Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Broad applicability of a streamlined ethyl cinnamate-based clearing procedure

ABSTRACT Turbidity and opaqueness are inherent properties of tissues that limit the capacity to acquire microscopic images through large tissues. Creating a uniform refractive index, known as tissue clearing, overcomes most of these issues. These methods have enabled researchers to image large and complex 3D structures with unprecedented depth and resolution. However, tissue clearing has been adopted to a limited extent due to a combination of cost, time, complexity of existing methods and potential negative impact on fluorescence signal. Here, we describe 2Eci (2nd generation ethyl cinnamate-based clearing), which can be used to clear a wide range of tissues in several species, including human organoids, Drosophila melanogaster, zebrafish, axolotl and Xenopus laevis, in as little as 1-5 days, while preserving a broad range of fluorescent proteins, including GFP, mCherry, Brainbow and Alexa-conjugated fluorophores. Ethyl cinnamate is non-toxic and can easily be used in multi-user microscope facilities. This method opens up tissue clearing to a much broader group of researchers due to its ease of use, the non-toxic nature of ethyl cinnamate and broad applicability. Summary: The non-toxic, broadly applicable and simplified protocol of 2Eci tissue clearing makes it possible for non-specialist labs to use clearing approaches on conventional inverted microscopes.
Evaluation of the Retrogasserian Opioid Application in the Treatment of Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia.

AIM The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the retrogasserian opioid application in patients with type 1 trigeminal neuralgia. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 37 patients (12 male, 25 female; average age 56.2 ± 5.4 years) who were administered retrogasserian opioid due to type 1 trigeminal neuralgia between February 2012 and May 2015 were included in the study. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate pain at the last preoperative and postoperative visits (median follow-up period, 13 months; mean follow-up period, 15.6 months). All parameters were analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests, with P 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS Visual analogue scale scores of all 37 patients were significantly improved in the postoperative period. The average visual analogue scale scores were 7.9 ± 0.62 preoperatively and 2.9 ± 0.5 postoperatively. All changes were statistically significant. CONCLUSION Percutaneous retrogasserian opioid injection in type 1 trigeminal neuralgia is an effective and safe method of pain control.
The safety of lanreotide for neuroendocrine tumor

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lanreotide autogel is a synthetic somatostatin analogue which has been FDA and EMA approved for unresectable, well to moderately differentiated, locally advanced or metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Its action is mediated by its affinity to somatostatin receptors, especially sst2 and sst5 receptors. Its longer half-life offers the convenience of 4-week dosing over the need for frequent injections of short-acting somatostatin analogues. Areas covered: Lanreotide ATG offers progression-free survival benefit in locally advanced or metastatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) compared to placebo, reflecting a strong antiproliferative signal. As lanreotide is commonly used for management of NET, it is imperative to recognize and appropriately manage any drug-related toxicities. In this review, we will provide an overview of the toxicity with lanreotide and its management. Expert opinion: Lanreotide is highly effective in managing carcinoid symptoms and has a robust anti-tumor effect in NET. Overall, it is well tolerated with low rates of treatment discontinuation due to toxicity. It's toxicity profile is mostly predictable, and patients should be informed of the transient nature of some of the upfront toxicities.
Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Melanogenic Properties of Essential Oil from Peel of Pomelo cv. Guan Xi

Here, we investigated the anti-oxidant and anti-melanogenic effects of pomelo peel essential oil (PPEO) from pomelo cv. Guan Xi. The volatile chemical composition of PPEO was analyzed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The most abundant component of PPEO was limonene (55.92%), followed by β-myrcene (31.17%), and β-pinene (3.16%). PPEO showed strong anti-oxidant activities against 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS) and superoxide anion free radicals. Based on the B16 melanoma cell system, the effects of PPEO on the viability and morphology of B16 cells and the production of melanin were evaluated. The results revealed that PPEO at concentrations below 50 μg/mL could decrease the melanin content without affecting cell viability and morphology. Intracellular tyrosinase (TYR) activity and Western blot analysis showed that PPEO could down-regulate the expression level of TYR in B16 cells and dose-dependently inhibit TYR activity (by a maximum of 64.54%). In conclusion, PPEO has good anti-oxidant and anti-melanogenic activity, and thus can be widely used as a natural antioxidant in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Fetal and maternal hemodynamics in pregnancy: new insights in the cardiovascular adaptation to uncomplicated pregnancy, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and congenital diaphragmatic hernia

The fetal and the maternal cardiovascular compartment undergo dramatic functional changes during pregnancy. In this thesis we examined the heart of fetuses with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) using two new ultrasound parameters of ventricular function : the myocardial performance index and speckle tracking derived myocardial strain. Fetal cardiac function was grossly abnormal in recipient fetus of TTTS, yet normalized within 6 weeks after therapy. Ultrasound based cardiac function assessment could not predict short term fetal survival after therapy, nor could it predict eventual further progression to full-blown TTTS in a pre-disease stage. Fetuses with CDH on the other hand, have normal myocardial function, yet smaller left ventricles leading to decreased left ventricular output. We showed that the lower output leads to decreased cerebral perfusion, yet without apparent impact on brain and cranial growth. On the maternal side, plasma volume strongly increases in pregnancy, in parallel with an increase in insulin-like-growth factor(IGF) II which is secreted at the level of the placenta. Experimental administration of IGF-II by continuous infusion leads to increases in plasma volume whereas decreasing IGF-II by reduction of the feto-placental mass leads to decreased plasma volumes. In contrast to IGF-II, the highly vasoactive peptide apelin decreases near term due to a faster elimination as a consequence of an increase in placental angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2. Our experiments with IGF-II and apelin substantiate an important role for the feto-placental unit in regulating maternal plasma volume expansion and (auto)regulating uterine perfusion and fetal growth.
COMT Val158Met polymorphism and Parkinson’s disease risk: a pooled analysis in different populations

ABSTRACT Objective: Many studies have analyzed the association between the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism and Parkinson’s disease (PD), which yield inconsistent results. This meta-analysis was designed to determine the possible association between the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and the risk of PD in different populations. Methods: The PubMed, Springer Link, Ovid, Chinese Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Chinese Biology Medicine databases were used for literature searching up to May 2018. The association between the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and the risk of PD was evaluated by calculating the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 27 studies including 10,239 PD patients and 15,538 controls were screened out. In the overall population, COMT Val158Met polymorphism was not significantly associated with the risk of PD. In the subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity, a significant association between COMT Val158Met polymorphism and PD risk was detected in Japan (LL vs. HH: OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.04–2.11; LL vs. HH+HL: OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.10–2.15) and India (LL+HL vs. HH: OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.14–1.91). Conclusion: This study indicated a significantly closer association between COMT Val158Met polymorphism and PD in the Japanese and Indian populations compared with other ethnicities. Ethnicity seems to play an important role in the genetic association of PD.
Outcomes of infants born to women with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09.

BACKGROUND Pregnant women with influenza are more likely to have complications, but information on infant outcomes is limited. METHODS Five state/local health departments collected data on outcomes of infants born to pregnant women with 2009 H1N1 influenza reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from April to December 2009. Collaborating sites linked information on pregnant women with confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza, many who were severely ill, to their infants' birth certificates. Collaborators also collected birth certificate data from two comparison groups that were matched with H1N1-affected pregnancies on month of conception, sex, and county of residence. RESULTS 490 pregnant women with influenza, 1,451 women without reported influenza with pregnancies in the same year, and 1,446 pregnant women without reported influenza with prior year pregnancies were included. Women with 2009 H1N1 influenza admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU; n = 64) were more likely to deliver preterm infants (<37 weeks), low birth weight infants, and infants with Apgar scores <=6 at 5 min than women in comparison groups (adjusted relative risk, aRR = 3.9 [2.7, 5.6], aRR = 4.6 [2.9, 7.5], and aRR = 8.7 [3.6, 21.2], for same year comparisons, respectively). Women with influenza who were not hospitalized and hospitalized women not admitted to the ICU did not have significantly elevated risks for adverse infant outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Severely ill women with 2009 H1N1 influenza during pregnancy were more likely to have adverse birth outcomes than women without influenza, providing more support for influenza vaccination during pregnancy.
Mysticetes to MiniConference to Manuscripts: Introduction to Thematic Issue on Mysticete Anatomy

This issue of the Anatomical Record is focused on the theme of Mysticete Anatomy. There are six included articles that explore the anatomy of the nasal region (Marquez et al., 2018; Maust‐Mohl et al., 2018), larynx (Damien et al., 2018), lungs (Fetherston et al., 2018), sublingual fascia (Werth et al., 2018), and brain (Raghanti et al., 2018). These papers document anatomical features exhibited by mysticetes (baleen whales) and their related cousins (including other whales, and the semiaquatic moose and hippopotamus). This theme stems from a 2‐day MiniConference on Mysticete Anatomy, hosted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City on May 2016. Anatomy is explored in the contexts of function and evolution of aquatic adaptations. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 302:663–666, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk Assessment of Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene, and Xylene Concentrations from the Combustion of Coal in a Controlled Laboratory Environment

A D-grade type coal was burned under simulated domestic practices in a controlled laboratory set-up, in order to characterize the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs); namely, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX). Near-field concentrations were collected in a shack-like structure constructed using corrugated iron, simulating a traditional house found in informal settlements in South Africa (SA). Measurements were carried out using the Synspec Spectras GC955 real-time monitor over a three-hour burn cycle. The 3-h average concentrations (in µg/m3) of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene, and o-xylene were 919 ± 44, 2051 ± 91, 3838 ±19, 4245 ± 41 and 3576 ± 49, respectively. The cancer risk for adult males and females in a typical SA household exposure scenario was found to be 1.1 and 1.2 respectively, which are 110- and 120-fold higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated risk severity indicator (1 × 10−6). All four TEX (toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene and o-xylene) compounds recorded a Hazard Quotient (HQ) of less than 1, indicating a low risk of developing related non-carcinogenic health effects. The HQ for TEX ranged from 0.001 to 0.05, with toluene concentrations being the lowest, and ethylbenzene the highest. This study has demonstrated that domestic coal burning may be a significant source of BTEX emission exposure.
Autonomous Exploration for Radioactive Hotspots Localization Taking Account of Sensor Limitations

Effective radioactive hotspot localization and detection is limited by sensor characteristics (i.e., the long acquisition time and poor angular resolution AR of a gamma camera) that significantly degrade the performance of autonomous exploration in terms of the completion time and accuracy. The goal of this research is to study effective exploration algorithms that take into account these specific sensor limitations. These exploration algorithms are adapted and implemented based on behaviour-based and multi-criteria decision making MCDM approaches on an autonomous robot. The algorithms were also tested in simulation and validated by experiments performed on a real robot. According to the results, the algorithms demonstrate the ability to mitigate the unfavourable effects of the limitations.
The impact of childhood trauma and psychophysiological reactivity on at-risk women's adjustment to parenthood

Abstract Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have an impact on women's adaptation to parenthood, but mechanisms are poorly understood. Autonomic nervous system reactivity was tested as a potential mediating mechanism in a sample of 193 at-risk primiparous women. ACEs were measured retrospectively during pregnancy. A baby cry-response task was administered during pregnancy while indicators of sympathetic reactivity (pre-ejection period; PEP) and parasympathetic reactivity (respiratory sinus arrhythmia; RSA) were recorded. Parenting self-efficacy, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were measured during pregnancy and 1 year after giving birth. Harsh discipline was measured 2 years after giving birth. Structural equation modeling was employed to test whether baseline PEP and RSA and reactivity mediated links between ACEs and postnatal outcomes, adjusted for prenatal variables. High ACEs predicted less RSA reactivity (p = .02), which subsequently predicted increases in depressive symptoms (p = .03). The indirect effect was not significant (p = .06). There was no indirect link between high ACEs and harsh parenting through PEP nor RSA (n = 98). The parasympathetic nervous system may be involved in negative affective responses in the transition to parenthood among women exposed to childhood trauma.
Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in the mouse embryonic cranial mesenchyme is required to sustain the emerging differentiated meningeal layers

Cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) give rise to cranial mesenchyme (CM) that differentiates into the forebrain meningeal progenitors in the basolateral and apical regions of the head. This occurs in close proximity to the other CNCC‐CM‐derivatives, such as calvarial bone and dermal progenitors. We found active Wnt signaling transduction in the forebrain meningeal progenitors in basolateral and apical populations and in the non‐meningeal CM preceding meningeal differentiation. Here, we dissect the source of Wnt ligand secretion and requirement of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling for the lineage selection and early differentiation of the forebrain meninges. We find persistent canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signal transduction in the meningeal progenitors in the absence of Wnt ligand secretion in the CM or surface ectoderm, suggesting additional sources of Wnts. Conditional mutants for Wntless and β‐catenin in the CM showed that Wnt ligand secretion and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling were dispensable for specification and proliferation of early meningeal progenitors. In the absence of β‐catenin in the CM, we found diminished laminin matrix and meningeal hypoplasia, indicating a structural and trophic role of mesenchymal β‐catenin signaling. This study shows that β‐catenin signaling is required in the CM for maintenance and organization of the differentiated meningeal layers in the basolateral and apical populations of embryonic meninges.
NESTOR: A Computer-Based Medical Diagnostic Aid That Integrates Causal and Probabilistic Knowledge.

Abstract : In order to address some existing problems in computer-aided medical decision making, a computer program called NESTOR has been developed to aid physicians in determining the most likely diagnostic hypothesis to account for a set of patient findings. The domain of hypercalcemic disorders is used to test solution methods that should be applicable to other medical areas. A key design philosophy underlying NESTOR is that the physicians should have control of the computer interaction to determine what is done and when. In order to provide such controllable, interactive aid, specific technical tasks to be addressed. The unifying philosophy in addressing them is the use of knowledge-based methods within a formal probability theory framework. A user interface module gives the physician control over when and how these tasks are used to aid in diagnosing the cause of a patient's condition. This dissertation presents the problems that are addressed by each of the three tasks, and the details of the methods used to address them. In addition, the results of an evaluation of the hypothesis scoring and search techniques are presented and discussed. Additional keywords: artificial intelligence; expert systems; medical applications; computer aided diagnosis; medical computer applications.
Identifikation von Zellen in intaktem Gewebe -- Segmentierung und Klassifikation von Zellkernen in 3D Volumendaten mittels voxel-basierter Grauwertinvarianten

Zusammenfassung. Wir prasentieren erste Ergebnisse eines Ansatzes zur vollautomatischen Segmentierung und Klassifikation von Zellen (Zellkernen) in 3D Volumendaten. Durch Einsatz voxel-weiser invarianter Merkmale und Support Vektor Maschinen wird die Klassenzugehorigkeit jedes Voxels anhand von Trainingsbeispielen gelernt. Dies ermoglicht eine simultane Segmentierung und Klassifikation von Objekten selbst in stark verrauschten und kontrastschwachen konfokalen LaserscanningMikroskop Aufnahmen.
Energy Hole Avoidance Strategy for Nonuniform Distribution Wireless Sensor Network

The data and energy load of each position in Wireless Sensor Network(WSN) is analyzed. A novel nonuniform node distribution strategy is proposed,whose core is uniformly deploying working sensors which can satisfy the demand of monitoring in all the place of the network and more relay sensors in the place closer to the sink. These relay sensors just transmit data but not generate data. The setting of the optimal transmission radius is analyzed. Experimental results show this strategy can not only debase energy depletion but make the network lifetime extended.
Experiences of challenges and support among family members of people with acquired brain injury: a qualitative study in the UK

ABSTRACT Primary objective: Family members (FM) are affected by the impact of an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) upon their relatives and play an important role in rehabilitation and long-term support. This study explores how families are affected and integrates their views on the formal/informal support received as a consequence of ABI. Research design: A qualitative research design was employed to capture the lived experience of FM of people with ABI. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 FM of people with severe ABI. Participants were chosen from respondents to a UK national online survey of affected individuals. Interview data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Family members’ experiences are complex, enduring and are affected by the context in which the ABI occurs as well as by formal/informal support. The grief experienced by FM is ambiguous, develops over time and FM perceive little option but to remain involved. Experience of formal and informal support is noted to vary significantly in availability and quality, poor support exacerbates difficulties and isolates family members. Conclusion: Greater understanding of the lived experience of FM is needed to support more effective responses to both them and the individual with ABI, integrating services and families to improve quality-of-life.
Comparison of gluteus medius and minimus activity during gait in people with hip osteoarthritis and matched controls

The gluteal muscles act as stabilizers of the hip joint and are important for the maintenance of hip function. Atrophy and weakness of the gluteal muscles have been identified in people with hip OA, but it is not known whether these muscles also exhibit altered activity patterns. The aim of this study was to compare gluteal muscle activity in people with hip OA and healthy older adults. Fine‐wire intramuscular electrodes were inserted into the three segments of gluteus medius (GMed) and two segments of gluteus minimus (GMin) in 20 participants with unilateral hip OA and 20 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Electromyographic activity of these muscle segments was examined during walking along a 10 m walkway. Peak amplitude, average amplitude, and time to peak were compared between groups during the stance phase of the gait cycle. During early stance, the OA group demonstrated a higher burst of activity in posterior GMin (P = 0.02) and trends toward a higher peak in anterior GMin. Both groups displayed peak activity in anterior GMin in the early stance phase in contrast to previous reports in young adults. This early burst of muscle activity was more pronounced with increasing severity of OA. No differences were identified in GMed activity. While altered GMin activity is associated with aging, these changes were more pronounced in participants with hip OA. To reduce disability associated with hip OA, future rehabilitation programs should consider targeted gait strategies and exercises for GMin.