Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationships between population traits, nonstructural carbohydrates, and elevation in alpine stands of Vaccinium myrtillus

Premise Despite great attention given to the relationship between plant growth and carbon balance in alpine tree species, little is known about shrubs at the treeline. We hypothesized that the pattern of main nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) across elevations depends on the interplay between phenotypic trait plasticity, plant–plant interaction, and elevation. Methods We studied the pattern of NSCs (i.e., glucose, fructose, sucrose, and starch) in alpine stands of Vaccinium myrtillus (above treeline) across an elevational gradient. In the same plots, we measured key growth traits (i.e., anatomical stem features) and shrub cover, evaluating putative relationships with NSCs. Results Glucose content was positively related with altitude, but negatively related with shrub cover. Sucrose decreased at high altitude and in older populations and increased with higher percentage of vascular tissue. Starch content increased at middle and high elevations and in stands with high shrub cover. Moreover, starch content was negatively related with the number of xylem rings and the percentage of phloem tissue, but positively correlated with the percentage of xylem tissue. Conclusions We found that the increase in carbon reserves across elevations was uncoupled from plant growth, supporting the growth limitation hypothesis, which postulates NSCs accumulate at high elevation as a consequence of low temperature. Moreover, the response of NSC content to the environmental stress caused by elevation was buffered by phenotypic plasticity of plant traits, suggesting that, under climate warming conditions, shrub expansion due to enhanced plant growth would be pronounced in old but sparse stands.
Global resting‐state functional connectivity of neural oscillations in tinnitus with and without hearing loss

This study examined global resting‐state functional connectivity of neural oscillations in individuals with chronic tinnitus and normal and impaired hearing. We tested the hypothesis that distinct neural oscillatory networks are engaged in tinnitus with and without hearing loss. In both tinnitus groups, with and without hearing loss, we identified multiple frequency band‐dependent regions of increased and decreased global functional connectivity. We also found that the auditory domain of tinnitus severity, assayed by the Tinnitus Functional Index, was associated with global functional connectivity in both auditory and nonauditory regions. These findings provide candidate biomarkers to target and monitor treatments for tinnitus with and without hearing loss.
Artificial intelligence to detect tympanic membrane perforations.

OBJECTIVE To explore the feasibility of constructing a proof-of-concept artificial intelligence algorithm to detect tympanic membrane perforations, for future application in under-resourced rural settings. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of otoscopic images analysed using transfer learning with Google's Inception-V3 convolutional neural network architecture. The 'gold standard' 'ground truth' was defined by otolaryngologists. Perforation size was categorised as less than one-third (small), one-third to two-thirds (medium), or more than two-thirds (large) of the total tympanic membrane diameter. RESULTS A total of 233 tympanic membrane images were used (183 for training, 50 for testing). The algorithm correctly identified intact and perforated tympanic membranes (overall accuracy = 76.0 per cent, 95 per cent confidence interval = 62.1-86.0 per cent); the area under the curve was 0.867 (95 per cent confidence interval = 0.771-0.963). CONCLUSION A proof-of-concept image-classification artificial intelligence algorithm can be used to detect tympanic membrane perforations and, with further development, may prove to be a valuable tool for ear disease screening. Future endeavours are warranted to develop a point-of-care tool for healthcare workers in areas distant from otolaryngology.
Hyperspectral Imaging for the Detection of Glioblastoma Tumor Cells in H&E Slides Using Convolutional Neural Networks

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology has demonstrated potential to provide useful information about the chemical composition of tissue and its morphological features in a single image modality. Deep learning (DL) techniques have demonstrated the ability of automatic feature extraction from data for a successful classification. In this study, we exploit HSI and DL for the automatic differentiation of glioblastoma (GB) and non-tumor tissue on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained histological slides of human brain tissue. GB detection is a challenging application, showing high heterogeneity in the cellular morphology across different patients. We employed an HSI microscope, with a spectral range from 400 to 1000 nm, to collect 517 HS cubes from 13 GB patients using 20× magnification. Using a convolutional neural network (CNN), we were able to automatically detect GB within the pathological slides, achieving average sensitivity and specificity values of 88% and 77%, respectively, representing an improvement of 7% and 8% respectively, as compared to the results obtained using RGB (red, green, and blue) images. This study demonstrates that the combination of hyperspectral microscopic imaging and deep learning is a promising tool for future computational pathologies.
Tendon tissue engineering: biomechanical considerations

Engineered soft tissue products—both tendon and ligament—have gained tremendous interest in regenerative medicine as alternatives to autograft and allograft treatments due to their potential to overcome limitations such as pain and donor site morbidity. Tendon engineered grafts have focused on the replication of native tendon tissue composition and architecture in the form of scaffolds using synthetic or natural biomaterials seeded with cells and factors. However, these approaches suffer due to static culture environments that fail to mimic the dynamic tissue environment and mechanical forces required to promote tenogenic differentiation of cultured cells. Mechanical stimulation is sensed by cellular mechanosensors such as integrins, focal adhesion kinase, and other transmembrane receptors which promote tenogenic gene expression and synthesis of tendon extracellular matrix components such as Type I collagen. Thus, it is imperative to apply biological and biomechanical aspects to engineer tendon. This review highlights the origin of tendon tissue, its ability to sense forces from its microenvironment, and the biological machinery that helps in mechanosensation. Additionally, this review focuses on use of bioreactors that aid in understanding cell-microenvironment interactions and enable the design of mechanically competent tendon tissue. We categorize these bioreactors based on functional features, sample size/type, and loading regimes and discuss their application in tendon research. The objective of this article is to provide a perspective on biomechanical considerations in the development of functional tendon tissue.
Group behavior and tolerance of Eurasian minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) in response to tones of differing pulse repetition rate.

Behavioral guidance systems are commonly used in freshwater fish conservation. The biological relevance of sound to fish and recorded responses to human-generated noise supports the viability of the use of acoustics as an effective stimulus in such technologies. Relatively little information exists on the long-term responses and recovery of fish to repeated acoustic exposures. In a controlled laboratory study, the response and tolerance of Eurasian minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) shoals to tonal signals (150 Hz of 1 s pulse duration) differing only in temporal characteristics ("continuous," "slow," "intermediate," or "fast" pulse repetition rate) were investigated. In comparison to independent control groups, fish increased their mean group swimming speed, decreased inter-individual distance, and became more aligned in response to the onset of all four acoustic treatments. The magnitude of response, and time taken to develop a tolerance to a treatment differed according to pulse repetition rate. Groups were found to have the greatest and longest lasting response to tone sequences tested in this study when they were pulsed at an intermediate rate of 0.2 s-1. This study illustrates the importance of understanding the response of fish to acoustic signals, and will assist toward the development of longer-term effective acoustic guidance systems.
Marine n-3 fatty acids and CVD: new insights from recent follow-up studies and clinical supplementation trials

Marine n-3 PUFA exert beneficial effects that might inhibit atherosclerosis and reduce vascular disease. Previous studies have, however, reported conflicting results and here we have summarised the early history and the most recent findings from follow-up studies and randomised clinical trials investigating marine n-3 PUFA in relation to the risk of atherosclerotic CVD. Most follow-up studies have suggested that the intake of marine n-3 PUFA may be associated with a lower risk of CVD. Recent studies have also shown that it is important to focus on substitution issues and dietary patterns. Further, the use of gold standard biomarkers of fatty acid exposure such as adipose tissue should be encouraged. Findings from clinical supplemental trials have shown conflicting results and findings from previous meta-analyses and guidelines have generally not supported the use of fish oil supplements for the prevention of CVD. However, a recent meta-analysis including three recent large clinical trials with fish oil supplements reported a moderate beneficial effect on cardiovascular endpoints. Interestingly, results from a large clinical trial (REDUCE-IT) have suggested that supplementation with a high dose of purified EPA ethyl ester for 4⋅9 years significantly and markedly reduced the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with CVD and mild hypertriglyceridaemia; findings that need to be confirmed. While it seems appropriate to recommend consumption of fish, particular fatty fish for prevention of CVD, an effect of fish oil supplements is probably at best marginal perhaps apart from patients with hypertriglyceridaemia.
A Quality Improvement Project to Improve Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Screening in Asian Americans Using Body Mass Index Cut Point of 23

Background: Asian Americans are at a higher risk for Type II Diabetes than other groups and disproportionately develop Type II Diabetes Mellitus at younger ages, although having a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) compared to non-Hispanic whites. The prevalence of diabetes in Asian Americans is 9% in New York City; however, 50% of Asian Americans go undiagnosed. Methods: A group of 22 Nurse Practitioners (NP) in New York were presented an evidence-based educational intervention along with a five-item pre-test and post-test to determine if they had acquired new knowledge on the issue. A follow-up survey was conducted to test if the intervention changed individual NP practice in screening Asian Americans in adult primary care clinics. Results: The overall mean improvement in knowledge was 59.1%. The post-test showed that 72.7 % of the nurse practitioners gained the knowledge that 23 Kg/m is the BMI cut point that should be used for screening Asian Americans. Although fourteen nurse practitioners (63.6%) were aware that obesity is a risk, nine (31.8%) identified Asian Americans as having a higher risk of developing diabetes at lower BMI’s, with six (27.27%) aware of the recommended BMI cut point of 23 Kg/m. The follow-up survey indicated an increase in the number of Asian Americans screened using BMI of 23. Conclusions: Improving knowledge of nurse practitioners will increase early diagnosis, treatment of Type 2 diabetes in Asian Americans and ultimately, enhance the quality of life for this population. Utilizing an Asian-specific BMI in the Electronic Health Record system will prompt providers to use the correct BMI and manage appropriately.
Reduction of the mortality to the General surgical department of General hospital Valjevo: Serbia

Introduction: The safety of surgical procedures has emerged as a signifi cant global public health problem. Aim: In this study, an assessment was made of the mortality in the population of general surgical patients and is proposed to prevent the occurrence of adverse events involving death. Methods: A study of time series that routinely monitored quality indicators was carried out from January to November 2017, with a special reference to the number of deaths and the total mortality rate at the General Surgery Department GSD, General Hospital Valjevo, Serbia. Results: Hospitalized patients over 65 years of age and prolonged hospitalization of surgical patients positively correlated with the Total mortality rate at the General Surgery Department . The short stay of patients in the Intensive Care Unit of the General Hospital Valjevo signifi cantly reduced the total mortality rate in patients of the General Surgery Department. Conclusion: It is necessary to introduce routine monitoring of new quality indicators that are directly related to the clinical procedures that lead to the reduction of the mortality in general surgical patients.
An Easy-To-Use Survival Score Compared to Existing Tools for Older Patients with Cerebral Metastases from Colorectal Cancer

An easy-to-use survival score was developed specifically for older patients with cerebral metastases from colorectal cancer, and was compared to existing tools regarding the accuracy of identifying patients who die in ≤6 months and those who survive for ≥6 months. The new score was built from 57 patients receiving whole-brain irradiation. It included three groups identified from 6-month survival rates based on two independent predictors (performance status and absence/presence of non-cerebral metastases), with 6-month survival rates of 0% (0 points), 26% (1 point), and 75% (2 points), respectively. This score was compared to diagnosis-specific scores, namely the diagnosis-specific graded prognostic assessment (DS-GPA), the Dziggel-Score and the WBRT-30-CRC (whole-brain radiotherapy with 30 Gy in 10 fractions for cerebral metastases from colorectal cancer) score and to a non-diagnosis-specific score for older persons (Evers-Score). Positive predictive values were 100% (new score), 87% (DS-GPA), 86% (Dziggel-Score), 91% (WBRT-30-CRC), and 100% (Evers-Score), respectively, for patients dying ≤6 months, and 75%, 33%, 75%, 60%, and 45%, respectively, for survivors ≥6 months. Of the five tools, the new score and the Evers-Score were most precise in identifying patients dying ≤6 months. The new score and the Dziggel-Scores were best at identifying patients surviving ≥6 months. When combining the results, the new score appeared preferable to the existing tools. The score appears not necessary for patients with additional liver metastases, since their 6-month survival rate was 0%.
White Matter Hyperintensity, Immediate Antihypertensive Treatment, and Functional Outcome After Acute Ischemic Stroke

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background and Purpose— It remains unknown that whether white matter hyperintensity (WMH) severity influences the effect of antihypertensive treatment in acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to investigate the effects of early antihypertensive treatment on death and disability among patients with acute ischemic stroke according to WMH severities. Methods— This study was a secondary analysis of the data from CATIS (China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke). Severity of WMH was evaluated using Fazekas rating scale score among 303 participants with available magnetic resonance imaging data and was categorized into none-mild WMH (Fazekas score 0–2) and moderate-severe WMH (Fazekas score 3–6). Functional outcome was death or major disability (modified Rankin Scale score of ≥3) at 14 days or hospital discharge and within 3 months. Results— WMH severity was significantly associated with an increased risk of death or major disability. Each 1 score increase in Fazekas score was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 1.25 (1.03–1.51) for 14 days or hospital discharge and 1.39 (1.12–1.72) for 3-month functional outcome. There were no significant interactions between antihypertensive treatment and WMH severity (both P>0.1) on functional outcome at 14 days or hospital discharge and within 3 months. The neutral effects of immediate antihypertensive treatment were observed both in patients with moderate-severe WMH and none-mild WMH. Conclusions— Participants with higher WMH burden had increased risk of death or major disability after acute ischemic stroke. Early antihypertensive treatment had a neutral effect on clinical outcomes among acute ischemic stroke patients with a variety of WMH severities. Registration— URL: https://www.clinicaltrials. gov; Unique identifier: NCT01840072.
LptB-LptF coupling mediates closure of the substrate-binding cavity in the LptB2 FGC transporter through a rigid-body mechanism to extract LPS.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are essential envelope components in many Gram-negative bacteria and provide intrinsic resistance to antibiotics. LPS molecules are synthesized in the inner membrane and then transported to the cell surface by the LPS transport (Lpt) machinery. In this system, the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter LptB2 FGC extracts LPS from the inner membrane and places it onto a periplasmic protein bridge through a poorly understood mechanism. Here, we show that residue E86 of LptB is essential for coupling the function of this ATPase to that of its partners LptFG, specifically at the step where ATP binding drives the closure of the LptB dimer and the collapse of the LPS-binding cavity in LptFG that moves LPS to the Lpt periplasmic bridge. We also show that defects caused by changing residue E86 are suppressed by mutations altering either LPS structure or transmembrane helices in LptG. Furthermore, these suppressors also fix defects in the coupling helix of LptF, but not of LptG. Together, these results support a transport mechanism in which the ATP-driven movements of LptB and those of the substrate-binding cavity in LptFG are bi-directionally coordinated through rigid-body coupling, with LptF's coupling helix being important in coordinating cavity collapse with LptB dimerization.
Heparan sulfate targeting strategy for enhancing liposomal drug accumulation and facilitating deep distribution in tumors

Abstract Nanoparticles (NPs), such as liposomes, effectively evade the severe toxicity of unexpected accumulation and passively shuttle drugs into tumor tissues by enhanced permeability and retention. In the case of non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, cancer-associated fibroblasts promote the aggregation of a gel-like extracellular matrix that forms a physical barrier in the desmoplastic stroma of the tumor. These stroma are composed of protein networks and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that greatly compromise tumor-penetrating performance, leading to insufficient extravasation and tissue penetration of NPs. Moreover, the presence of heparan sulfate (HS) and related proteoglycans on the cell surface and tumor extracellular matrix may serve as molecular targets for NP-mediated drug delivery. Here, a GAG-binding peptide (GBP) with high affinity for HS and high cell-penetrating activity was used to develop an HS-targeting delivery system. Specifically, liposomal doxorubicin (L-DOX) was modified by post-insertion with the GBP. We show that the in vitro uptake of L-DOX in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells increased by GBP modification. Cellular uptake of GBP-modified L-DOX (L-DOX-GBP) was diminished in the presence of extracellular HS but not in the presence of other GAGs, indicating that the interaction with HS is critical for the cell surface binding of L-DOX-GBP. The cytotoxicity of doxorubicin positively correlated with the molecular composition of GBP. Moreover, GBP modification improved the in vivo distribution and anticancer efficiency of L-DOX, with enhanced desmoplastic targeting and extensive distribution. Taken together, GBP modification may greatly improve the tissue distribution and delivery efficiency of NPs against HS-abundant desmoplastic stroma-associated neoplasm.
Scaling up psychology via Scientific Regret Minimization

Significance Behavioral scientists need a principled methodology for working with large datasets. We offer an exploratory approach that combines ideas from machine learning and psychology, and we conduct a case study in the domain of moral reasoning. We demonstrate that our approach allows us to both build a powerful and interpretable computational model, and identify subtle principles humans employ in moral dilemmas. The method we offer can be applied in any field with large datasets. Do large datasets provide value to psychologists? Without a systematic methodology for working with such datasets, there is a valid concern that analyses will produce noise artifacts rather than true effects. In this paper, we offer a way to enable researchers to systematically build models and identify novel phenomena in large datasets. One traditional approach is to analyze the residuals of models—the biggest errors they make in predicting the data—to discover what might be missing from those models. However, once a dataset is sufficiently large, machine learning algorithms approximate the true underlying function better than the data, suggesting, instead, that the predictions of these data-driven models should be used to guide model building. We call this approach “Scientific Regret Minimization” (SRM), as it focuses on minimizing errors for cases that we know should have been predictable. We apply this exploratory method on a subset of the Moral Machine dataset, a public collection of roughly 40 million moral decisions. Using SRM, we find that incorporating a set of deontological principles that capture dimensions along which groups of agents can vary (e.g., sex and age) improves a computational model of human moral judgment. Furthermore, we are able to identify and independently validate three interesting moral phenomena: criminal dehumanization, age of responsibility, and asymmetric notions of responsibility.