Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein E genotype and in vivo amyloid burden in middle-aged Hispanics

Objective To examine in vivo amyloid burden in relation to APOEε4 genotype in middle-aged Hispanics. We hypothesize higher amyloid levels among APOE ε4 carriers vs APOE ε4 noncarriers. Methods This is a cross-sectional study in a community-based sample of 249 middle-aged Hispanics in New York City who underwent a 3T brain MRI and PET with the amyloid radioligand 18F-florbetaben. APOE genotype was the primary exposure. The primary outcome was amyloid positivity. The secondary outcome was subthreshold amyloid levels examined as a continuous variable. Results APOE ε4 carriers (n = 85) had a higher frequency (15.3%) of amyloid positivity compared to APOE ε4 noncarriers (n = 164, 1.8%). In the subthreshold group of amyloid-negative participants (n = 233), APOE ε4 carriers (n = 72) had a 0.02 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01–0.04) higher global brain amyloid standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) compared to APOE ε4 noncarriers (n = 161). Compared to participants with the ε3/ε3 genotype, participants with ε4/ε4 had the highest frequency of amyloid positivity (28.6%), followed by those with ε3/ε4 (11%). Among amyloid-negative participants (n = 233), compared to participants with ε3/ε3 (n = 134), those with ε4/ε4 (n = 5) had a 0.12 (95% CI 0.07–0.17) higher global brain amyloid SUVR, and those with ε3/ε4 had a 0.02 higher SUVR (95% CI 0.003–0.04). Results were similar when a median split was used for elevated amyloid, when continuous amyloid SUVR was analyzed in all participants, and in nonparametric Mann-Whitney comparisons. Conclusion Middle-aged Hispanic APOE ε4 carriers have higher in vivo brain amyloid burden compared with noncarriers, as reported in non-Hispanics.
Caffeine Supplementation or Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse Improves Performance

Abstract Training volume is one of the critical variables required to promote resistance training benefits (e. g., hypertrophy, muscular strength). Thus, strategies to improve training volume are required. We tested the hypothesis that there is an increase in performance and reduction in the rate of perceived exertion in strength training with caffeine supplementation, carbohydrate mouth rinse, and a synergistic effect of caffeine supplementation plus carbohydrate mouth rinse. We recruited 29 physically active women: 24±4 years, 60.0±7.9 kg, 161.0±6.0 cm. This study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and crossover one. The subjects performed all sessions of strength training under different conditions: caffeine (6.5 mg·kg−1 body mass); carbohydrate (6 g of maltodextrin rinsed for 10 s); caffeine plus carbohydrate; or placebo. We applied the ANOVA for repeated measures through the null-hypothesis statistical test, and the Bayes factors analyses approach. The subjects showed significant improvement in the total repetitions (P<0.01; BF10 ~99%) for both lower and upper limb exercises in all conditions compared to placebo without difference among interventions. The rate of perceived exertion (P>0.05) did not differ among interventions. However, BF10 analyses showed a higher probability of lower RPE for CAF intervention. We conclude that either caffeine supplementation or carbohydrate mouth rinse can improve performance in resistance training. There is no additional effect of caffeine plus carbohydrate.
Determinants of population persistence and abundance of terrestrial and arboreal vertebrates stranded in tropical forest land‐bridge islands

Megadams are among the key modern drivers of habitat and biodiversity loss in emerging economies. The Balbina Hydroelectric Dam of Central Brazilian Amazonia inundated 312,900 ha of primary forests and created approximately 3500 variable‐sized islands that still harbor vertebrate populations after nearly 3 decades after isolation. We estimated the species richness, abundance, biomass, composition, and group size of medium‐ to large‐bodied forest vertebrates in response to patch, landscape, and habitat‐quality metrics across 37 islands and 3 continuous forest sites throughout the Balbina archipelago. We conducted 1168 km of diurnal censuses and had 12,420 camera‐trapping days along 81 transects with 207 camera stations. We determined the number of individuals (or groups) detected per 10 km walked and the number of independent photographs per 10 camera‐trapping days, respectively, for each species. We recorded 34 species, and patch area was the most significant predictor of vertebrate population relative abundance and aggregate biomass. The maximum group size of several group‐living species was consistently larger on large islands and in continuous patches than on small islands. Most vertebrate populations were extirpated after inundation. Remaining populations are unlikely to survive further ecological disruptions. If all vertebrate species were once widely distributed before inundation, we estimated that approximately 75% of all individual vertebrates were lost from all 3546 islands and 7.4% of the animals in all persisting insular populations are highly likely to be extirpated. Our results demonstrate that population abundance estimates should be factored into predictions of community disassembly on small islands to robustly predict biodiversity outcomes. Given the rapidly escalating hydropower infrastructure projects in developing counties, we suggest that faunal abundance and biomass estimates be considered in environmental impact assessments and large strictly protected reserves be established to minimize detrimental effects of dams on biodiversity. Conserving large tracts of continuous forests represents the most critical conservation measure to ensure that animal populations can persist at natural densities in Amazonian forests.
Impact of omega-3 fatty acids preconception intake on some fertility parameters and foetuses quality of female rats.

Background Research has demonstrated that certain nutrients can reverse infertility. Aims: The present study, "Impact of Omega-3 fatty acids preconception intake on some fertility parameters of female rats and foetuses quality" was conducted to further investigate this subject. Methods Subjects were thirty-four female and twelve male adult Albino rats, weighing 172-181 g. Initially, 12 male rats were assigned to treatment groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, and 24 females were assigned to treatment groups 5, 6, 7, and 8. The treatment protocol was administered orally as follow: groups 1 and 5 (controls), 0.3 ml distilled water (as placebo); groups 2 and 6, 250 mg/kg Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA); groups 3 and 7, 25 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CPP, negative control); and groups 4 and 8, 25 mg/kg CPP + 250 mg/kg of O3FA for 28 days. Thereafter, they were cohabitated (1:2 male to female ratio) into mating groups 1 to 7 until mating was confirmed. Ten pregnant rats (5 of which were administered 500 mg/kg O3FA on days 15 and 16 of gestation) were used for abortifacient effect experiment. Results Number of implantation sites (IM), implantation index (IMI), percentage of pregnant females (PPF), life foetal number, foetal weight, foetal crown-rump length (FCRL), corpora luteal number (CLN) and fertility index (FI) in O3FA-treated female rats and their foetuses significantly increased (P<0.05) compared with negative control. No noticeable abortifacient effect occurred. Conclusion Preconception intake of O3FA may have impacted female fertility positively.
The prenatal ultrasonic character and postnatal follow-up of 227 microcystic and macrocystic congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations

Abstract The objective of our study was to compare microcystic and macrocystic congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAMs) through prenatal characteristics, perinatal outcome, postnatal management and development after consultation in our prenatal diagnosis centre. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 227 cases prenatally diagnosed as CCAM in our hospital within three years. One hundred and eighty-one cases continued their pregnancy and 46 pregnancies were terminated. One hundred and fifteen of 227 cases were microcystic and 112 were macrocystic. The prenatal ultrasound characteristics of two types showed no statistically significant differences, despite that CVR of macrocystic CCAMs was mildly greater than microcystic. None of recorded cases received surgical intervention in utero. Compared with healthy foetuses, CCAMs presented with higher percentage of polyhydramnios and male foetuses, larger amount of postpartum blood loss and longer duration of NICU hospitalisation. Compared with 46 legal abortions, continued pregnancy cases had a smaller CVR, less polyhydramnios, cardiac shift and hydrops. One hundred and seventy-nine cases were followed up after birth and 174 babies were asymptomatic. Thirty one cases received successful surgical resection. In conclusion, the prenatally diagnosed CCAMs have a good short-term prognosis and conservative management is a reasonable option in asymptomatic fetuses. Microcystic and macrocystic CCAMs both presented similar prenatal courses and perinatal prognoses. Conservative management, prenatally and postnatally, could be accepted in selected cases. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation is a well-known developmental abnormality of the lung. The prognosis for most CCAMs is good, but the prenatal and postnatal management remains controversial. What do the results of this study add? This study is one of the largest case cohorts to conclude that microcystic and macrocystic CCAMs both presented similar prenatal courses and perinatal prognoses. Conservative management is a reasonable option in asymptomatic babies. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? A comprehensive assessment by an experienced multidisciplinary team is necessary to forbid blinding abortions of CCAMs. Conservative management prenatally and postnatally could be accepted in most asymptomatic cases.
Suan-Zao-Ren decoction for insomnia

Abstract Background: Chinese herbal medicine has been widely used to relieve insomnia. Among them, Suan-Zao-Ren decoction (SZRD) has a significant effect in alleviating insomnia. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SZRD in treating insomnia. Methods: Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) will be searched from the databases of Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database from their inception to July 2020. Two independent reviewers will select studies, collect data, and assess the methodology quality by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Statistical analysis is processed by RevMan V.5. 3 software. Results: The results of this systematic review will provide an assessment of SZRD treatment of insomnia, and aims to prove the effectiveness and safety of SZRD. Conclusion: This study will provide a credible Evidence-based for the treatment of Insomnia with SZRD.
Selection of Immature Cat Oocytes with Brilliant Cresyl Blue Stain Improves In Vitro Embryo Production during Non-Breeding Season

Simple Summary The domestic cat is commonly used as a model for the development of assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in felid species. Seasonal reproduction is a feature of domestic cats as well as of several species of wild feline. Likewise, the number and the quality of blastocysts produced in in vitro systems is linked to season. Maintaining stable in vitro embryo production throughout the year is crucial not only for research purposes but also for programs aimed at protecting endangered felines. We assess whether using Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) selection in addition to the classical morphological selection could improve the IVEP outcomes during non-breeding season. Blastocyst yield and quality of the embryos (hatching rate and blastocyst cell numbers) were higher after IVM/IVF in oocytes defined as BCB+ (colored cytoplasm) based on the BCB test than in oocytes only morphologically selected. Furthermore, no adverse effects on bioenergetic/oxidative status were observed in oocytes subjected to BCB staining. In conclusion, BCB test implementation in IVEP programs might ensure a steady output of domestic cat blastocysts throughout the year. Abstract In domestic cats, the maturation, fertilization, and development potential in vitro decreases during the non-breeding season. This study aims at evaluating the efficacy of Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) staining in selecting developmentally competent oocytes to be used in in vitro embryo production (IVEP) programs in order to overcome the season variability in blastocyst yield. Cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) collected from antral follicles of domestic cat ovaries during the anestrus phase (July to November) were selected by BCB staining and classified as BCB+ (colored cytoplasm) and BCB− (colorless cytoplasm). COCs not exposed to BCB staining were used as control. Before and after in vitro maturation mitochondrial activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. Following in vitro fertilization, blastocyst rate, hatching rate, and blastocyst cell numbers were recorded. The results show that BCB staining did not alter the mitochondrial function and ROS production in cat oocytes. BCB+ oocytes presented a higher (p < 0.05) blastocyst rate, hatching rate, and blastocyst cell number than BCB− and control oocytes. In conclusion, BCB staining does not affect the bioenergetic/oxidative status of the oocyte while being a useful tool for selecting good quality oocytes to increase IVEP in domestic cats during non-breeding season.
Longitudinal changes in fellow eyes of choroidal neovascularization associated with central serous chorioretinopathy: Optical coherence tomography angiography study

Purpose: To report longitudinal changes in fellow eyes of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) associated choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and determine factors affecting neovascular conversion. Methods: Medical records of patients with chronic CSCR complicated by CNV and a minimum follow up of 6 months were reviewed. OCT and OCTA features were analyzed at baseline and final follow up. Baseline factors were assessed for predictive value against presence of CNV at follow up and conversion to exudative form. Results: Twenty-six subjects (26 CNV and 26 fellow eyes) were included in the study and followed up for a mean period of 26 ± 17 months. Nine eyes had CNV network in fellow eye at baseline, out of which three (33%) had a conversion to exudative CNV. Among the remaining 17 eyes, one eye developed a new network during a period of 44 months. An increase in the size of network was seen from 0.886 ± 0.945 mm2 at baseline to 1.326 ± 1.263 mm2 at follow up. Baseline choroidal thickness at sub-fovea was 345.4 ± 74.9 microns in eyes having network at last visit, compared to 440.1 ± 73.7 microns in eyes having no network. (p < 0.001) None of the baseline variables were found to be significantly associated with conversion to exudative form or presence of CNV on follow up in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: A conversion rate to exudative form was seen in 33% of fellow eyes with CNV. Relatively thinner choroid at baseline was associated with exudative conversion during follow up.
Developments in medical education in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: A rapid BEME systematic review: BEME Guide No. 63

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic in March 2020. This rapid systematic review synthesised published reports of medical educational developments in response to the pandemic, considering descriptions of interventions, evaluation data and lessons learned. Methods The authors systematically searched four online databases and hand searched MedEdPublish up to 24 May 2020. Two authors independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts, performed data extraction and assessed risk of bias for included articles. Discrepancies were resolved by a third author. A descriptive synthesis and outcomes were reported. Results Forty-nine articles were included. The majority were from North America, Asia and Europe. Sixteen studies described Kirkpatrick’s outcomes, with one study describing levels 1–3. A few papers were of exceptional quality, though the risk of bias framework generally revealed capricious reporting of underpinning theory, resources, setting, educational methods, and content. Key developments were pivoting educational delivery from classroom-based learning to virtual spaces, replacing clinical placement based learning with alternate approaches, and supporting direct patient contact with mitigated risk. Training for treating patients with COVID-19, service reconfiguration, assessment, well-being, faculty development, and admissions were all addressed, with the latter categories receiving the least attention. Conclusions This review highlights several areas of educational response in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies a few articles of exceptional quality that can serve as models for future developments and educational reporting. There was often a lack of practical detail to support the educational community in enactment of novel interventions, as well as limited evaluation data. However, the range of options deployed offers much guidance for the medical education community moving forward and there was an indication that outcome data and greater detail will be reported in the future.
Novel therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease targeting brain cholesterol homeostasis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia. Aβ plaques and tauopathy are two major concerns associated with AD. Moreover, excessive Aβ accumulation can lead to other nonspecific metabolic brain abnormalities. There are various genetic, environmental, and other risk factors associated with AD. Identification of risk factors and its mechanisms by which these factors impart role in AD pathology would be helpful for the prevention of AD progression. Altered cholesterol homeostasis could be considered as a risk factor for AD progression. Brain cholesterol dysmetabolism is recognized as one of the crucial attributes for AD that affect major hallmarks of AD including neurodegeneration. To fill the gap between altered cholesterol levels in the brain and AD, the researchers started focusing on statins as re‐purposing drugs for AD treatment. The various other hypothesis has been suggested due to a lack of beneficial results of statins in clinical trials, such as reduced brain cholesterol could underlie poor cognition. Unfortunately, it is still unclear, whether an increase or decrease in brain cholesterol levels responsible for Alzheimer's disease or not. Presently, scientists believed that managing the level of cholesterol in the brain may help as an alternative treatment strategy for AD. In this review, we focused on the therapeutic strategies for AD by targeting brain cholesterol levels.
Structural and Functional Maturation of Rat Primary Motor Cortex Layer V Neurons

Rodent neocortical neurons undergo prominent postnatal development and maturation. The process is associated with structural and functional maturation of the axon initial segment (AIS), the site of action potential initiation. In this regard, cell size and optimal AIS length are interconnected. In sensory cortices, developmental onset of sensory input and consequent changes in network activity cause phasic AIS plasticity that can also control functional output. In non-sensory cortices, network input driving phasic events should be less prominent. We, therefore, explored the relationship between postnatal functional maturation and AIS maturation in principal neurons of the primary motor cortex layer V (M1LV), a non-sensory area of the rat brain. We hypothesized that a rather continuous process of AIS maturation and elongation would reflect cell growth, accompanied by progressive refinement of functional output properties. We found that, in the first two postnatal weeks, cell growth prompted substantial decline of neuronal input resistance, such that older neurons needed larger input current to reach rheobase and fire action potentials. In the same period, we observed the most prominent AIS elongation and significant maturation of functional output properties. Alternating phases of AIS plasticity did not occur, and changes in functional output properties were largely justified by AIS elongation. From the third postnatal week up to five months of age, cell growth, AIS elongation, and functional output maturation were marginal. Thus, AIS maturation in M1LV is a continuous process that attunes the functional output of pyramidal neurons and associates with early postnatal development to counterbalance increasing electrical leakage due to cell growth.
Efficacy of Omega-3 and Korean Red Ginseng in Children with Subthreshold ADHD: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of combined omega-3 and Korean red ginseng supplementation on ADHD symptoms and cognitive function in children with subthreshold ADHD. Method: 120 children from 6 to 12 years with subthreshold ADHD were enrolled in this 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebocontrolled study. The primary outcome was measured by Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (ADHD-RS). Children Behavior Check List (CBCL), and neuropsychological tests assessing attention, memory, and executive function were included as secondary primary outcome measures. Results: Significant effects on the scores of ADHDRS, as well as several subscales of CBCL including ADHD and attention problem subscales were revealed. Conclusion: The combination of omega-3 and Korean red ginseng may have beneficial effects in children with subthreshold ADHD. Increased clinical awareness of ADHD symptoms even at a subthreshold level is needed.
Medical Spa or Physician Practice: The National Impact of Patient Wait Times in Aesthetics.

The popularity of minimally and noninvasive procedures has recently risen. In an attempt to meet this demand, the medical spa industry has grown significantly. Although this has increased the accessibility of cosmetic procedures—often at significantly reduced prices—concerns include less stringent oversight and the potential for inferior patient outcomes. Compared with physician practices, medical spas may be more susceptible to deficiencies in training, improper technique, and incorrect device settings, which have been documented as probable causes for their adverse events. Although complications occur in every office, the experience of aesthetic surgeons is that complications from cosmetic procedures frequently originate in medical spa settings.
ADVANCED MICROSCOPY IMAGING OF PHLOEM PROTEINS IN ARABIDOPSIS REVEAL INSIGHTS INTO MUNCH'S PRESSURE FLOW HYPOTHESIS

By Daniel Froelich, Ph.D. Washington State University May 2014 Chair: Michael Knoblauch Phloem proteins have been widely regarded as a wound response mechanism. All imagery showing apparent occlusions of this protein at a sieve plate have been dismissed as preparation artifact and ignored. Unfortunately, these images only show one still frame of a movie and so all conclusions are susceptible to misinterpretation. Presented here is a combination of high resolution still images with complete context from a dynamic in vivo reference. This new perspective shows that not only are the Sieve Element Occluding Related (SEOR) phloem protein agglomerations in Arabidopsis common in healthy, translocating, uninjured plants, but that they do not appear to occlude the phloem at all. The previously known purpose of this very common family of proteins is once again obscure.