Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interobserver variability of radiographic methods for the evaluation of left atrial size in dogs.

The objectives of this retrospective, observer agreement study were to (a) test variability of radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD) and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) measurements among observers with different levels of expertise in thoracic radiology and cardiology, (b) assess whether one method is better than the other in detecting left atrial enlargement (LAE), and (c) assess the agreement among RLAD, VLAS, and American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) classes. Seventy-four dogs (eight healthy and 66 with mitral valve disease) with thoracic radiographs and echocardiography performed on the same day were reviewed. Thirty showed echocardiographic LAE. Left atrial dimension was quantified using RLAD and VLAS by six different operators with three levels of clinical experience in veterinary cardiology/radiology. Vertebral heart score and fourth thoracic vertebra (T4) were also measured. Differences in T4, vertebral heart score (VHS), RLAD, and VLAS measurements were found among six operators and among the three levels of clinical expertise as well as between veterinary cardiology readers and veterinary radiology readers (P < .05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve for VHS showed good performances for all observers and level and type of expertise; the AUC for RLAD and VLAS was suboptimal only for the radiology student. Our RLAD and VLAS cutoffs (1.9 and 2.43 v, respectively) were better related to qualitative radiographic than quantitative echocardiographic LAE evaluation. Radiographic LA dimension and VLAS showed an increase proportional to the worsening of the ACVIM class. In conclusion, these results allow us to affirm that RLAD and VLAS are reproducible measurements for detecting LAE. Better performances are associated with clinical expertise and background.
Temperature effects on a hydroxyapatite precursor solution

Multinuclear NMR spectroscopy has been used to monitor synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAp) from diethyl hydrogen phosphonate and calcium diethoxide in solution at two different temperatures. Acetyl 2-hydroxyethyl phosphonate, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) phosphonate, and acetyl ethyl phosphonate have been identified for the first time in this reaction solution as intermediates. The formation of these compounds is shown to be crucial in controlling the phase purity of the final hydroxyapatite product. A possible mechanism for the formation of acetyl 2-hydroxyethyl phosphonate is discussed.
LES CELLULES FOLLICULOSTELLAIRES : UNITES FONCTIONNELLES D'UNE VOIE DE COMMUNICATION A LONGUE DISTANCE DANS L'HYPOPHYSE ANTERIEURE.

L'hypophyse anterieure assure une interface endocrine entre le cerveau et les organes peripheriques. En effet, cette glande secrete de maniere pulsatile ses differentes hormones dans la circulation generale sous l'influence de facteurs hypothalamiques deverses episodiquement dans le systeme porte de l'eminence mediane. Toutefois, l'influence hypothalamique ne saurait a elle seule expliquer l'harmonisation des secretions des cellules d'un meme type endocrine, qui sont distribuees de maniere heterogene au sein du parenchyme. Il existe sans doute des mecanismes permettant de coordonner l'activite des cellules endocrines a l'echelle de la glande entiere. Au cours de cette these, nous avons montre la presence d'un mecanisme de communication intra-hypophysaire permettant un transfert rapide d'information au sein d'un reseau de cellules non-endocrines, les cellules folliculostellaires (FS). Ce travail realise sur des tranches epaisses d'hypophyse de rat, modele qui maintient intacte l'architecture cordonale du tissu, a permis de mettre en evidence l'excitabilite membranaire des cellules FS, propriete jusqu'alors inconnue. Cette excitabilite sert de base a l'initiation de vagues calciques, qui peuvent se propager rapidement via des jonctions gap a des regions eloignees de la glande. Nous avons egalement etudie la liberation d'interleukine-6 (IL-6) par les cellules FS. Cette cytokine est connue pour stimuler l'ensemble des secretions hormonales hypophysaires. La production d'IL-6 est stimulee par le PACAP. Ce neuropeptide semble agir directement au niveau du gene, et son effet depend de l'etat des communications intercellulaires au sein du reseau. Les cellules FS pouvant repondre a des stimuli d'origine centrale et peripherique, ainsi que dialoguer avec les cellules endocrines, l'ensemble de ces resultats montre que le reseau de cellules FS pourrait fournir un mecanisme efficace qui coordonnerait le fonctionnement de la glande en fonction des differents etats physiologiques
Efficient expression and function of a receptor‐like kinase in wheat powdery mildew defence require an intron‐located MYB binding site

Summary The LRK10‐like receptor kinases (LRK10L‐RLKs) are ubiquitously present in higher plants, but knowledge of their expression and function is still limited. Here, we report expression and functional analysis of TtdLRK10L‐1, a typical LRK10L‐RLK in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum). The introns of TtdLRK10L‐1 contained multiple kinds of predicted cis‐elements. To investigate the potential effect of these cis‐elements on TtdLRK10L‐1 expression and function, two types of transgenic wheat lines were prepared, which expressed a GFP‐tagged TtdLRK10L‐1 protein (TtdLRK10L‐1:GFP) from the cDNA or genomic DNA (gDNA) sequence of TtdLRK10L‐1 under the native promoter. TtdLRK10L‐1:GFP expression was up‐regulated by the powdery mildew pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) in both types of transgenic plants, with the scale of the elevation being much stronger in the gDNA lines. Both types of transgenic plants exhibited enhanced resistance to Bgt infection relative to wild type control. Notably, the Bgt defence activated in the gDNA lines was significantly stronger than that in the cDNA lines. Further analysis revealed that a putative MYB transcription factor binding site (MYB‐BS, CAGTTA) located in TtdLRK10L‐1 intron I was critical for the efficient expression and function of TtdLRK10L‐1 in Bgt defence. This MYB‐BS could also increase the activity of a superpromoter widely used in ectopic gene expression studies in plants. Together, our results deepen the understanding of the expression and functional characteristics of LRK10L‐RLKs. TtdLRK10L‐1 is likely useful for further dissecting the molecular processes underlying wheat defence against Bgt and for developing Bgt resistant wheat crops.
Tumor cell invasiveness in the initial stages of bladder cancer development ‐ A computational study

Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, being the sixth more frequent in men, and one with higher recurrence rates and overall treatment costs. We introduce an agent‐based computational model of the urothelium, adopting a Cellular Potts Model (CPM) approach to describe both a healthy urothelium and the development of bladder cancer. We focus on the identification of the conditions in which cancer cells cross, by mechanical means, the basement membrane and invade the bladder lamina propria. When within the urothelium the tumor grows in a very constrained environment. These tight conditions imply that the urothelium layer where the tumor initiates greatly determines tumor growth and invasiveness. Moreover, we demonstrate how specific mechanical properties of the cancer cells, as their stiffness or the adhesion to neighboring cells, heavily modulate the critical initial moments of tumor development. We propose that these characteristics should be considered as therapeutic targets to control tumor growth.
Heart transplant outcomes in patients with mechanical circulatory support: cold storage versus normothermic perfusion organ preservation.

OBJECTIVES Patients with mechanical circulatory support bridged to a heart transplant (HTx) are at higher risk of postoperative graft dysfunction. In this subset, a mode of graft preservation that shortens graft ischaemia should be beneficial. METHODS The outcomes of 38 patients on mechanical circulatory support (extracorporeal life support, left ventricular assist device and biventricular assist device) who received a HTx between 2015 and 2020 were analysed according to the method of graft preservation: cold storage (CS) group, 24 (63%) or ex vivo perfusion (EVP) group, 14 (37%). RESULTS The median age was 57 (range 30-73) vs 64 (35-75) years (P = 0.10); 88% were men (P = 0.28); extracorporeal life support was more frequent in the CS group (54% vs 36%; P = 0.27) versus left ventricular and biventricular assist devices in the EVP group (46% vs 64%; P = 0.27). Clamping time was shorter in the EVP group (P < 0.001) and ischaemic time >4 h was higher in the CS group (P = 0.01). Thirty-day mortality was 13% (0-27%) in the CS group and 0% (P = 0.28) in the EVP group. A significantly lower primary graft failure [7% (0-23%) vs 42% (20-63%); P = 0.03] was observed in the EVP group. Survival at 1 year was 79 ± 8% (63-95%) in the CS group and 84 ± 10% (64-104%) in the EVP group (P = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS Our results support the use of ex vivo graft perfusion in patients on mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to a HTx. This technique, by shortening graft ischaemic time, seems to improve post-HTx outcomes.
Retrospective Matched Case-Control Study on the Use of CO2 Laser for the Treatment of Nonhealing Diabetic Foot Ulcers: The DULCIS-2 (Diabetic ULcer, CO2 Laser, and Infections) Study

Purpose Infection, which is one of the possible complications of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), makes the treatment of ulcers challenging because of its negative impact on healing processes and the high prevalence of multiresistant germs. This study is aimed at verifying the effect of a surgical CO2 laser (which reduces the bacterial load and allows a more accurate debridement), as compared with the traditional lancets, on the healing rate of DFU. Methods The present case-control retrospective analysis was performed on patients with chronic (>6 months) DFU with Texas grade >1, treated with 80 W surgical CO2 laser (DEKA SmartXide2 C80, El.En. Group) and compared with a matched sample of patients with similar characteristics, who were treated with a traditional surgical approach. The debridement was performed trying to achieve the complete removal of nonviable tissues. The principal endpoint was the proportion of patients healed at 6 months. All analyses were carried out with SPSS 25.0. The study protocol was approved by the local ethical committee. Results This study included 118 patients (59 cases and 59 controls). At 6 months, the proportion of healing patients was 35% and 18% in cases and controls, respectively (P = .034). The corresponding figure at 1 year was 62% and 38% (P = .009), whereas no difference was observed at 1, 2, and 3 months. No serious adverse event was observed. Conclusions In this article, we show for the first time that CO2 laser treatment, in comparison with traditional surgical approaches, can be associated with an increased healing rate in patients with DFU.
Computed Tomography Angiography of the Aorta-Optimization of Automatic Tube Voltage Selection Settings to Reduce Radiation Dose or Contrast Medium in a Prospective Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare the image quality of low-kV protocols with optimized automatic tube voltage selection (ATVS) settings to reduce either radiation dose or contrast medium (CM) with that of a reference protocol for computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the thoracoabdominal aorta. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this institutional review board-approved, single-center, prospective randomized controlled trial, 126 patients receiving CTA of the aorta were allocated to one of three computed tomography protocols: (A) reference protocol at 120 kVp and standard weight-adapted CM dose; (B) protocol at 90 kVp, reduced radiation and standard CM dose; and (C) protocol at 90 kVp, standard radiation and reduced CM dose. All three protocols were performed on a third-generation dual-source computed tomography scanner using the semimode of the ATVS system. The image-task-dependent optimization settings of the ATVS (slider level) were adjusted to level 11 (high-contrast task) for protocols A and B and level 3 (low-contrast task) for protocol C. Radiation dose parameters were assessed. The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of protocols B and C were tested for noninferiority compared with A. Subjective image quality was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS Size-specific dose estimate was 34.3% lower for protocol B compared with A (P < 0.0001). Contrast medium was 20.2% lower for protocol C compared with A (P < 0.0001). Mean CNR in B and C was noninferior to protocol A (CNR of 30.2 ± 7, 33.4 ± 6.7, and 30.5 ± 8.9 for protocols A, B, and C, respectively). There was no significant difference in overall subjective image quality among protocols (4.09 ± 0.21, 4.03 ± 0.19, and 4.08 ± 0.17 for protocols A, B, and C, respectively; P = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS The slider settings of an ATVS system can be adjusted to optimize either radiation dose or CM at noninferior image quality in low-kV CTA of the aorta. This optimization could be used to extend future ATVS algorithms to take clinical risk factors like kidney function of individual patients into account.
Vicariance followed by secondary gene flow in a young gazelle species complex

Grant's gazelles have recently been proposed to be a species complex comprising three highly divergent mtDNA lineages (Nanger granti, N. notata and N. petersii). The three lineages have nonoverlapping distributions in East Africa, but without any obvious geographical divisions, making them an interesting model for studying the early‐stage evolutionary dynamics of allopatric speciation in detail. Here, we use genomic data obtained by restriction site‐associated (RAD) sequencing of 106 gazelle individuals to shed light on the evolutionary processes underlying Grant's gazelle divergence, to characterize their genetic structure and to assess the presence of gene flow between the main lineages in the species complex. We date the species divergence to 134,000 years ago, which is recent in evolutionary terms. We find population subdivision within N. granti, which coincides with the previously suggested two subspecies, N. g. granti and N. g. robertsii. Moreover, these two lineages seem to have hybridized in Masai Mara. Perhaps more surprisingly given their extreme genetic differentiation, N. granti and N. petersii also show signs of prolonged admixture in Mkomazi, which we identified as a hybrid population most likely founded by allopatric lineages coming into secondary contact. Despite the admixed composition of this population, elevated X chromosomal differentiation suggests that selection may be shaping the outcome of hybridization in this population. Our results therefore provide detailed insights into the processes of allopatric speciation and secondary contact in a recently radiated species complex.
Blood pressure control and kidney damage in hypertension: Results of a three-center cross-sectional study in North Central Nigeria.

Background Hypertension is one of the commonest cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Nigerians. We describe blood pressure (BP) control and kidney disease markers in patients with hypertension as part of measures to curb the burden of this chronic debilitating disease. Methods Patients with hypertension in the main tertiary hospitals in three states in north central Nigeria were evaluated for indicators of CKD, including proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Patients had their early morning first void urine tested for proteinuria using Combi-10 test strips. eGFR was estimated using the MDRD equation. Results A total of 1063 subjects (63.1% females and 36.8% males) with a mean age of 55 ± 11 years were studied. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was present in 214 (20.6%) and 422 (39.7%) had optimal BP control. The median duration of hypertension was 6 years (range 1-44 years). Proteinuria occurred in 130 (12.2%), while 212 (19.9%) had reduced eGFR and 46 (4.3%) had proteinuria and reduced eGFR. The use of calcium channel blockers [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.70, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.50-0.99] and the use of more than two antihypertensive medications (AOR: 0.62, 95% CI 0.40-0.96) were associated with reduced odds of optimal BP control. Male sex (AOR: 1.75, 95% CI 1.14-2.70) and the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blocking medications (AOR: 2.07, 95% CI 1.18-3.64) were independently associated with proteinuria while DM (AOR: 1.69, 95% CI 1.06-2.55) and treatment with more than two medications (AOR: 1.86, 95% CI 1.09-3.17) were more likely to have reduced eGFR. Conclusion A large proportion of hypertensive patients in north-central Nigeria have poorly controlled BP. Kidney damage is common among these patients.
Microbes, mutualism, and range margins: testing the fitness consequences of soil microbial communities across and beyond a native plant's range.

Interactions between plants and soil fungi and bacteria are ubiquitous and have large effects on individual plant fitness. However, the degree to which spatial variation in soil microbial communities modulates plant species' distributions remains largely untested. Using the California native plant, Clarkia xantiana ssp. xantiana, we paired greenhouse and field reciprocal transplants of plant populations and soils to test whether plant-microbe interactions affect the plant's geographic range limit and whether there is local adaptation between plants and soil microbe communities. In the field and greenhouse, one of the two range interior inocula had a positive effect on plant fitness. In the field, this benefit was especially pronounced at the range edge and beyond, suggesting possible mutualist limitation. In the greenhouse, soil inocula from beyond-range tended to increase plant growth, suggesting microbial enemy release beyond the range margin. Amplicon sequencing revealed stark variation in microbial communities across the range boundary. Plants dispersing beyond their range limit are likely to encounter novel microbial communities. In C. x. xantiana, our results suggest that range expansion may be facilitated by fewer pathogens, but could also be hindered by a lack of mutualists. Both negative and positive plant-microbe interactions will likely affect contemporary range shifts.
Effect of heat stress on biochemical parameters of hens

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effects of high temperatures on biochemical parameters of hens. Heat stress generally causes a decrease in feed intake. The hypothesis that feed intake, egg production, egg quality measures, acid-base status (pH, pCO2, HCO3 ) of hens would be influenced by the high temperature period was tested. Twenty four Isa Brown hens at 60 weeks of age were used in this experiment and hens were randomly separated into 2 equal groups. Each group contains 12 hens. First control group was housed at 20.1÷21.2°C and 60÷65% relative humidity. Experimental group was housed for 2 weeks at 20.5°C and 60÷65% relative humidity in experimental box, and then exposed to 27°C and 60% for 4 week, and then allowed to recover for 2 week at 20.5°C and 60% relative humidity. All production parameters and egg quality were significantly affected by heat stress. Feed intake during first week heat period was significantly reduced (18%). In three next weeks, feed intake was increasing with reduction 14.5%, 8% and 9.5%, respectively. Blood pH values were significantly lower from 3 week of exposure. Blood pH had these values: 1 week 7.372, 2 week 7.371, 3 week 7.380 and 4 week 7.289.
Preanalytical variables affecting the measurement of serum paraoxonase-1 activity in horses

Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity is a new inflammatory and oxidative marker. Technical effects and biological factors could affect the accuracy of PON-1 activity measurement. We investigated the effects of storage at different temperatures, repeated freeze–thaw cycles, interferences from hemolytic, lipemic, and icteric samples, and seasonal effects on PON-1 activity in horses. We evaluated 2 substrates with an automated spectrophotometer. Ten equine serum samples were stored under different conditions. Although storage at room (21°C) or refrigeration (4°C) temperature induced a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in PON-1 activity, this is not diagnostically relevant. PON-1 activity in frozen samples (−20°C) was stable for short-term storage; diagnostically significant (p < 0.01) fluctuations were observed after 1 mo. Four repeated freeze–thaw cycles were assessed, and all cycles affected PON-1 activity (p < 0.01); however, this was diagnostically significant only after the 4th cycle. Hemolysis induced an overestimation of PON-1 activity; lipemia and hyperbilirubinemia did not change PON-1 activity. Thirty-four horses were sampled monthly for 1 y, and PON-1 activity was higher in autumn (p < 0.05) and winter (p < 0.05) than in spring and summer.
Pain characteristics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and its impact on quality of life: a prospective observational study in a northern city of China.

BACKGROUND Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has a considerable impact on the quality of life of both patients and their caregivers, and thus the identification and evaluation of pain characteristics in ALS should be addressed. However, due to the scarcity of research data, pain in ALS is still frequently underestimated and insufficiently treated. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of pain in patients with ALS using standardized pain questionnaires. METHODS Eighty-nine patients diagnosed with ALS were interviewed. Consecutive patients with peripheral neuropathy were used as control subjects and were matched to the ALS subjects by age and sex. Patient data including gender, age, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score, and the pain severity index (PSI) were collected. The characteristics between ALS and peripheral neuropathy, and between ALS patients with and without pain were compared. RESULTS In all, 89 patients with ALS and 89 control subjects with peripheral neuropathy were included. There were no significant differences in sex ratio and age between the two groups. There were significantly more patients with pain symptoms in the ALS group (35/89, 39%) than in the peripheral neuropathy group (20/89, 22%). Quality of life was significantly affected in the ALS patients with pain (using ALS patients without pain as control subjects). CONCLUSIONS The results suggested that pain was a significant symptom in patients with ALS and had a considerable impact on quality of life.