Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of reducing sugar content, sensory traits, and fatty acids and volatile compound profiles of the longissimus thoracis among Korean cattle, Holsteins, and Angus steers

Objective This study was performed to compare fat content, reducing sugar contents, sensory traits, and fatty acid (FA) and volatile compound profiles in longissimus thoracis (LT) among Korean cattle (KC), Holstein (HO), and Angus (AN) steers. Methods Twelve LT samples (about 500 g each) of KC with an average age of 31±0.42 months, an average carcass weight of 431±12.5 kg, and a quality grade (QG) of 1+ were obtained from the joint livestock products market. Twelve LT samples of HO cattle with an average age of 24±0.54 months, an average carcass weight of 402±7.81 kg, and a QG of 2 were also obtained from the same market. Twelve LT samples of AN steers with an average age of about 20 months and a QG of choice were purchased from a beef delivery company. After slaughter, samples were kept at 4°C for 42 days and prepared for immediate analysis or stored at appropriate conditions. The chemical composition, color, pH, shear force, collagen content, reducing sugars, sensory evaluation, FA composition, and volatile compound content for each LT sample were analyzed. Results The LT of KC had the highest (p<0.05) fat content, the highest reducing sugar content, and the highest scores in the sensory evaluation (flavor, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptance). All the sensory traits were positively correlated (p<0.001) with intramuscular fat and reducing sugar content. Several FAs and volatile compound profiles varied among the breeds. KC LT had the highest (p<0.05) concentrations of acetaldehyde, 3-methyl butanal, and 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, and these volatile compounds were positively correlated (p<0.05) with all the sensory traits. Conclusion Variations in fat content and reducing sugar contents and FA and volatile compound profiles may contribute to differences in the sensory quality of LT among breeds.
Molecular and circuit mechanisms mediating circadian clock output in the Drosophila brain

A central question in the circadian biology field concerns the mechanisms that translate ~24‐hr oscillations of the molecular clock into overt rhythms. Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful system that provided the first understanding of how molecular clocks are generated and is now illuminating the neural basis of circadian behavior. The identity of ~150 clock neurons in the Drosophila brain and their roles in shaping circadian rhythms of locomotor activity have been described before. This review summarizes mechanisms that transmit time‐of‐day signals from the clock, within the clock network as well as downstream of it. We also discuss the identification of functional multisynaptic circuits between clock neurons and output neurons that regulate locomotor activity.
FARM: Functional Automatic Registration Method for 3D Human Bodies

We introduce a new method for non‐rigid registration of 3D human shapes. Our proposed pipeline builds upon a given parametric model of the human, and makes use of the functional map representation for encoding and inferring shape maps throughout the registration process. This combination endows our method with robustness to a large variety of nuisances observed in practical settings, including non‐isometric transformations, downsampling, topological noise and occlusions; further, the pipeline can be applied invariably across different shape representations (e.g. meshes and point clouds), and in the presence of (even dramatic) missing parts such as those arising in real‐world depth sensing applications. We showcase our method on a selection of challenging tasks, demonstrating results in line with, or even surpassing, state‐of‐the‐art methods in the respective areas.
The Frequency of the 677C>T and 1298A>C Polymorphisms in the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Gene in the Population

Background: The gene for 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (NAD(P)H) or MTHFR gene encodes protein methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), an enzyme important in folate metabolism. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the frequencies of 677C>T and 1298A>C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene of healthy subjects from the population. Material and methods: The blood samples were collected from 164 unrelated and healthy donors from population consisted of 98 females and 66 males. Both the MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed by Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between pair of SNPs was calculated through Haploview analysis. Results: The frequency of MTHFR 677T allele in the population (32.62%) was in agreement with the frequency of this allele in most other populations, however, the frequency of MTHFR 1298C allele (38.41%) was higher than that reported for most other populations in the world. Haploview analysis showed a relatively strong LD between 677C>T and 1298A>C SNPs with D′ values of 0.87. Conclusion: Regarding the two MTHFR polymorphisms, three of the nine combined genotypes were present in 87.2% of the population. 33.54% subjects were complex heterozygous (677CT/1298AC genotype), 34.15% subjects had 677CC/1298AC and 19.51% of 677CT/1298AA genotype. The subjects with 677TT genotype had a 1298AA or 1298AC genotype while subjects with 1298CC genotype had only 677CC genotype. The subjects with 677CC/1298AA genotype were only 3.05%. We were not found triple 677CT/1298CC and quadruple 677TT/1298CC mutation suggesting decreased viability of embryos with increased numbers of mutant alleles.
Left atrial appendage

76 y/o patient has been on anticoagulation ith warfarin for thromboembolic prophylaxis or atrial fibrillation for the past 3 years and as had no complications. The CHADS2 score is for HTN and DM and age. There has not een a thromboembolic event and no bleeding omplications. The INR measurements, howevr, have fluctuated over the years. You recomend placement of a WATCHMAN left atrial ppendage closure device and discontinuation f warfarin.
Uncovering the Mysteries of Langerhans Cells, Inflammatory Dendritic Epidermal Cells, and Monocyte-Derived Langerhans Cell-Like Cells in the Epidermis

The identity of Langerhans cells (LCs) has been called into question of late due to the increasing evidence that LCs originate from macrophage lineage instead of dendritic cell (DC) lineage as previously thought. For many years, LCs have been assumed to be DCs due to its migratory capabilities. However, recent studies have demonstrated that LCs are from macrophage lineage of the adult fetal liver (FL) progenitor. Bona fide LCs are now considered tissue-resident macrophages as they originate from the FL as shown by fate mapping models. In recent years, studies have shown that there are three types of antigen-presenting cells present in the epidermis, such as LCs, monocyte-derived LC-like cells, and inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells (IDECs). Of these, LC-like cells have been characterized in both human and mouse studies, while IDECs have only been described in human studies. This has shed a new light on the area of epidermal macrophages, suggesting that there might be a misidentification and misclassification of LCs. IDECs and LC-like cells have been shown to be present in both steady state and inflammatory state, but they are present in more significant amounts under inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis, ultra violet injury, and psoriasis. In this review, we discuss what is already known and discuss the possible roles of LCs, LC-like cells, and IDECs during inflammation. Most intriguingly, we discuss the possibility of LCs having a dual identity as both a macrophage and a DC. This is shown as LCs are the only tissue-resident macrophage to have shown migratory property-like DCs.
Audit of Hemodialysis in Children Weighing Less than 20 kg in an African Pediatric Nephrology Unit

Peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation remain the preferred choices for renal replacement therapy in young children. These options, however, are not always feasible, and hemodialysis (HD) is therefore an accepted alternative. In small children presenting with end‐stage renal disease, HD presents several challenges and is often unavailable in lower‐ and middle‐income countries. To assess these challenges and outcomes of maintenance HD in young children, we performed an audit of children below 20 kg with end‐stage renal disease, receiving HD for ≥4 weeks, from 1 January 2008 to 31 July 2016 at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital. We identified 15 children weighing 6.8–18.5 kg (mean 12.9 kg ±3.5 SD) and aged 11.5–105 months (mean 52.2 months±4.2 SD) at HD initiation. Mean duration of HD was 11.8 months (range 1–61.5 months ± 16.9 SD). Seven children underwent successful transplantation, two patients died, and four currently still receive HD. Two patients, while on HD, relocated to other centers. An average of 2.6 (range 1–5) different vascular accesses was required per patient. Technical difficulties were the most common cause of central‐line removal (81%), while catheter‐associated bacteremia was 1.1/1000 catheter days. Frequent problems were intradialytic hypotension, growth stunting, and interdialytic hypertension. HD in lower‐ and middle‐income countries is feasible in small children but presents with certain challenges. Advocacy with lobbying for funding and development of “child‐friendly” dialysis equipment and specialized centers with highly skilled personnel are the cornerstones of successful pediatric HD programs in less‐resourced centers.
Editorial: Lymphocyte Highs and Lows With Baricitinib

The advent of JAK inhibitors has provided a powerful new set of immunomodulatory agents to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). JAK inhibitors bind to and interfere with the function of Janus kinases (JAKs), which mediate signaling downstream of multiple cytokine and growth factor receptors(1). Given the wide range of cytokines that JAK inhibition can potentially influence, it is important to establish the dominant immunologic effects that these molecules exert in patients. In this issue of Arthritis and Rheumatology, Tanaka and colleagues describe the changes in circulating lymphocyte populations induced by baricitinib using data from 3 Phase 3 randomized controlled trials(2). By examining alterations in lymphocyte populations in over 2000 patients, with some patients followed for 2 years, the authors provide a robust set of observations that can be compared to experience with other JAK inhibitors and can yield insights into the effects of baricitinib on immune cell homeostasis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Considerations for ultra-endurance activities: part 1- nutrition

ABSTRACT Ultra-endurance activities (≥ 4h) present unique challenges that, beyond fatigue, may be exacerbated by sub-optimal nutrition during periods of increased requirements and compromised gastrointestinal function. The causes of fatigue during ultra-endurance exercise are multi-factorial. However, mechanisms can potentially include central or peripheral fatigue, thermal stress, dehydration, and/or endogenous glycogen store depletion; of which optimising nutrition and hydration can partially attenuate. If exercise duration is long enough (e.g. ≥ 10h) and exercise intensity low enough (e.g. 45–60% of maximal oxygen uptake), it is bio-energetically plausible that ketogenic adaptation may enhance ultra-endurance performance, but this requires scientific substantiation. Conversely, the scientific literature has consistently demonstrated that daily dietary carbohydrates (3-12g/kg/day) and carbohydrate intake (30-110g/h) during ultra-endurance events can enhance performance at individually tolerable intake rates. Considering gastrointestinal symptoms are common in ultra-endurance activities, effective dietary prevention and management strategies may provide functional, histological, systemic, and symptomatic benefits. Taken together, a well-practiced and individualized fuelling approach is required to optimize performance in ultra-endurance events.
A minimal power model for human running performance

Models for human running performances of various complexities and underlying principles have been proposed, often combining data from world record performances and bio-energetic facts of human physiology. The purpose of this work is to develop a novel, minimal and universal model for human running performance that employs a relative metabolic power scale. The main component is a self-consistency relation for the time dependent maximal power output. The analytic approach presented here is the first to derive the observed logarithmic scaling between world (and other) record running speeds and times from basic principles of metabolic power supply. Our hypothesis is that various female and male record performances (world, national) and also personal best performances of individual runners for distances from 800m to the marathon are excellently described by this model. Indeed, we confirm this hypothesis with mean errors of (often much) less than 1%. The model defines endurance in a way that demonstrates symmetry between long and short racing events that are separated by a characteristic time scale comparable to the time over which a runner can sustain maximal oxygen uptake. As an application of our model, we derive personalized characteristic race speeds for different durations and distances.
Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block for Acute Post-Surgical Pain in Adult Cardiac Surgical Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES To examine the analgesic efficacy of bilateral erector spinae plane (ESP) block compared with conventional treatment for pain after cardiac surgery in adult patients. DESIGN A prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded study. SETTING Single-center tertiary teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS One hundred and six adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized into 2 groups. Patients in group 1 (ESP block group, n = 53) received ultrasound-guided bilateral ESP block with 3 mg/kg of 0.375% ropivacaine before anesthesia induction at the T6 transverse process level. Patients in group 2 (paracetamol and tramadol group, n = 53) received paracetamol (1 gm every 6 hours) and tramadol (50 mg every 8 hours) intravenously in the postoperative period. The primary study outcome was to evaluate pain at rest using an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS). Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparing NRS scores. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The postoperative pain level after extubation and duration of analgesia during which NRS was < 4 of 10 was compared between the groups. The median pain score at rest after extubation in group 1 was 0 of 10 until hour 6, 3 of 10 at hour 8, and 4 of 10 at hours 10 and 12 postextubation. These were significantly less in comparison with group 2 (p = 0.0001). Patients in group 1 had a significantly higher mean duration of analgesia (8.98 ± 0.14 hours), during which NRS was < 4 of 10, compared with group 2 (4.60 ± 0.12 hours) (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION ESP block safely provided significantly better pain relief at rest for longer duration as compared to intravenous paracetamol and tramadol.
Providing direction improves function: Comparison of a radial pore‐orientated acellular collagen scaffold to clinical alternatives in a surgically induced rabbit diaphragmatic tissue defect model

Gore‐Tex® is a widely used durable patch for repair of congenital diaphragmatic defects yet may result in complications. We compared Gore‐Tex with a composite of a radial pore‐orientated collagen scaffold (RP‐Composite) and clinically used porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS; Surgisis®) in a rabbit model for diaphragmatic hernia. The growing rabbit mimics the rapid rib cage growth and reherniation rates seen in children. We created and immediately repaired left hemidiaphragmatic defects in 6‐week‐old rabbits with Gore‐Tex, SIS, and an RP‐Composite scaffold. An additional group of rabbits had a sham operation. At 90 days, survivors more than doubled in weight. We observed few reherniations or eventrations in Gore‐Tex (17%) and RP‐Composite (22%) implanted animals. However, SIS failed in all rabbits. Maximum transdiaphragmatic pressure was lower in Gore‐Tex (71%) than RP‐Composite implanted animals (112%) or sham (134%). Gore‐Tex repairs were less compliant than RP‐Composite, which behaved as sham diaphragm (p < 0.01). RP‐Composite induced less foreign body giant cell reaction than Gore‐Tex (p < 0.05) with more collagen deposition (p < 0.001), although there was a tendency for the scaffold to calcify. Unlike Gore‐Tex, the compliance of diaphragms reconstructed with RP‐Composite scaffolds were comparable with native diaphragm, whereas reherniation rates and transdiaphragmatic pressure measurements were similar.
Quantitative microbial risk assessment of Campylobacter jejuni in jerky in Korea

Objective The objective of this study was to estimate the risk of Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) infection from various jerky products in Korea. Methods For the exposure assessment, the prevalence and predictive models of C. jejuni in the jerky and the temperature and time of the distribution and storage were investigated. In addition, the consumption amounts and frequencies of the products were also investigated. The data for C. jejuni for the prevalence, distribution temperature, distribution time, consumption amount, and consumption frequency were fitted with the @RISK fitting program to obtain appropriate probabilistic distributions. Subsequently, the dose-response models for Campylobacter were researched in the literature. Eventually, the distributions, predictive model, and dose-response model were used to make a simulation model with @RISK to estimate the risk of C. jejuni foodborne illness from the intake of jerky. Results Among 275 jerky samples, there were no C. jejuni positive samples, and thus, the initial contamination level was statistically predicted with the RiskUniform distribution [RiskUniform (−2, 0.48)]. To describe the changes in the C. jejuni cell counts during distribution and storage, the developed predictive models with the Weibull model (primary model) and polynomial model (secondary model) were utilized. The appropriate probabilistic distribution was the BetaGeneral distribution, and it showed that the average jerky consumption was 51.83 g/d with a frequency of 0.61%. The developed simulation model from this data series and the dose-response model (Beta Poisson model) showed that the risk of C. jejuni foodborne illness per day per person from jerky consumption was 1.56×10−12. Conclusion This result suggests that the risk of C. jejuni in jerky could be considered low in Korea.
Chronic pain, loss and the future – Development and evaluation of an innovative, interactive pain education tool

Background: The development of chronic pain can result in multiple losses to an individual, which can negatively impact their quality of life. Presentation of the concepts of loss and grief as an interactive educational tool may help those who live with chronic pain gain a deeper understanding of their condition. This in turn may enable more effective management of their pain. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of such a tool through the perceptions and experiences of people living with chronic pain. Methods: An interactive pain education tool was developed and distributed with an evaluation questionnaire. Participants were invited to re-evaluate the tool three months later. Responses to the questionnaire were provided using a Likert scale and free text comments. Descriptive statistics were used to present quantitative results and inductive thematic analysis was applied to the free text comments. Results: The pain education tool was well received by participants, the majority of whom found the process of using the tool a positive experience. Responses showed the tool helped participants express themselves and promoted self-reflection. The tool provided access to the reflections of others, which helped validate and legitimise their feelings and gain the understanding that their response to pain was normal. This in turn helped promote self-compassion and a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation associated with chronic pain. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study show the pain education tool can help individuals gain a new and more positive perspective on themselves and their pain experience, therefore helping them live with and manage their chronic pain.
Maturation of GABAergic Transmission in Cerebellar Purkinje Cells Is Sex Dependent and Altered in the Valproate Model of Autism

Brain development is accompanied by a shift in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) response from depolarizing-excitatory to hyperpolarizing-inhibitory, due to a reduction of intracellular chloride concentration. This sequence is delayed in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We now report a similar alteration of this shift in the cerebellum, a structure implicated in ASD. Using single GABAA receptor channel recordings in cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs), we found two conductance levels (18 and 10 pS), the former being dominant in newborns and the latter in young-adults. This conductance shift and the depolarizing/excitatory to hyperpolarizing/inhibitory GABA shift occurred 4 days later in females than males. Our data support a sex-dependent developmental shift of GABA conductance and chloride gradient, leading to different developmental timing in males and females. Because these developmental sequences are altered in ASD, this study further stresses the importance of developmental timing in pathological neurodevelopment.
Warped finite element models predict whole shell failure in turtle shells

Finite element (FE) models have become increasingly popular in comparative biomechanical studies, with researchers continually developing methods such as ‘warping’ preexisting models to facilitate analyses. However, few studies have investigated how well FE models can predict biologically crucial whole‐structure performance or whether ‘warped’ models can provide useful information about the mechanical behavior of actual specimens. This study addresses both of these issues through a validation of warped FE models of turtle shells. FE models for 40 turtle specimens were built using 3D landmark coordinates and thin‐plate spline interpolations to warp preexisting turtle shell models. Each actual turtle specimen was loaded to failure, and the load at failure and mode of fracture were then compared with the behavior predicted by the models. Overall, the models performed very well, despite the fact that many simplifying assumptions were made for analysis. Regressions of observed on predicted loads were significant for the dataset as a whole, as well as in separate analyses within two turtle species, and the direction of fracture was generally consistent with the patterns of stresses observed in the models. This was true even when size (an important factor in determining strength) was removed from analyses – the models were also able to predict which shells would be relatively stronger or weaker. Although some residual variation remains unexplained, this study supports the idea that warped FE models run with simplifying assumptions at least can provide useful information for comparative biomechanical studies.