Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular damage associated with subchronic exposure to the glyphosate herbicide in Wistar rats

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world. Although some studies have shown cardiac electrophysiological changes associated to glyphosate, the histopathological changes that this herbicide may cause in the cardiovascular system are not yet established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of subchronic oral and inhalation exposure to the glyphosate herbicide in rats. Eighty albino Wistar rats were distributed into eight groups (five males and five females/group): inhalation control: nebulization with sodium chloride solution (NaCl); oral control: nebulized feed with NaCl; low inhalation concentration: nebulization with 3.71 × 10−3 grams of active ingredient per hectare (g.a.i./ha) of glyphosate; low oral concentration: nebulized feed with 3.71 × 10−3 g.a.i./ha of glyphosate; medium inhalation concentration: nebulization with 6.19 × 10−3 g.a.i./ha of glyphosate; medium oral concentration: nebulized feed with 6.19 × 10−3 g.a.i./ha of glyphosate; high inhalation concentration: nebulization with 9.28 × 10−3 g.a.i./ha of glyphosate; and high oral concentration: nebulized feed with 9.28 × 10−3 g.a.i./ha of glyphosate. After 75 days of exposure, the animals were euthanized, and aortas and hearts were collected for histopathological analysis. Fatty streaks were observed in most animals exposed to glyphosate and were more prevalent in male rats, regardless of the route of exposure (p < 0.05). There were no differences in the measurements of the thickness of the right and left ventricle or in the collagen density of both ventricles in any of the groups evaluated (p > 0.05). Our study suggests that glyphosate has atherogenic potential, regardless of the concentration and route of exposure.
A Risk Prediction Model Based on Machine Learning for Cognitive Impairment Among Chinese Community-Dwelling Elderly People With Normal Cognition: Development and Validation Study

Background Identifying cognitive impairment early enough could support timely intervention that may hinder or delay the trajectory of cognitive impairment, thus increasing the chances for successful cognitive aging. Objective We aimed to build a prediction model based on machine learning for cognitive impairment among Chinese community-dwelling elderly people with normal cognition. Methods A prospective cohort of 6718 older people from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) register, followed between 2008 and 2011, was used to develop and validate the prediction model. Participants were included if they were aged 60 years or above, were community-dwelling elderly people, and had a cognitive Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥18. They were excluded if they were diagnosed with a severe disease (eg, cancer and dementia) or were living in institutions. Cognitive impairment was identified using the Chinese version of the MMSE. Several machine learning algorithms (random forest, XGBoost, naïve Bayes, and logistic regression) were used to assess the 3-year risk of developing cognitive impairment. Optimal cutoffs and adjusted parameters were explored in validation data, and the model was further evaluated in test data. A nomogram was established to vividly present the prediction model. Results The mean age of the participants was 80.4 years (SD 10.3 years), and 50.85% (3416/6718) were female. During a 3-year follow-up, 991 (14.8%) participants were identified with cognitive impairment. Among 45 features, the following four features were finally selected to develop the model: age, instrumental activities of daily living, marital status, and baseline cognitive function. The concordance index of the model constructed by logistic regression was 0.814 (95% CI 0.781-0.846). Older people with normal cognitive functioning having a nomogram score of less than 170 were considered to have a low 3-year risk of cognitive impairment, and those with a score of 170 or greater were considered to have a high 3-year risk of cognitive impairment. Conclusions This simple and feasible cognitive impairment prediction model could identify community-dwelling elderly people at the greatest 3-year risk for cognitive impairment, which could help community nurses in the early identification of dementia.
Application of composted sewage sludges contaminated with heavy metals to an agricultural soil : Effect on lettuce growth

Abstract To elucidate the mechanism of transfer of heavy metals into the food chain, an experiment was carried out with a calcareous soil, to which two different doses of a sewage sludge compost contaminated with either Cd or Zn, Cd, Cu, and Ni were applied. A crop of lettuce was then grown in the amended soils. The application of sewage sludge composts to a calcareous soil lowered the soil's pH, although the value was always around 8 at the end of the experiment. Electric conductivity rose with organic amendment. As anticipated, such an amendment improved the nutritional level of the soils, particularly Nand P, both total and available. Plant yields were negatively affected by organic amendments contaminated with heavy metals, the most dangerous in our experiment being Cd and Zn since this metals easily taken up by plants. As Ni and Cu form insoluble complexes with the organic matter of the sewage sludge composts they are not readily absorbed. Of the metals studied, Cd and Zn showed the highest bioavaila.
Direct evidence for eoarchean iron metabolism?

Metasedimentary rocks from Isua, West Greenland (> 3,700 million years old) contain carbonaceous compounds, compatible with a biogenic origin (Hassenkam, Andersson, Dalby, Mackenzie, & Rosing, 2017; Ohtomo, Kakegawa, Ishida, Nagase, & Rosing, 2014; Rosing, 1999). The metamorphic mineral assemblage with garnet and quartz intergrowths contains layers of carbonaceous inclusions contiguous with carbon‐rich sedimentary beds in the host rock. Previous studies (Hassenkam et al., 2017; Ohtomo et al., 2014; Rosing, 1999) on Isua rocks focused on testing the biogenic origin of the carbonaceous material, but here we searched for evidence which could provide new insights into the nature of the life that generated this carbonaceous material. We studied material trapped in inclusions armoured within quartz grains inside garnet porphyroblasts by non‐destructive ptychographic X‐ray nanotomography (PXCT). The 3D electron density maps generated by PXCT were correlated with maps from X‐ray fluorescence tomography and micro‐Raman spectroscopy. We found that the material trapped inside inclusions in the quartz grains consist of disordered carbon material encasing domains of iron‐rich carbonaceous material. These results corroborate earlier claims (Hassenkam et al., 2017; Ohtomo et al., 2014; Rosing, 1999) for biogenic origins and are compatible with relics of metamorphosed biological material originally containing high iron/carbon ratios, comparable to ratios found in most extant organisms. These iron‐rich domains represent the oldest evidence for organic iron complexes in the geologic record and are consistent with Fe‐isotopic evidence for metabolic iron fractionation in > 3,700 Ma Isua banded iron formation (Czaja et al., 2013; Whitehouse & Fedo, 2007).
Decoding the Content of Auditory Sensory Memory Across Species.

In contrast to classical views of working memory (WM) maintenance, recent research investigating activity-silent neural states has demonstrated that persistent neural activity in sensory cortices is not necessary for active maintenance of information in WM. Previous studies in humans have measured putative memory representations indirectly, by decoding memory contents from neural activity evoked by a neutral impulse stimulus. However, it is unclear whether memory contents can also be decoded in different species and attentional conditions. Here, we employ a cross-species approach to test whether auditory memory contents can be decoded from electrophysiological signals recorded in different species. Awake human volunteers (N = 21) were exposed to auditory pure tone and noise burst stimuli during an auditory sensory memory task using electroencephalography. In a closely matching paradigm, anesthetized female rats (N = 5) were exposed to comparable stimuli while neural activity was recorded using electrocorticography from the auditory cortex. In both species, the acoustic frequency could be decoded from neural activity evoked by pure tones as well as neutral frozen noise burst stimuli. This finding demonstrates that memory contents can be decoded in different species and different states using homologous methods, suggesting that the mechanisms of sensory memory encoding are evolutionarily conserved across species.
Sex- and Type-specific Genital Human Papillomavirus Transmission Rates Between Heterosexual Partners: A Bayesian Reanalysis of the HITCH Cohort

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: It is unclear whether sexual transmission rates of human papillomaviruses (HPV) differ between sexes and HPV types. We estimate updated transmission rates from the final HITCH cohort study and propose an estimation method that accounts for interval-censored data and infection clearance. Methods: We enrolled young women 18–24 years old and their male sex partners ≥18 years old in Montréal, Canada, between 2005 and 2011. We followed women over 24 months and men over 4 months. We tested genital samples with Linear Array for HPV DNA detection and genotyping. We calculated infection transmission rates between partners using a multistate Markov model via a Bayesian approach. We report the posterior median and 2.5%–97.5% percentile intervals (95% PI). Results: We observed 166 type-specific incident HPV transmission events in 447 women and 402 men. The estimated median transmission rate from an HPV-positive to a negative partner was 4.2 (95% PI = 3.1 to 5.3) per 100 person-months. The transmission rate from men-to-women was 3.5 (95% PI = 2.5 to 4.7) and from women-to-men was 5.6 (95% PI = 3.8 to 7.0) per 100 person-months, corresponding to a rate ratio of 1.6 (95% PI = 1.0 to 2.5). Partners reporting always using condoms had a 0.22 (95% PI = 0.05 to 0.61) times lower HPV transmission rate than those reporting never using condoms. HPV16/18 did not have particularly high transmission rates relative to other HPV types. Conclusion: Our updated analysis supports previous research suggesting higher women-to-men than men-to-women HPV transmission rates and a protective effect of condoms in heterosexual partnerships. Our results also suggest that crude incidence rates underestimate HPV transmission rates due to interval-censoring. See video abstract at http://links.lww. com/EDE/B794.
New Developments in the Management of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. List important prognostic features that affect cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma risk. 2. Summarize the changes to the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, Eighth Edition, staging system for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. 3. Evaluate the draining nodal basin with appropriate imaging modalities. 4. Recommend adjuvant radiation therapy in the correct clinical setting for high-risk tumors. 5. Recognize the currently available treatments for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Summary: This continuing medical education article reviews the features, management, and prognosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with an emphasis on high-risk squamous cell carcinoma and data from the past 3 years. This review will discuss the primary tumor management, high-risk features of a squamous cell carcinoma, changes to the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system, and the utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy, and critically review the evidence regarding adjuvant therapy.
Mitochondrial redox systems as central hubs in plant metabolism and signaling

Abstract Plant mitochondria are indispensable for plant metabolism and are tightly integrated into cellular homeostasis. This review provides an update on the latest research concerning the organization and operation of plant mitochondrial redox systems, and how they affect cellular metabolism and signaling, plant development, and stress responses. New insights into the organization and operation of mitochondrial energy systems such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle and mitochondrial electron transport chain (mtETC) are discussed. The mtETC produces reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which can act as signals or lead to cellular damage, and are thus efficiently removed by mitochondrial antioxidant systems, including Mn-superoxide dismutase, ascorbate–glutathione cycle, and thioredoxin-dependent peroxidases. Plant mitochondria are tightly connected with photosynthesis, photorespiration, and cytosolic metabolism, thereby providing redox-balancing. Mitochondrial proteins are targets of extensive post-translational modifications, but their functional significance and how they are added or removed remains unclear. To operate in sync with the whole cell, mitochondria can communicate their functional status via mitochondrial retrograde signaling to change nuclear gene expression, and several recent breakthroughs here are discussed. At a whole organism level, plant mitochondria thus play crucial roles from the first minutes after seed imbibition, supporting meristem activity, growth, and fertility, until senescence of darkened and aged tissue. Finally, plant mitochondria are tightly integrated with cellular and organismal responses to environmental challenges such as drought, salinity, heat, and submergence, but also threats posed by pathogens. Both the major recent advances and outstanding questions are reviewed, which may help future research efforts on plant mitochondria.
The Performance and Interrater Agreement of Vibration Perception for the Diagnosis of Loss of Protective Sensation in People With Diabetes Mellitus

This study examined the performance of VibraTip for the diagnosis of loss of protective sensation (LOPS) and the interrater agreement of different neurological modalities performed by 3 health care professionals, a consultant diabetologist, a diabetes specialist nurse, and a podiatrist. Diagnosis of LOPS was based on 10-g Semmes Weinstein monofilament testing performed by a consultant diabetologist (reference method), while examination with a 128-Hz tuning form was also performed. The performance of VibraTip for the diagnosis of LOPS was examined using the receiver operating characteristic curves analysis. Interrater agreement was determined by weighted kappa (κ) statistics. Diagnosis of LOPS (%) was 37.5%. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that VibraTip examination versus 10-g monofilament, both performed by a consultant, could diagnose LOPS (P < .001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of VibraTip versus 10-g monofilament, both performed by a consultant (value, 95% confidence interval), was 0.705 (0.591-0.803), 0.836 (0.758-0.897), 0.733 (0.642-0.808), and 0.816 (0.757-0.863), respectively. The interrater agreement among the health care professionals for 10-g monofilament, VibraTip, and 128-Hz tuning fork in neurological assessment was good with κ > 0.61. VibraTip can be used as a screening tool for the detection of LOPS. There was good overall agreement in the results of neurological examination using 10-g monofilament, 128-Hz tuning fork, and VibraTip among health care professionals.
Farming Methods Effects on the Soil Fertility and Crop Production Under a Rice-Vegetables Cropping Sequences

This study conducted a long-term field trial to evaluate the effects of three farming methods (i.e., conventional farming, organic farming, and intermediate farming) on soil fertility and plant growth under a crop rotation of vegetables, sweet corn, and rice. The nitrogen (N) uptake of crops grown with chemical fertilizers (CFs) and organic fertilizers was also compared carefully over 7 consecutive years. The results revealed that only a fraction of the nitrogen N in chicken manure compost was available to crops immediately following application. Therefore, the fresh weight production and absorption of N by amaranth, water convolvulus, and sprouting broccoli plants were relatively minimal compared to those grown with chemical N fertilizers. However, the amount of N from the chicken manure compost met the nutrient requirements of rice and sweet corn. Application of chicken manure compost increased the accumulation of soil organic matter (SOM) and available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) content, which is essential for enhancing soil quality. Because of the rapid decomposition of rapeseed seed meal (RSM), most of the N in RSM was mineralized immediately following application, which induced the rapid growth of leafy vegetables and increased yields. Application of compost with chemical fertilizers not only results in yields as high as those from pure chemical fertilizer treatment, but also improves SOM accumulation and soil fertility.
Hesperidin‐rich ethanol extract from waste peels of Citrus limetta mitigates rheumatoid arthritis and related complications

The aim of this study is to explore the possible pharmacological effects of fruit waste that may have a key role in converting the fruit waste into pharmaceutical agents. Citrus limetta (Rutaceae) is an important commercial citrus fruit crops used by juice processing industries. C. limetta peels are perishable waste material, which creates a big challenge in juice processing industries. Initial pharmaco‐chemical profile of peels' extracts revealed that the ethanol extract (ClPs) has promising anti‐inflammatory activity and rich in hesperidin content. In vivo experimental pharmacology profile of ClPs against arthritis and related complications revealed that oral administration of ClPs significantly reduced the arthritis score and arthritis index in elbow and knee joints against collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. Biochemical parameters include pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐17A), and C‐RP level in blood serum of CIA rats further confirmed the anti‐arthritic profile of ClPs. Further individual experiments related to arthritis‐related complications in experimental animals demonstrated the analgesic, anti‐inflammatory, and antipyretic potential of ClPs in dose‐dependent manner. The result of this study suggests the suitability of ClPs as a drug‐like candidate for further investigation toward the management of arthritis and related complications.
Susceptibility‐Weighted Imaging in Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Review

As human life expectancy increases, there is an increased prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders and dementia. There are many ongoing research trials for early diagnosis and management of dementia, and neuroimaging is a critical part of such studies. However, conventional neuroimaging often fails to provide enough diagnostic findings in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. In this context, different MRI sequences are currently under investigation to facilitate the accurate diagnosis of such disorders. Susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) is an innovative MRI technique that utilizes “magnitude” and “phase” images to produce an image contrast that is sensitive for the detection of susceptibility differences of the tissues. As many neurodegenerative disorders are associated with accelerated iron deposition and/or microhemorrhages in different parts of the brain, SWI can be applied to detect these diagnostic clues. For instance, in cerebral amyloid angiopathy, SWI can demonstrate cortical microhemorrhages, which are predominantly in the frontal and parietal regions. Or in Parkinson disease, abnormal swallow‐tail sign on high‐resolution SWI is highly diagnostic. Also, SWI is a useful sequence to detect the low signal intensity of precentral cortices in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Being familiar with SWI findings in neurodegenerative disorders is critical for an accurate diagnosis. In this paper, the authors review the technical parameters of SWI, physiologic, and pathologic iron deposition in the brain, and the role of SWI in the evaluation of neurodegenerative disorders in daily practice.
[The effect of different continuous saline irrigation volume under arthroscopy on early postoperative pain and swelling of the knee].

Objective To investigate the effect of different saline irrigation volume under arthroscopy on early postoperative pain and swelling of the knee. Methods The clinical data of 539 patients with meniscus injury treated by arthroscopic menisci reformation who met the selection criteria between July 2016 and February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into three groups according to the continuous saline irrigation volume during the operation: 176 patients in the non-irrigation group (group A), 183 patients in the 1 liter-irrigation group (group B), and 180 patients in the 3 liters-irrigation group (group C). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, sides of injury, body mass index, disease duration, smoking history, and classification of meniscus injury among 3 groups ( P>0.05). At 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after operation, the patient's pain level was evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and the knee swelling situation was evaluated by the swelling ratings (the difference between both sides in circumference of the 2 cm upper patella of the knee). Knee skin temperature (the difference of the skin temperature between both sides) and the C-reactive protein (CRP) level in serum were measured at the 1st and 3rd days after operation. Range of motion of the knee was measured at the 1st, 3rd, and 5th days after operation. Results All incisions healed by first intention without any complication after operation. The VAS scores of each group showed a slow increase trend after operation, and gradually decreased to less than the VAS score of 6 hours at 48 hours after operation. There was no significant difference in VAS scores among the 3 groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). The swelling ratings of the knee in each group showed a gradually decrease trend after operation. There was no significant difference in the swelling ratings of the knee among the 3 groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). The skin temperature of the knee in each group decreased at the 3rd day after operation than the 1st day, and there was no significant difference in the skin temperature of the knee among the 3 groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in CRP level within the group and among the 3 groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). Range of motion of the knee in each group increased gradually at the 1st, 3rd, and 5th days after operation, and there was no significant difference among the 3 groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). Conclusion The different continuous saline irrigation volume would not affect the early postoperative pain, swelling, and inflammation of the knee during the arthroscopic menisci plasty.