HBV.
Intra‐epithelial non‐canonical Activin A signaling safeguards prostate progenitor quiescence

The healthy prostate is a relatively quiescent tissue. Yet, prostate epithelium overgrowth is a common condition during aging, associated with urinary dysfunction and tumorigenesis. For over thirty years, TGF‐β ligands have been known to induce cytostasis in a variety of epithelia, but the intracellular pathway mediating this signal in the prostate, and its relevance for quiescence, have remained elusive. Here, using mouse prostate organoids to model epithelial progenitors, we find that intra‐epithelial non‐canonical Activin A signaling inhibits cell proliferation in a Smad‐independent manner. Mechanistically, Activin A triggers Tak1 and p38 ΜAPK activity, leading to p16 and p21 nuclear import. Spontaneous evasion from this quiescent state occurs upon prolonged culture, due to reduced Activin A secretion, a condition associated with DNA replication stress and aneuploidy. Organoids capable to escape quiescence in vitro are also able to implant with increased frequency into immunocompetent mice. This study demonstrates that non‐canonical Activin A signaling safeguards epithelial quiescence in the healthy prostate, with potential implications for the understanding of cancer initiation, and the development of therapies targeting quiescent tumor progenitors.
The Impact of Fan-Type Rapid Palatal Expanders on Speech in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Objectives Rapid palatal expanders (RPEs) are commonly used in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) prior to secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG). Their position and size can impede tongue movement and affect speech. This study assessed changes in perception and production of speech over the course of RPE treatment. Design Prospective longitudinal. Setting Tertiary university-affiliated hospital. Participants Twenty-five patients with unilateral CLP treated with Fan-type RPEs, and their parents. Interventions Patient and parent speech questionnaires and patient speech recordings were collected at baseline before RPE insertion (T1), directly after RPE insertion (T2), during RPE expansion (T3), during RPE retention (T4), directly after RPE removal but before SABG (T5), and at short-term follow-up after RPE removal and SABG (T6). Main Outcome Measures Ratings for patient and parent questionnaires, first (F1) and second (F2) formants for vowels /a/, /i/, and /u/, and nasalance scores for non-nasal and nasal sentences, were obtained and analyzed using mixed model analyses of variance. Results Ratings worsened at T2. For the vowel /a/, F1 and F2 were unchanged at T2. For the vowel /i/, F1 increased and F2 decreased at T2. For the vowel /u/, F1 was unchanged and F2 decreased at T2. Nasalance was unchanged at T2. All outcome measures returned to T1 levels by T4. Conclusions RPE insertion resulted in initial adverse effects on speech perception and production, which decreased to baseline prior to removal. Information regarding transient speech dysfunction and distress may help prepare patients for treatment.
On the techniques and standards of particulate matter sampling

ABSTRACT Air pollution and its limits are regulated by the environmental protection agency of an individual country according to their National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Particulate matter (e.g., TSP, PM10, and PM2.5) is one of the important criteria pollutants of NAAQS. Their measurement methods are specified in NAAQS, and detailed technical descriptions are given in standards. This review focuses on the sampling and analysis techniques and methods in the context of PM samplers’ design mentioned in countries specific PM measuring standards (e.g., EPA Part 50, CEN 12341, IS 5182(23), etc.) and their comparison wherever is necessary. It discusses, different designs of PM samplers mentioned in standards and its important components, e.g., size fractionators cutoff efficiency, PM sampler head design, flow measurement, and calibration, and also addresses the important issues that are the limitation of present standards. Our review reveals that most of the country-specific standards show common practice in measuring PM2.5 using WINS impactor and VSCC cyclone as mentioned in EPA Part 50, except European Union (EU) standards, which has different design and parameters. For PM10 measurement, sampler design is different in EU and Indian standards than that of U.S. EPA and other countries’ standards, which is discussed in length here. All standards lack in pointing some inherent problems like change in D50 cutoff of size fractionator of sampler under a high particle mass loading condition, which is common in countries like China and India. Other important issues where most of the standards lack include PM head design and specification, a key component of PM sampler on which the mass measurement results are largely dependent. Implications: The review paper discusses the air quality standards compliances of different countries and their comparisons. It focuses on the sampling and analysis techniques in context of PM samplers’ design mentioned in countries specific PM measuring standards, and also addresses the important issues that are not mentioned in standards. Therefore, the discussions and findings of the review may be very useful while revising the existing air quality standards of different countries and to fill the research gap in this domain. Further, we have discussed several technical issues described in standards related to PM sampling which may be very helpful for PM sampler designing or modification in current designs as per the prevailing ambient conditions of a country.
Factors associated with participation in life situations in people with COPD

Objective To examine potential determinants of participation frequency and limitations in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Methods For this secondary analysis, we grouped the following factors using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) components: age, psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)), gait aid use, supplemental oxygen use, grip strength, modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea scale, Short Physical Performance Battery, and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Participation was measured using the frequency and limitation domains of the Late Life Disability Instrument (LLDI). Relationships between factors and participation were examined using linear regression. Results Ninety-six participants (age 68.7 ± 8.1 yrs; FEV1 %pred 34 IQR 25–54) were included in the analysis. Factors were linked to four ICF components: activity, body functions, personal, and environmental factors. The final model for LLDI-frequency contained HADS, use of gait aid, and 6MWT (F (3, 81) = 27.69 (p < .001), R2 = 0.51), and for LLDI-limitations, the final model included age, HADS, and 6MWT (F (3, 82) = 19.74 (p < .001), R2 = 0.42). Discussion Participation in life situations in people with COPD is associated with multiple ICF components. Psychological distress (i.e., anxiety and depression symptoms) and mobility were important determinants of participation frequency and limitations. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these relationships.
GABABR activation partially normalizes acute NMDAR hypofunction oscillatory abnormalities but fails to rescue sensory processing deficits

Cognitive deficits and impaired sensory processing are hallmarks of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction contributes to these deficits by disrupting the excitation‐to‐inhibition balance in neuronal networks. Although preclinical data suggest that the activation of gamma‐Aminobutyric acid B receptors (GABABR) may restore excitation‐to‐inhibition balance and rescues some behavioral deficits, GABABR agonists have failed to meet their clinical study endpoints, suggesting more complex interactions at play. Here, we studied the effects of Baclofen (a GABABR agonist) and MK‐801 (a non‐competitive NMDAR antagonist) on the neurophysiology of limbic‐auditory circuits in freely‐moving rats. The pharmacological effects were assessed using resting‐state EEG, auditory‐evoked oscillation, and mismatch negativity paradigms. MK‐801 elevated resting‐state oscillatory power, mainly in the gamma and higher frequency ranges, and impaired auditory‐evoked responses. Baclofen partially normalized resting‐state oscillations but failed to rescue auditory‐evoked oscillatory abnormalities. Coherence analysis indicated that NMDAR hypofunction alters the functional coupling of limbic and thalamocortical circuits in several frequency bands. Baclofen normalized only a fraction of MK‐801‐induced abnormalities (e.g., theta coherence between frontal cortex and amygdala) while reducing delta‐theta and augmenting gamma coherence in thalamocortical circuits. Finally, we report that Baclofen intensified the MK‐801‐induced deficits in auditory mismatch responses. In summary, while Baclofen partially normalizes MK‐801‐induced gamma abnormalities, it either fails to rescue or exacerbates deficits in other phenotypes like functional coupling and auditory processing. We hope that the presented complex interactions between pharmacologically induced NMDAR hypofunction and GABABR agonism inspire a new understanding of the therapeutic potential around GABAergic modulation.
Comparison of Kinematic Behaviour of a First Generation Obese Dummy and Obese PMHS in Frontal Sled Tests

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a First Generation Obese Anthropometric test device (FGOA), comparing its kinematic behaviour with two obese Post Mortem Human Surrogates (PMHS) in matching frontal impact sled tests. The FGOA was built around an existing 50th percentile THOR male crash test dummy’s skeletal structure, but with unique flesh and additional mass added to the upper and lower torso and upper legs. Two 29 km/h PMHS tests, two 48 km/h PMHS tests, two 29 km/h dummy tests, and two 48 km/h dummy tests were performed with a sled buck representing the rear seat occupant component of a 2004 mid‐sized sedan. The FGOA and PMHS exhibited similar kinematic characteristics, which have been highlighted previously as potentially challenging for restraint systems design. Most notably, both the PMHS and dummy exhibited substantial forward motion of lower body and subsequent backwards rotation of the torso, affected by limited engagement of the lap‐belt with the pelvis. Although some differences suggest that further refinement may be warranted, the similarities suggest that this dummy may prove useful as a research tool to begin investigating the challenges of, and potential strategies for, the safe restraint of obese occupants.
Exploring the pedagogies used in work integrated learning

This paper focuses on the pedagogical approaches used in New Zealand WIL programs in terms of integration of student knowledge, and what impact these have on student learning. A collective case study methodology was used involving three areas of tertiary education science and engineering; business and management; and sport studies. The study involved researchers working collaboratively conducting focus group interviews with a selection of WIL students, academic supervisors, and employers from the relevant discipline about their teaching and learning experiences at both the academic institution and in the workplace. Relevant documentation (e.g., course/paper outlines, graduate profiles, etc.) was analyzed to afford data triangulation. The findings indicated that the WIL experience is a point of difference that students and employers value. Student learning (soft and hard skills, personal and professional development) occurs from a variety of sources (self-directed, supervisors, and peers) and a variety of modes (on campus, on placement). The findings reinforce what can be achieved through WIL programs, and through dissemination of the findings raise awareness amongst tertiary education institutions (TEIs) of the future possibilities available via this pedagogy.
The impact of frequently neglected model violations on bacterial recombination rate estimation: a case study in Mycobacterium canettii and Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract Mycobacterium canettii is a causative agent of tuberculosis in humans, along with the members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Frequently used as an outgroup to the M. tuberculosis complex in phylogenetic analyses, M. canettii is thought to offer the best proxy for the progenitor species that gave rise to the complex. Here, we leverage whole-genome sequencing data and biologically relevant population genomic models to compare the evolutionary dynamics driving variation in the recombining M. canettii with that in the nonrecombining M. tuberculosis complex, and discuss differences in observed genomic diversity in the light of expected levels of Hill–Robertson interference. In doing so, we highlight the methodological challenges of estimating recombination rates through traditional population genetic approaches using sequences called from populations of microorganisms and evaluate the likely mis-inference that arises owing to a neglect of common model violations including purifying selection, background selection, progeny skew, and population size change. In addition, we compare performance when full within-host polymorphism data are utilized, versus the more common approach of basing analyses on within-host consensus sequences.
An Efficient Approach for Countering Black Hole Attack in MANETs

Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks(MANETs) are autonomous and decentralized wireless systems. MANETs consist of mobile hosts that are free in moving in and out in the network. Security in MANET is the most important concern for the basic functionality of network. MANETs often suffer from various security attacks because of its features like open medium, changing its topology dynamically, lack of central monitoring and management, cooperative algorithms and no clear defense mechanism. In this paper, we consider only black hole attak. Black hole attack in MANETS is a serious security problem to be solved. In this attack, a malicious node uses the routing protocol to advertise itself as having the shortest path to the node whose packets it wants to intercept. In flooding based protocol, if the malicious reply packet reaches the requesting node before the reply from the actual node, a forged route has been created. This malicious node then can choose whether to drop the packets to perform a denial-of-service attack(DOS) or to use its place on the route as the first step in a man-in-the-middle attack. This paper provides a solution for countering black hole attack based on data routing information.
The Effect of Curcumin on Iron Overload in Patients with Beta-Thalassemia Intermedia.

BACKGROUND β-thalassemia is an inherited disorder that stems from a defect in beta-globin chain synthesis. Iron overload toxicity is one of the major clinical complications in β-thalassemia that may be due to a reduction in the hepcidin level. As a result, intestinal iron absorption increases and finally iron overload occurs. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin on serum iron status, ferritin, and transferrin in patients with β-thalas-semia intermedia. METHODS This study was a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Before and after the intervention period with curcumin, 5 ml blood was taken for the measurement of the entire index related to iron status. RESULTS Our results demonstrated the levels of serum iron (p-value < 0.001), ferritin (p-value = 0.002), and transferrin saturation (p-value < 0.001) significantly decreased in the curcumin group compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS The data presented in this article show that curcumin supplementation would be effective in alleviating iron overload in patients with β-thalassemia intermedia.