Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring MRI based radiomics analysis of intratumoral spatial heterogeneity in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy

Background We hypothesized that spatial heterogeneity exists between recurrent and non-recurrent regions within a tumor. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference between radiomics features derived from recurrent versus non recurrent regions within the tumor based on pre-treatment MRI. Methods A total of 14 T4NxM0 NPC patients with histologically proven “in field” recurrence in the post nasal space following curative intent IMRT were included in this study. Pretreatment MRI were co-registered with MRI at the time of recurrence for the delineation of gross tumor volume at diagnosis(GTV) and at recurrence(GTVr). A total of 7 histogram features and 40 texture features were computed from the recurrent(GTVr) and non-recurrent region(GTV-GTVr). Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were carried out on the 47 quantified radiomics features. Results A total of 7 features were significantly different between recurrent and non-recurrent regions. Other than the variance from intensity-based histogram, the remaining six significant features were either from the gray-level size zone matrix (GLSZM) or the neighbourhood gray-tone difference matrix (NGTDM). Conclusions The radiomic features extracted from pre-treatment MRI can potentially reflect the difference between recurrent and non-recurrent regions within a tumor and has a potential role in pre-treatment identification of intra-tumoral radio-resistance for selective dose escalation.
Infectious Bronchitis Coronavirus Infection in Chickens: Multiple System Disease with Immune Suppression

In the early 1930s, infectious bronchitis (IB) was first characterized as a respiratory disease in young chickens; later, the disease was also described in older chickens. The etiology of IB was confirmed later as being due to a coronavirus: the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Being a coronavirus, IBV is subject to constant genome change due to mutation and recombination, with the consequence of changing clinical and pathological manifestations. The potential use of live attenuated vaccines for the control of IBV infection was demonstrated in the early 1950s, but vaccine breaks occurred due to the emergence of new IBV serotypes. Over the years, various IBV genotypes associated with reproductive, renal, gastrointestinal, muscular and immunosuppressive manifestations have emerged. IBV causes considerable economic impacts on global poultry production due to its pathogenesis involving multiple body systems and immune suppression; hence, there is a need to better understand the pathogenesis of infection and the immune response in order to help developing better management strategies. The evolution of new strains of IBV during the last nine decades against vaccine-induced immune response and changing clinical and pathological manifestations emphasize the necessity of the rational development of intervention strategies based on a thorough understanding of IBV interaction with the host.
Prediction of cancer survival for cohorts of patients most recently diagnosed using multi-model inference

Despite a large choice of models, functional forms and types of effects, the selection of excess hazard models for prediction of population cancer survival is not widespread in the literature. We propose multi-model inference based on excess hazard model(s) selected using Akaike information criteria or Bayesian information criteria for prediction and projection of cancer survival. We evaluate the properties of this approach using empirical data of patients diagnosed with breast, colon or lung cancer in 1990–2011. We artificially censor the data on 31 December 2010 and predict five-year survival for the 2010 and 2011 cohorts. We compare these predictions to the observed five-year cohort estimates of cancer survival and contrast them to predictions from an a priori selected simple model, and from the period approach. We illustrate the approach by replicating it for cohorts of patients for which stage at diagnosis and other important prognosis factors are available. We find that model-averaged predictions and projections of survival have close to minimal differences with the Pohar-Perme estimation of survival in many instances, particularly in subgroups of the population. Advantages of information-criterion based model selection include (i) transparent model-building strategy, (ii) accounting for model selection uncertainty, (iii) no a priori assumption for effects, and (iv) projections for patients outside of the sample.
Quantifying the Model-Related Variability of Biomass Stock and Change Estimates in the Norwegian National Forest Inventory

National Forest Inventories (NFIs) provide estimates of forest parameters for national and regional scales. Many key variables of interest, such as biomass and timber volume, cannot be measured directly in the field. Instead, models are used to predict those variables from measurements of other field variables. Therefore, the uncertainty or variability of NFI estimates results not only from selecting a sample of the population but also from uncertainties in the models used to predict the variables of interest. The aim of this study was to quantify the model-related variability of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst) biomass stock and change estimates for the Norwegian NFI. The model-related variability of the estimates stems from uncertainty in parameter estimates of biomass models as well as residual variability and was quantified using a Monte Carlo simulation technique. Uncertainties in model parameter estimates, which are often not available for published biomass models, had considerable influence on the model-related variability of biomass stock and change estimates. The assumption that the residual variability is larger than documented for the models and the correlation of within-plot model residuals influenced the model-related variability of biomass stock change estimates much more than estimates of the biomass stock. The larger influence on the stock change resulted from the large influence of harvests on the stock change, although harvests were observed rarely on the NFI sample plots in the 5-year period that was considered. In addition, the temporal correlation between model residuals due to changes in the allometry had considerable influence on the model-related variability of the biomass stock change estimate. The allometry may, however, be assumed to be rather stable over a 5-year period. Because the effects of model-related variability of the biomass stock and change estimates were much smaller than those of the sampling-related variability, efforts to increase the precision of estimates should focus on reducing the sampling variability. If the model-related variability is to be decreased, the focus should be on the tree fractions of living branches as well as stump and roots.
The Importance of Genuineness in Public Engagement—An Exploratory Study of Pediatric Communication on Social Media in China

There is a growing need for the public to interact with pediatricians through social media in China, and genuineness is a crucial factor contributing to effective communication, but few studies have examined the relationship between genuineness and its effect on public engagement. This study developed a four-dimension framework including self-disclosure, genuine response, functional interactivity, and genuineness in Chinese culture to investigate the effect of genuineness in the communication of Chinese social media influencers in pediatrics on public engagement. Content analysis was employed to examine these dimensions and the related public engagement in 300 social media posts on the largest microblogging site in China. The findings indicate that genuine response was positively associated with the number of comments and positive comments, while negatively related to the number of shares. Functional interactivity made the site more appealing, resulting in likes and shares. Genuineness in Chinese culture was reflected in engagement through sharing posts by the public. This study is the first to develop an integrated framework to measure genuineness in online health communication and contributes to the understanding of the effect of genuineness on Chinese public engagement in social media.
Genetic variation in performance traits and the potential for host shifts in Enchenopa treehoppers (Homoptera : Membracidae)

Host plant shifts by phytophagous insects are often hypothesized as means through which new species could genetically differentiate. For genetic divergence to occur between populations on original and novel hosts, the colonizing population must possess genetic variation in performance traits allowing use of and selection by the new host. To test for the existence of genetic variation in Enchenopa treehoppers for the use of novel host plants in the genus Viburnum , we performed a 4-way full sib analysis. Related insects were exposed to 4 different plant species in greenhouse and field settings: the original host plant and 3 novel host species. We estimated genetic variation in performance traits of male and female longevity, and female fecundity and calculated fitness values, nymphal survival, and male and female developmental time to adult eclosion. We found significant genetic variation in traits influencing both survival and reproduction. There were significant interactions between genotype and host, indicating some genotypes are more adept than others at using new hosts. We conclude that sufficient genetic variation exists in this population to facilitate successful shifts to these new hosts.
Prognostic Awareness in Caregivers of Patients with Incurable Cancer.

Background: Little is known about how patients with incurable cancer and caregivers differ in their prognostic awareness, and the relationship between caregiver prognostic awareness and their psychological distress. Objective: To investigate prognostic awareness in caregivers of patients with incurable cancer and prognostic discordance in patient-caregiver dyads and its association with psychological distress. Design: This is a cross-sectional study. Setting/Subjects: In total, subjects were 390 caregivers of adults with incurable lung, gastrointestinal, and brain cancers at a cancer center in the northeastern United States. Measurements: The Prognosis and Treatment Perceptions Questionnaire was used to assess prognostic awareness and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess psychological distress. Results: In total, 39.7% (n = 147/370) and 17.3% (n = 64/370) caregivers reported clinically significant anxiety and depression symptoms. And 53.7% of caregivers reported the patients' cancer as "curable" and 44.1% reported the cancer was "not terminal. " Caregivers' report of curability was not associated with their anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 0.99, p = 0.93) or depression (OR = 1.05, p = 0.32) symptoms. Among 42.5% (124/292) and 26.0% (76/292) of dyads (n = 292), both patients and their caregivers agreed in their perception of the cancer as curable and incurable, respectively. In 19.9% of dyads (n = 58), patients reported their cancer as curable, while their caregivers reported it as incurable. In 11.6% of dyads (n = 34), patients reported the cancer as incurable while caregivers reported it as curable. Conclusions: More than half of caregivers have misperceptions about the patients' likelihood of cure, and one-third of patient-caregiver dyads have discordant perceptions. Supportive care interventions may facilitate conversations and enhance prognostic understanding in patients with incurable cancer and their caregivers.
Dairy lactococcal and streptococcal phage-host interactions: an industrial perspective in an evolving phage landscape.

Almost a century has elapsed since the discovery of bacteriophages (phages), and 85 years have passed since the emergence of evidence that phages can infect starter cultures, thereby impacting dairy fermentations. Soon afterward, research efforts were undertaken to investigate phage interactions regarding starter strains. Investigations into phage biology and morphology and phage-host relationships have been aimed at mitigating the negative impact phages have on the fermented dairy industry. From the viewpoint of a supplier of dairy starter cultures, this review examines the composition of an industrial phage collection, providing insight into the development of starter strains and cultures and the evolution of phages in the industry. Research advances in the diversity of phages and structural bases for phage-host recognition and an overview of the perpetual arms race between phage virulence and host defense are presented, with a perspective towards the development of improved phage-resistant starter culture systems.
Gillnet illumination as an effective measure to reduce sea turtle bycatch

The growing demand for fish around the world is an immediate threat to marine megafauna that are unintentionally captured in commercial and artisanal fishery operations. Bycatch mitigation strategies, such as turtle excluder devices, circle hooks, and net illumination, have successfully reduced this risk in some fisheries. We explored the effectiveness of gillnet illumination to reduce sea turtle captures in 2 artisanal fisheries (Mankoadze and Winneba, Ghana) under normal fishing conditions. We first quantified sea turtle bycatch in Ghana's artisanal gillnet fishery from 15 boats for 12 months. We then quantified catch of targeted species and sea turtle bycatch from 20 boats for 15 months (7427 net sets). For 10 of these boats, we placed a Centro Economy green light (1 LED) at each 10‐m interval on the net. We also quantified target catch and sea turtle bycatch from 30 boats for 8 months (2250 net sets). In 15 of these boats, a Centro Deluxe green light (3 LEDs) was installed at 15‐m intervals. Boats with economy lights and those with deluxe lights both exhibited an 81% decrease in sea turtle captures (W = 1, p < 0.001, n = 20; W = 215, p < 0.001, n = 30, respectively) compared with control boats without lights. Illuminated nets resulted in fewer turtle catches for leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) (p < 0.05 for all species). Target catch (mass) (W = 53, p = 0.853 n = 20; W = 76, p = 0.449, n = 23) and value (W = 50, p = 1, n = 20; W = 69, p = 0.728, = 23) were not different across treatments. Our study affirms net illumination can reduce capture rates of 3 species of sea turtles, including the imperiled leatherback. Gear modification methods can successfully reduce bycatch if they are affordable and have broad applications for multiple species in different fisheries.
Characteristics of Creatine Kinase Elevation in Trauma Patients and Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury.

Introduction Rhabdomyolysis in general trauma patients is a cause of acute kidney injury. However, there are limited data on prevalence, risk factors and the dynamics of creatine kinase (CK) as a surrogate marker for rhabdomyolysis. Aim This study aimed to examine the characteristics of CK elevation in general trauma patients and identify the risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI). Method A retrospective study of trauma patients at Songklanagarind Hospital from January 2009 to August 2014 using CK, clinical characteristics and trauma severity as predictors and AKI as defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network, 2005 criteria as the outcomes. Results Of the 372 patients included in the study, the prevalence of rhabdomyolysis was 40.3%, the mean injury severity score (ISS) was 19.5 and 7% had AKI. The CK level peaked at 40 hours after admission with a rate change of 50.98 U/L/h. An initial mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg, ISS ≥ 25 and CK elevation > 1,000 U/L/h were independently associated with AKI. Conclusion Traumatic rhabdomyolysis resulting in AKI occurs in patients with a high peak CK with an increasing rate of change and a high ISS. These parameters could identify patients who needed close monitoring of CK and renal function.
Relative Adipose Tissue Failure in Alström Syndrome Drives Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance

Obesity is a major risk factor for insulin resistance (IR) and its attendant complications. The pathogenic mechanisms linking them remain poorly understood, partly due to a lack of intermediary monogenic human phenotypes. Here, we report on a monogenic form of IR-prone obesity, Alström syndrome (ALMS). Twenty-three subjects with monogenic or polygenic obesity underwent hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamping with concomitant adipose tissue (AT) microdialysis and an in-depth analysis of subcutaneous AT histology. We have shown a relative AT failure in a monogenic obese cohort, a finding supported by observations in a novel conditional mouse model (Almsflin/flin) and ALMS1-silenced human primary adipocytes, whereas selective reactivation of ALMS1 gene in AT of an ALMS conditional knockdown mouse model (Almsflin/flin; Adipo-Cre+/−) restores systemic insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Hence, we show for the first time the relative AT failure in human obese cohorts to be a major determinant of accelerated IR without evidence of lipodystrophy. These new insights into adipocyte-driven IR may assist development of AT-targeted therapeutic strategies for diabetes.
Lifetime and Twelve-Month Prevalence, Persistence, and Unmet Treatment Needs of Mood, Anxiety, and Substance Use Disorders in African American and U.S. versus Foreign-Born Caribbean Women

There is growing diversity within the Black population in the U.S., but limited understanding of ethnic and nativity differences in the mental health treatment needs of Black women. This study examined differences in the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, their persistence, and unmet treatment needs among Black women in the U.S. Data were from the National Survey of American Life, a nationally representative survey that assessed lifetime and twelve-month mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria, and mental health service use among those meeting disorder criteria. One in three African American women met criteria for a lifetime disorder, compared to one in three Caribbean women born within the U.S. and one in five Caribbean women born outside the U.S. About half of African American women with a lifetime disorder had a persistent psychiatric disorder, compared to two in five Caribbean women born within the U.S. and two in three Caribbean women born outside the U.S. African Americans had more persisting dysthymia and panic disorder and less persisting social phobia compared to foreign-born Caribbean women. Of the three groups, Caribbean women born within the U.S. were most likely to seek mental health treatment during their lifetime. These results demonstrate, despite a lower prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Black women, that there is a great likelihood their disorders will be marked by persistence and underscores the need for culturally specific treatment approaches. As Black immigrants in the United States are increasing in number, adequate mental health services are needed.
Coagulation Profiles of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients, Assessed by Non-Conventional Hemostatic Tests and Markers of Platelet Activation and Endothelial Dysfunction

Many pathophysiologic processes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), namely, excess vasoconstriction, vascular remodeling and in situ thrombosis, involve the coagulation cascade, and more specifically, platelets. The aim of this study was to globally assess coagulation processes in PAH, by using non-conventional hemostatic tests, along with markers of platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction. We studied 44 new PAH patients (22 with idiopathic PAH and 22 with connective tissue disease) and 25 healthy controls. The following tests were performed: platelet function analyzer-100 (PFA-100), light transmission aggregometry (LTA), rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), serotonin, thromboxane A2 and p-selectin plasma levels, and von Willebrand antigen (VWF:Ag) and activity (VWF:Ac). Our results showed that PAH patients had diminished platelet aggregation, presence of disaggregation, defective initiation of the clotting process and clot propagation, and diminished thrombin formation capacity. Serotonin, thromboxane A2 and p-selectin levels were increased, and VWF:Ag and VWF:Ac decreased in the same population. The results of this study suggest that the platelets of PAH patients are activated and present functional abnormalities. The procoagulant activity, in general, appears to be impaired probably due to a sustained and prolonged activation of the procoagulant processes. Larger observational studies are warranted to confirm these laboratory findings.
Trends and Contributing Factors to Contraceptive Use in Kenya: A Large Population-Based Survey 1989 to 2014

Kenya is among the leading nations in family planning in Africa, having the first official nationwide family planning program in sub-Saharan Africa. However, Kenya is still one of the most highly populated countries in Africa with a population of more than 52 million. The objective of this study was to assess the trends and contributing factors of contraceptive use. We conducted a multi-wave cross-sectional study using both the demographic health survey (DHS) and family planning effort index (FPE) datasets, analyzing five-year waves from 1989 to 2014. This study indicates that contraceptive use increased from 24.0% to 42.6%, with a change % of 77.5%. Despite changes in women’s characteristics, these characteristics posed little on the time trend of contraceptive use in Kenya. In addition, the policy component of FPE scores had a positive association with contraceptive use with negligible change after adjusting for social and demographic factors 1.055 (1.046–1.065). There was a fluctuating trend of the additional FPE components throughout the years. Women with lower education, those married to husbands with lower education, unmarried, and rural women remain behind in family planning service utilization. Targeted programs are still needed for these special groups. Policy adherence is vital for continued progress.
A Review on Revolutionary Natural Biopolymer-Based Aerogels for Antibacterial Delivery

A biopolymer-based aerogel has been developed to become one of the most potentially utilized materials in different biomedical applications. The biopolymer-based aerogel has unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties and these properties are used in tissue engineering, biosensing, diagnostic, medical implant and drug delivery applications. Biocompatible and non-toxic biopolymers such as chitosan, cellulose and alginates have been used to deliver antibiotics, plants extract, essential oils and metallic nanoparticles. Antibacterial aerogels have been used in superficial and chronic wound healing as dressing sheets. This review critically analyses the utilization of biopolymer-based aerogels in antibacterial delivery. The analysis shows the relationship between their properties and their applications in the wound healing process. Furthermore, highlights of the potentials, challenges and proposition of the application of biopolymer-based aerogels is explored.