Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Objective Assessment of Lumbar Spine Degeneration/Ageing Seen on MRI Using An Ensemble Method—A Novel Approach to Lumbar MRI Reporting

Radiographic study of 60 lumbar MRI assessing spinal appearance with correlation to age and using produced data to create a predictive model of “spine age” using an ensemble model. The appearance of many spinal structures correlate with age and can be used to predict an expected age for the subject. Study Design. Retrospective, randomized, radiographic study assessing age-related changes (ARCs) on lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using an ensemble method. Objectives. This study proposed to develop a novel reporting method to calculate a predicted “age estimate” for the ARC seen on lumbar MRI. Summary of Background Data. Lumbar MRI reports include pathological findings but usually not the prevalence data of common findings which has been shown to decrease the need for narcotics in the management of non-specific lower back pain (NSLBP). Comparing the normal age estimation for lumbar spine degenerative changes/ARC on MRI and comparing this to the patient's real age may improve patient outcome in the management of NSLBP. Methods. A total of 60 lumbar MRI were taken from patients aged between 0 and 100 years. Lumbar MRI features reported as associated with age on review of the literature were measured on each MRI and statistically evaluated for correlation with age. Factors found to be associated were then entered into an ensemble model consisting of several machine learning techniques. The resulting ensemble model was then tested to predict age for a further 10 random lumbar MRI scans. One further lumbar MRI was then assessed for observer variability. Results. Features that correlated with age were disc signal intensity, the appearance of paravertebral and psoas muscle, disc height, facet joint size, ligamentum flavum thickness, Schmorl nodes, Modic changes, vertebral osteophytes, and high-intensity zones. With the ensemble model, 80% of estimated spinal age were within 11 years of the subjects’ physical age. Conclusion. It would appear that the intervertebral discs, and many other structures that are subjected to loading in and around the lumbar spine change their lumbar MRI appearance in a predictable way with increasing age. ARC on lumbar MRI can be assessed to predict an “expected age” for the subject. Level of Evidence: 2
Identification of novel genes and pathways regulated by the orphan nuclear receptor COUP-TFII in mouse MA-10 Leydig cells

Abstract In males, Leydig cells are the main producers of testosterone and insulin-like 3 (INSL3), two hormones essential for sex differentiation and reproductive functions. Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factors I (COUP-TFI/NR2F1) and COUP-TFII (NR2F2) belong to the steroid/thyroid hormone nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors. In the testis, COUP-TFII is expressed and plays a role in the differentiation of cells committed to give rise to fully functional steroidogenic adult Leydig cells. Steroid production has also been shown to be diminished in COUP-TFII-depleted Leydig cells, indicating an important functional role in steroidogenesis. Until now, only a handful of target genes have been identified for COUP-TFII in Leydig cells. To provide new information into the mechanism of action of COUP-TFII in Leydig cells, we performed microarray analyses of COUP-TFII-depleted MA-10 Leydig cells. We identified 262 differentially expressed genes in COUP-TFII-depleted MA-10 cells. Many of the differentially expressed genes are known to be involved in lipid biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, male gonad development, and steroidogenesis. We validated the microarray data for a subset of the modulated genes by RT-qPCR. Downregulated genes included hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3 beta- and steroid delta-isomerase 1 (Hsd3b1), cytochrome P450, family 11, subfamily a, polypeptide 1 (Cyp11a1), prolactin receptor (Prlr), nuclear receptor subfamily 0, group B, member 2 (Shp/Nr0b2), ferredoxin 1 (Fdx1), scavenger receptor class B, member 1 (Scarb1), inhibin alpha (Inha), and glutathione S-transferase, alpha 3 (Gsta3). Finally, analysis of the Gsta3 and Inha gene promoters showed that at least two of the downregulated genes are potentially new direct targets for COUP-TFII. These data provide new evidence that further strengthens the important nature of COUP-TFII in steroidogenesis, androgen homeostasis, cellular defense, and differentiation in mouse Leydig cells. Summary sentence An in-depth high-throughput transcriptomic analysis of COUP-TFII-depleted Leydig cells reveals novel gene pathways and networks regulated by this orphan nuclear receptor. Graphical Abstract
Implementation of Complex Interventions

Background: Despite the well-documented risks to patient safety associated with transitions from one care setting to another, health care organizations struggle to identify which interventions to implement. Multiple strategies are often needed, and studying the effectiveness of these complex interventions is challenging. Objective: The objective of this study was to present lessons learned in implementing and evaluating complex transitional care interventions in routine clinical care. Research Design: Nine transitional care study teams share important common lessons in designing complex interventions with stakeholder engagement, implementation, and evaluation under pragmatic conditions (ie, using only existing resources), and disseminating findings in outlets that reach policy makers and the people who could ultimately benefit from the research. Results: Lessons learned serve as a guide for future studies in 3 areas: (1) Delineating the function (intended purpose) versus form (prespecified modes of delivery of the intervention); (2) Evaluating both the processes supporting implementation and the impact of adaptations; and (3) Engaging stakeholders in the design and delivery of the intervention and dissemination of study results. Conclusion: These lessons can help guide future pragmatic studies of care transitions.
Intimately coupled Mn3O4 nanocrystalline@3D honeycomb hierarchical porous network scaffold carbon for high-performance cathode of aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Herein, 3D honeycomb hierarchical porous network scaffold carbon is synthesized by a unique PVP-SiO2-boiling method with the boiling bubbles as soft template and SiO2 nanospheres as hard template. Then MnO2 nanosheets intimately grow on the carbon matrix and are further decomposed to Mn3O4 nanocrystalline with size of 7–9 nm. The obtained Mn3O4 nanocrystalline@3D honeycomb hierarchical porous network scaffold carbon has abundant mesopores and large specific surface area (92 m2 g−1). When used as a cathode material for zinc-ion batteries, the synthesized composites exhibit high reversible capacity (546.2 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1), remarkable cycling stability (discharge capacity of 97.8 mAh g−1 at 3 A g−1 after 600 cycles) and superior rate capability (15.7 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1). The kinetics analyses indicate zinc storage mechanism includes diffusion process and capacitive process of Zn2+ and H+ ions, and the capacitive storage is dominant. The outstanding zinc storage performance benefits from the structural advantages. The unique carbon matrix improves electronic conductivity of Mn3O4, facilitates penetration of electrolyte, and well supports Mn3O4 nanocrystalline. The small size and large specific surface area of Mn3O4 nanocrystalline induce significant capacitive storage effect.
Psychosis and Hopelessness Mediate the Relationship Between Reduced Sleep and Suicidal Ideation in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Abstract Objective Suicide is a major cause of death amongst individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). Despite numerous risk factors being identified, accurate prediction of suicidality and provision of tailored and effective treatment is difficult. One factor that may warrant particular attention as a contributor to increased psychopathology and suicidality in SSD is disturbed sleep. Sleep disturbances have been reliably linked to greater levels of suicidal ideation and are highly prevalent amongst individuals with SSD. This study aimed to examine if reduced sleep duration and psychopathology are associated with increased suicidal ideation. Method One-hundred and eighteen adults with chronic SSD living within the community participated in this cross-sectional study. Psychosis symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Items 4 and 10 from the Montgomery-Asperg Depression Rating Scale and Item 2 from the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia were used to assess reduced sleep duration, current suicidal ideation, and hopelessness, respectively. All measures were rated concurrently. Results A hierarchical logistic regression revealed that greater acute sleep disturbances were associated with increased suicidal ideation and this relationship was found to be uniquely mediated by both positive symptom severity and hopelessness. Conclusion These results suggest that individuals with SSD who exhibited disrupted or disordered sleep, positive symptoms and/or hopelessness should be routinely screened for suicidal thinking. Furthermore, interventions that effectively target sleep disruptions may provide much-needed action against suicidal ideation. HIGHLIGHTS Reduced sleep found to be associated with increased suicidal ideation This was uniquely mediated by both hopelessness and positive symptoms More regular screening of sleep problems in schizophrenia is needed
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Inoviridae

Members of the family Inoviridae are non-enveloped flexible filamentous bacteriophages (600–2500×6–10 nm) with supercoiled, circular, positive-sense, single-stranded DNA genomes of 5.5–10.6 kb, encoding 7–15 proteins. They absorb to the pili of Gram-negative bacteria and replicate their DNA by a rolling-circle mechanism with progeny released from cells by extrusion without killing the host. Phage DNA can persist extra-chromosomally or integrate into the bacterial genome. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family Inoviridae, which is available at ictv.global/report/inoviridae.
Raphanus Sativus Seeds OilArrested In Vivo Inflammation and Angiogenesis Through Down-Regulation of TNF-a.

BACKGROUND Raphanus sativus is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory agent. OBJECTIVES The current study was designed to explore the in vivo anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties of Raphanus sativus seeds oil. METHODS Cold press method was used for the extraction of oil (RsSO) and was characterised using GC-MS techniques. Three in vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) were performed to explore antioxidant potential of RsSO. Disc diffusion methods were used to study in vitro antimicrobial properties. In vivo anti-inflammatory properties were studied in both acute and chronic inflammation models. In ovo chicken, a chorioallantoic membrane assay was performed to study antiangiogenic effects. Molecular mechanisms were identified using serum TNF-α ELISA kit and docking tools. RESULTS GC-MS analysis of RsSO revealed the presence of hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acid. Findings of DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP models indicated relatively moderate radical scavenging properties of RsSO. Oil showed antimicrobial activity against a variety of strains tested. Data of inflammation models showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory effects of RsSO in both acute and chronic models. 500 mg/kg RsSO halted inflammation development significantly better (p < 0.05) as compared with lower doses. Histopathological evaluations of paws showed minimal infiltration of inflammatory cells in RsSO-treated animals. Findings of TNF-α ELSIA and docking studies showed that RsSO has the potential to downregulate the expression of TNF-α, iNOS, ROS, and NF-κB, respectively. Moreover, RsSO showed in vivo antiangiogenic effects. CONCLUSION Data of the current study highlight that Raphanus sativus seeds oil has anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic properties and can be used as an adjunct to standard NSAIDs therapy to reduce its dose and side effects.
Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier regulates lignocellulosic decomposition rate through metabolism in Ganoderma lucidum.

The activity of mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) can be modulated to regulate intracellular metabolism under different culture conditions. In Ganoderma lucidum, the role of MPC in regulating carbon sources remains unknown. By knocking down MPC genes (MPC1 and MPC2), this research found that the loss of MPC increased the growth rate of G. lucidum by approximately 30% in a medium with wood chips as a carbon source. Then, cellulase and laccase activities were tested. Endoglucanase and laccase activity increased by approximately 50% and 35% respectively in MPC knockdown mutants compared with that in the WT strain. Finally, the expression levels of genes related to glycolysis were assayed, and the transcription levels of these enzymes were found to be increased by approximately 250% compared with the WT strain. In conclusion, the regulation of intracellular metabolism by MPC provides a new way to improve the use of nondominant carbon sources such as lignocellulose.
International Journal of Food Engineering Decontamination Efficiency of Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water on Fresh-Cut Cucumbers

The efficacy of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW, 20 mg/l of available chlorine) and sodium hypochlorite solution (NaClO, 120 mg/l of available chlorine) used as potential sanitizers for fresh-cut cucumbers was evaluated. SAEW with a near-neutral pH value (5.0 to 6.5) and lower available chlorine concentration (ACC) had an equivalent or higher efficiency to reduce microbial counts on the cucumbers compared to NaClO solution. A 5-minute treatment of SAEW and NaClO solution significantly reduced the indigenous aerobic bacteria on cucumbers by 1.62 and 1.51 log10 CFU/g, and molds and yeasts by 1.35 and 1.12 log10 CFU/g, respectively (P < 0.05). The reduction of microbial counts on cucumbers by tap water was markedly less than that by SAEW and NaClO solution (P < 0.05). Results indicate that SAEW provides an alternative technique for sanitization of fresh-cut vegetables with environmentally friendly broad spectrum microbial decontamination.
Novel Bacterial Cellulose Membrane to Reduce Fibrosis Following Trabeculectomy

Purpose: The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of bacterial cellulose membrane (BCM) in preventing fibrosis in trabeculectomy and the biocompatibility of BCM with conjunctiva and sclera. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one eyes of 21 adult rabbits underwent fornix-based trabeculectomy. Standard surgery was done to control group (CG, n=7). Mitomycin-C (MMC) (0.3 mg/mL, 3 min) was applied to MMC group only (MMCG, n=7). BCM (~100 µm thick, 10×10 mm, single layer) was covered on the sclerotomy area before conjunctiva was closed in BCM group (BCMG, n=7). Intraocular pressures (IOP) were measured before, and 7, 14, 28, and 45 days after surgery (IOP-POD7, POD14, POD28, POD45). The IOP decrease were expressed as DIOP%-POD7, DIOP%-POD14, DIOP%-POD28, and DIOP%-POD45. The rabbits were sacrificed on the 45th day. Conjunctival vessel number, degrees of fibrosis, total inflammation, foreign body reaction, inflammatory cell types (B cells, T cells, plasma cells), macrophages, bleb spaces and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin were studied using histopathology and immunohistochemistry techniques. The groups were compared using nonparametric tests. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding baseline IOP and DIOP%-POD7 (P>0.05). While DIOP%-POD14, 28 and 45 were similar between BCMG and MMCG, they were significantly lower in CG (P<0.05). The lowest conjunctival vessel number was detected in the MMCG but the difference was not significant. There was no difference between BCMG and CG with regard to the numbers of B cells, T cells, and macrophages, however, these cells were significantly lower in MMCG (P<0.05). Five cases had mild and 2 cases had moderate foreign body reaction in the BCMG. There was mild to moderate inflammation in all BCM cases. While fibrosis and α-smooth muscle actin staining were higher in the CG (P<0.001), they were minimal in the BCM and MMCGs. Conclusions: BCM showed good biocompatibility and provided better control of IOP with minimal fibrosis at the trabeculectomy site compared with the control group.
Protein-Protein Interface Topology as a Predictor of Secondary Structure and Molecular Function Using Convolutional Deep Learning

To power the specific recognition and binding of protein partners into functional complexes, a wealth of information about the structure and function of the partners is necessarily encoded into the global shape of protein-protein interfaces and their local topological features. To identify whether this is the case, this study uses convolutional deep learning methods (typically leveraged for 2D image recognition) on 3D voxel representations of protein-protein interfaces colored by burial depth. A novel two-stage network fed with voxelizations of each interface at two distinct resolutions achieves balance between performance and computational cost. From the shape of the interfaces, the network tries to predict the presence of secondary structure motifs at the interface and the molecular function of the corresponding complex. Secondary structure and certain classes of function are found to be very well predicted, validating the hypothesis that interface shape is a conveyor of higher-level information. Interface patterns triggering the recognition of specific classes are also identified and described.
Zoledronic acid versus placebo in pediatric glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: A randomized double-blind phase 3 trial.

CONTEXT Glucocorticoids (GC) prescribed for chronic pediatric illnesses are associated with osteoporotic fractures. OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) zoledronic acid (ZA) compared with placebo to treat pediatric GC-induced osteoporosis (GIO). PATIENTS, DESIGN AND SETTING Children 5-17 years of age with GIO were enrolled in this multi-national randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial (ClinicaTrials.gov NCT00799266). INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Eligible children were randomized 1:1 to six monthly IV ZA 0.05 mg/kg or IV placebo. The primary endpoint was the change in lumbar spine bone mineral density Z-score (LSBMDZ) from baseline to month 12. Incident fractures and safety were assessed. RESULTS Thirty-four children were enrolled (mean age 12.6 ± 3.4 years [18 on ZA, 16 on placebo]), all with low-trauma vertebral fractures. LSBMDZ increased from -2.13 ± 0.79 to -1.49 ± 1.05 on ZA, compared with -2.38 ± 0.90 to -2.27 ± 1.03 on placebo (least squares means difference 0.41 [95% confidence interval 0.02, 0.81; p=0.04]); when corrected for height Z-score, the least squares means difference in LBMDZ was 0.75 [0.27, 1.22; p=0.004]. Two children on placebo had new low-trauma VF versus none on ZA. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 15/18 children (83%) on ZA, and in 12/16 (75%) on placebo, most frequently within 10 days after the first infusion. There were no deaths, nor treatment discontinuations due to treatment-emergent AEs. CONCLUSIONS LSBMDZ increased significantly on ZA compared with placebo over one year in children with GIO. Most AEs occurred after the first infusion.
Thyrotoxicosis: a rare presentation of molar pregnancy

A 49-year-old woman, G8P7, presented with 1 week of worsening vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramps in the setting of a recently discovered unplanned pregnancy. Vaginal ultrasound findings and a significantly elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level were concerning for molar pregnancy. She developed signs of hyperthyroidism on the night of admission, for which the endocrinology team was consulted. Laboratory data were consistent with hyperthyroidism. The patient was believed to have thyrotoxicosis secondary to molar pregnancy with concern for impending thyroid storm. Her mental health disorder and bacteraemia made taking care of her further challenging. She was started on a beta-blocker, antithyroid agent and intravenous corticosteroids. She underwent an uncomplicated suction dilation and curettage (D&C), with resolution of her symptoms a few days after. At a follow-up appointment, the patient continued to be asymptomatic and was feeling well.
Cumulative Effect of Annual Additions of MSW Compost on the Yield of Field-Grown Tomatoes

For three years, source separated municipal solid waste (MSW) compost was applied in the field at two rates (25 and 50 T/A) and planted with tomatoes. Average yield (lbs/plant) from plots amended with 50 T/A MSW compost was significantly greater all three years than the unamended controls. Yield from plots amended with 25 T/A MSW compost was significantly greater than the unamended control only in 1993. The average number of tomatoes per plant and the average weight of each tomato were also greater from the compost-amended plots. The addition of 50 T/A MSW compost for three years raised the pH of the soil from 5.8 to 6.4 and raised the percent organic matter 84 percent. The concentration of nitrate in plots amended yearly with 50 T/A MSW compost was three fold greater than the unamended control.
An overview of the latest in state-of-the-art murine models for prostate cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction Prostate cancer (PCa) is a complex, heterogenous and multifocal disease, which is debilitating for patients and often fatal – due to bone metastasis and castration-resistant cancer. The use of murine models that mimic human disease has been crucial in the development of innovative therapies and for better understanding the mechanisms associated with initiation and progression of PCa. Areas covered This review presents a critical analysis of murine models for the study of PCa, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses and applications. Expert opinion In animal models, disease may not occur exactly as it does in humans, and sometimes the levels of efficacy that certain treatments obtain in animal models cannot be translated into clinical practice. To choose the most appropriate animal model for each research work, it is crucial to understand the anatomical and physiological differences between the mouse and the human prostate, while it is also important to identify biological similarities and differences between murine and human prostate tumors. Although significant progress has already been made, thanks to many years of research and study, the number of new challenges and obstacles to overcome mean there is a long and difficult road still to travel.