Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radiofrequency Bias Correction of Magnetization Prepared Rapid Gradient Echo MRI at 7.0 Tesla Using an External Reference in a Sequential Protocol

At field strengths of 7 T and above, T1-weighted imaging of human brain suffers increasingly from radiofrequency (RF) B1 inhomogeneities. The well-known MP2RAGE (magnetization prepared two rapid acquisition gradient echoes) sequence provides a solution but may not be readily available for all MR systems. Here, we describe the implementation and evaluation of a sequential protocol to obtain normalized magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo (MPRAGE) images at 0.7, 0.8, or 0.9-mm isotropic spatial resolution. Optimization focused on the reference gradient-recalled echo (GRE) that was used for normalization of the MPRAGE. A good compromise between white-gray matter contrast and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was reached at a flip angle of 3° and total scan time was reduced by increasing the reference voxel size by a factor of 8 relative to the MPRAGE resolution. The average intra-subject coefficient-of-variation (CV) in segmented white matter (WM) was 7.9 ± 3.3% after normalization, compared to 20 ± 8.4% before. The corresponding inter-subject average CV in WM was 7.6 ± 7.6% and 13 ± 7.8%. Maps of T1 derived from forward signal modelling showed no obvious bias after correction by a separately acquired flip angle map. To conclude, a non-interleaved acquisition for normalization of MPRAGE offers a simple alternative to MP2RAGE to obtain semi-quantitative purely T1-weighted images. These images can be converted to T1 maps, analogously to the established MP2RAGE approach. Scan time can be reduced by increasing the reference voxel size which has only a miniscule effect on image quality.
Mesoporous catalysts for ammoxidation of acrolein to acrylonitrile

Acrylonitrile is a raw material in polymer industry with a large scale demand and it has been produced from fossil origin. Current research trends for a greener chemical industry are promoted by using platform molecules of biological origin such as glycerol. Designing catalysts becomes an essential part to develop these products. Heterogeneous catalysts, especially mesoporous metal oxide catalysts, play a major role in petrochemical industry. Therefore, the scope of this thesis is to develop new, effective and useful mesoporous catalysts for ammoxidation of ex-glycerol acrolein to acrylonitrile. Based on the traditional catalysts for propene/propane ammoxidation to acrylonitrile, a series of molybdates and antimonates based catalysts supported in mesoporous silica was developed. First, bismuth molybdate oxides were supported in mesoporous silica KIT-6 using the hard-templating method. Different phases of bismuth molybdates were synthesized, characterized and tested for ammoxidation of acrolein to acrylonitrile. The reaction conditions were carefully optimized at different temperatures, flow rates and reactant ratios. The obtained catalysts showed good catalytic activity, selectivity and stability, especially, the samples containing mixed phases of bismuth molybdates. Second, a series of molybdate and antimonate mixtures supported on mesoporous silica using a soft-templating method was also studied. This new soft-templating method was developed based on the evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) technique and dual surfactants as structure directing agents. The obtained catalysts exhibited high specific surface area and large pore volume. In addition, the catalytic results indicated that molybdates in mixture state play a major role in acrolein ammoxidation. Some of the above catalysts were chosen to study the reaction mechanism of acrolein ammoxidation to acrylonitrile. Because oxygen (air) and ammonia are reactants in this process, the effects of oxygen vacancies and ammonia reduction on catalytic activity were then investigated. The obtained results demonstrated that the catalysts having more oxygen vacancies and being readily reduced by ammonia showed higher catalytic activity. All catalysts containing molybdates showed good catalytic activity and selectivity for acrolein ammoxidation. Thus, a new reaction mechanism was proposed over molybdates oxides as catalysts.
Effect of lubricant gel on the length of the first stage of labour and perineal trauma in primiparous women

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of obstetric gel application on the length of the first stage of labour and perineal trauma in primiparous women. This randomised controlled trial included 110 primiparous women. Women were randomly assigned to the two groups: lubricant gel group and control group. In the intervention group, during cervical dilatation of 4 cm until complete cervical dilatation, 5 ml of water-soluble lubricant gel was used at each vaginal examination. In the control group, routine care was performed. Mean duration of the total length (p = .025), the first (p = .012), and second stage (p = .022) of labour was significantly shorter in the obstetric gel group than control group. Perineal health was significantly better in the gel-applied pregnant women (p < .001). Using obstetric gel at the beginning of the first stage could shorten the total length, the first and the second stage of labour and could protect perineal health. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Prolonged labour and perineal injuries are a major problem in natural childbirth for primiparous mothers. What the results of this study add? The first (p = .012), and second stage (p = .022) of labour was significantly shorter in the obstetric gel group than in the control group. Perineal health was significantly better in gel-applied pregnant women (p < .001). Using obstetric gel at the beginning of the first stage could shorten the total length, the first and the second stage of labour and could protect against perineal injury. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Obstetrical gel lubricant usage in the first stage of labour during the active phase of nulliparous women could shorten the total length, the first and the second stage of labour and could protect perineal health.
Theories, laws, and models in evo‐devo

Abstract Evolutionary developmental biology (evo‐devo) is the study of the evolution of developmental mechanisms. Here, I review some of the theories, models, and laws in evo‐devo, past and present. Nineteenth‐century evo‐devo was dominated by recapitulation theory and archetypes. It also gave us germ layer theory, the vertebral theory of the skull, floral organs as modified leaves, and the “inverted invertebrate” theory, among others. Newer theories and models include the frameshift theory, the genetic toolkit for development, the ABC model of flower development, the developmental hourglass, the zootype, Urbilateria, and the hox code. Some of these new theories show the influence of archetypes and recapitulation. Interestingly, recent studies support the old “primordial leaf,” “inverted invertebrate,” and “segmented head” theories. Furthermore, von Baer's first three laws may now need to be rehabilitated, and the hourglass model modified, in view of what Abzhanov has pointed out about the maternal‐zygotic transition. There are many supposed “laws” of evo‐devo but I argue that these are merely generalizations about trends in particular lineages. I argue that the “body plan” is an archetype, and is often used in such a way that it lacks any scientific meaning. Looking to the future, one challenge for evo‐devo will be to develop new theories and models to accommodate the wealth of new data from high‐throughput sequencing, including single‐cell sequencing. One step in this direction is the use of sophisticated in silico analyses, as in the “transcriptomic hourglass” models.
Improved anticancer activity of betulinic acid on breast cancer through a grafted copolymer-based micelles system

Abstract Betulinic acid (3β-Hydroxy-20(29)-lupaene-28-oic acid, BA) has excellent anti-cancer activity but poor solubility and low bioavailability. To improve the antitumor activity of BA, a polyvinyl caprolactam–polyvinyl acetate–polyethylene glycol (PVCL–PVA–PEG) graft copolymer (Soluplus) encapsulated BA micelle (Soluplus-BA) was fabricated. The Soluplus-BA micelles presented a mean size of 54.77 ± 1.26 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.083. The MTT assay results showed that Soluplus-BA micelles increased the inhibitory effect of BA on MDA-MB-231 cells, mainly due to the enhanced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the destruction of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Soluplus-BA micelles induced the DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) as the γH2AX foci increased. Moreover, Soluplus-BA also inhibited the tube formation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and inhibited the neovascularization of the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). This angiogenesis inhibitory effect may be accomplished by regulating the HIF-1/VEGF-FAK signaling pathway. The in vivo study confirmed the improved anti-tumor effect of Soluplus-BA and its inhibitory effect on angiogenesis, demonstrating the possibility of Soluplus-BA as an effective anti-breast cancer drug delivery system.
The maintenance of polymorphism in an ancient social supergene

Supergenes, regions of the genome with suppressed recombination between sets of functional mutations, contribute to the evolution of complex phenotypes in diverse systems. Excluding sex chromosomes, most supergenes discovered so far appear to be young, being found in one species or a few closely related species. Here, we investigate how a chromosome harbouring an ancient supergene has evolved over about 30 million years (Ma). The Formica supergene underlies variation in colony queen number in at least five species. We expand previous analyses of sequence divergence on this chromosome to encompass about 90 species spanning the Formica phylogeny. Within the nonrecombining region, the gene knockout contains 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are consistently differentiated between two alternative supergene haplotypes in divergent European Formica species, and we show that these same SNPs are present in most Formica clades. In these clades, including an early diverging Nearctic Formica clade, individuals with alternative genotypes at knockout also have higher differentiation in other portions of this chromosome. We identify hotspots of SNPs along this chromosome that are present in multiple Formica clades to detect genes that may have contributed to the emergence and maintenance of the genetic polymorphism. Finally, we infer three gene duplications on one haplotype, based on apparent heterozygosity within these genes in the genomes of haploid males. This study strengthens the evidence that this supergene originated early in the evolution of Formica and that just a few loci in this large region of suppressed recombination retain strongly differentiated alleles across contemporary Formica lineages.
Who is speaking for us? Identifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship in health research

To the Editor: Australia is home to the oldest continuing cultures on Earth. Yet, rather than being treasured as a source of national pride, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges remain mostly unappreciated and, at times, actively silenced (eg, Uluru Statement). 1 Passed down through generations, these valuable, continually changing knowledge systems are core to our adaptability, strength and survival against extreme adversity including colonisation.
Bilayer Tablet Formulation of Metformin Hydrochloridea and Glipizide a Novel Approach in the Treatment of Diabetes.

In 1985, there were approximately 30 million people with diabetes worldwide; by 1995, this number had escalated to 135 million and by 2025, it is projected that there will be an increase in the incidence of diabetes, affecting 300 million people. Most of the expected increase will be in type 2 diabetes, which accounts for >90% of cases of diabetes, while the incidence of Type 1 diabetes is anticipated to remain stable. By 2025 the countries with largest number of people with diabetes will be in India (>57 million, prevalence 6%), China (>37 million, prevalence 3.4%), and the United States (>21 million, prevalence 8.9%). Metformin hydrochloride sustained release tablets and Glipizide immediate release tablets were prepared using direct compression and solid dispersion techniques respectively. HPMC used as matrix forming polymer for the Metformin layer enables drug release for up to 9-10 hours. Among the different grades of HPMC no significant difference in the resulting Metformin release profiles from the SR layer of the tablets was found. This indicates that the viscosity of the polymer does not affect drug release rate when drug is water soluble and the dose is high. The formulation F1 can be preferred as integrity was maintained. Glipizide release shows that the dissolution rate of glipizide can be enhanced considerably by formulating it as a solid dispersion with SSG using kneading method. Incorporation of super disitnegrants in the solid dispersions played a critical role in dissolution enhancement. SR fixed dose bilayer matrix tablets containing 500mgMetformin HCl as SR from one layer and 5mg Glipizide as IR from another layer have been prepared by solid dispersion method. Formulations F1 and F4 are selected for preparation of bilayer tablet F7. From formulation F7 Metformin hydrochloride and glipzide were found to be released for 10 hours and 20 minutes respectively.
Increased discharge heart rate might be associated with increased short-term mortality after acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Background In acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients there are mostly studies evaluating prognostic value of admission heart rate. We tried to understand the prognostic value of discharge heart rate in a spectrum of ACS patients. Methods A total of 473 consecutive ACS patients were included in the study. Forty-three (9.1%) of them were unstable angina pectoris, 268 (56.7%) were non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and 162 (34.2%) of them were ST elevation myocardial infarction patients. Discharge heart rates of the patients were recorded and the patients were followed-up for 1 year. The primary end-point was all-cause mortality. Results The mean age of the patients was 64 ± 12. The patients were divided into three subgroups according to discharge heart rates (<78, 78–89, ≥90 beats per minute). Patients with a higher discharge heart rate had higher serum troponin, glucose levels and higher admission heart rates, had lower ejection fraction values and had acute heart failure complication more frequently than the patients with a lower discharge heart rate. A total of 72(16%) patients died during 1 year follow-up. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, an increased discharge heart rate was independently associated with 1-month mortality after ACS, but it was not independently associated with 6-month or 1-year mortality after ACS. Every 1 bpm increase in discharge heart rate resulted in a significant increased risk of 8.2% in 1-month all-cause mortality. Conclusion Increased heart rate at discharge is an independent predictor of 1-month mortality in ACS patients. This relationship disappears after 1-month through 1-year follow-up.
A systematic review and meta‐analyses of regional perfusion in donation after circulatory death solid organ transplantation

In donation after circulatory death (DCD), (thoraco)abdominal regional perfusion (RP) restores circulation to a region of the body following death declaration. We systematically reviewed outcomes of solid organ transplantation after RP by searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries. Eighty‐eight articles reporting on outcomes of liver, kidney, pancreas, heart, and lung transplants or donor/organ utilization were identified. Meta‐analyses were conducted when possible. Methodological quality was assessed using National Institutes of Health (NIH)‐scoring tools. Case reports (13/88), case series (44/88), retrospective cohort studies (35/88), retrospective matched cohort studies (5/88), and case‐control studies (2/88) were identified, with overall fair quality. As blood viscosity and rheology change below 20 °C, studies were grouped as hypothermic (HRP, ≤20 °C) or normothermic (NRP, >20 °C) regional perfusion. Data demonstrate that RP is a safe alternative to in situ cold preservation (ISP) in uncontrolled and controlled DCDs. The scarce HRP data are from before 2005. NRP appears to reduce post‐transplant complications, especially biliary complications in controlled DCD livers, compared with ISP. Comparisons for kidney and pancreas with ISP are needed but there is no evidence that NRP is detrimental. Additional data on NRP in thoracic organs are needed. Whether RP increases donor or organ utilization needs further research.
Stiff coils enhance shape retention and pressure resistance in an aneurysm model even at low volume

Abstract Purpose To elucidate the characteristics of 3 D frame coils and identify the optimal coil for visceral aneurysms. Material and methods Using a vascular model, we compared the postembolization coil distribution and repulsive force of three coils: Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC; stock wire diameter, 0.004 in; primary diameter, 0.015 in), Target XL (0.003, 0.014), and Target XXL (0.003, 0.017). Additionally, the coil area, roundness, and center of gravity were quantitatively compared. The coil repulsive force was measured by compressing the postembolization vessel model with a digital force gauge. Results There were no significant differences in the coil area and roundness among the three coil types. Compared with the Target coils, the GDC deployed evenly along the vessel wall, its center of gravity was less displaced, and although it had the lowest embolic density, its repulsive force was greater regardless of the number of coils used. Conclusions GDC coils with a larger stock wire diameter and a smaller primary diameter unfolded evenly along the wall and had a greater repulsive force. Coil stiffness contributes to coil stability and shape retention, indicating the possibility of preventing recurrence by selecting a frame coil with a focus on coil stiffness.
Naturally Occurring Fusarium Species and Mycotoxins in Oat Grains from Manitoba, Canada

Fusarium head blight (FHB) can lead to dramatic yield losses and mycotoxin contamination in small grain cereals in Canada. To assess the extent and severity of FHB in oat, samples collected from 168 commercial oat fields in the province of Manitoba, Canada, during 2016–2018 were analyzed for the occurrence of Fusarium head blight and associated mycotoxins. Through morphological and molecular analysis, F. poae was found to be the predominant Fusarium species affecting oat, followed by F. graminearum, F. sporotrichioides, F. avenaceum, and F. culmorum. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV), type B trichothecenes, were the two most abundant Fusarium mycotoxins detected in oat. Beauvericin (BEA) was also frequently detected, though at lower concentrations. Close clustering of F. poae and NIV/BEA, F. graminearum and DON, and F. sporotrichioides and HT2/T2 (type A trichothecenes) was detected in the principal component analysis. Sampling location and crop rotation significantly impacted the concentrations of Fusarium mycotoxins in oat. A phylogenetic analysis of 95 F. poae strains from Manitoba was conducted using the concatenated nucleotide sequences of Tef-1α, Tri1, and Tri8 genes. The results indicated that all F. poae strains belong to a monophyletic lineage. Four subgroups of F. poae strains were identified; however, no correlations were observed between the grouping of F. poae strains and sample locations/crop rotations.
Does Storage Time Affect the Outcomes of Split Corneal Transplantation to Reduce Corneal Donor Shortage? A Retrospective Study

Split cornea transplantation can reduce the shortage of donor corneas. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of split graft storage time on the outcomes of split corneal transplantation through Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) surgeries. Split corneal transplantation was performed in 80 eyes using 41 donor corneas. The mean before and after splitting storage times and total storage times were recorded. Donor corneal buttons and split grafts were stored in short-term solution at 4°C. In both surgeries (DMEK and DALK), donor corneas were divided into groups depending on their storage times. Mean postoperative 12th month best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density (ECD), endothelial cell loss (ECL), central corneal thickness (CCT), refractive spherical equivalent (RSE), refractive astigmatism, and complication rates were compared among the groups. Correlation between storage times and 1-year BCVA, ECL, and complication rates were assessed. Clinical outcomes of the groups 1 year after the surgeries were also compared. DALK and DMEK were performed in 41 and 39 eyes, respectively. Storage times were not correlated with 1-year DMEK outcomes and only weakly correlated with post-DALK ECD, ECL, and RSE values. Except for CCT in those that underwent DALK, the outcomes of DMEK and DALK surgeries with stored and non-stored split grafts were not significantly different (P = .02). The storage times of donor corneas and split grafts do not have any impact on outcomes.
Deciphering of Candida parapsilosis induced immune response in Drosophila melanogaster

ABSTRACT Candida infections are the most prevalent cause of serious human mycoses and are the third most common pathogens isolated from bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients. C. parapsilosis is a member of the non-albicans spp. , which have a predilection for causing life-threatening disease in neonates and hospitalized pediatric patients. In this study, we utilized a Drosophila melanogaster infection model to analyze the immunological responses to C. parapsilosis. Our results demonstrate that the Toll pathway in Drosophila controls C. parapsilosis proliferation as the Toll signaling mutant MyD88−/ − flies are highly susceptible to C. parapsilosis. We also confirmed that the MyD88−/ − fly is a convenient invertebrate animal model to analyze virulence properties of different species and strains from the C. parapsilosis sensu lato complex as C. orthopsilosis, C. metapsilosis proved to be less virulent than C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and the N-mannan deficient C. parapsilosis och1Δ/Δ strain showed attenuated pathogenicity in this immunodeficient Drosophila background. We also found that Persephone protease is not required for detection and activation of Toll pathway during C. parapsilosis infection. Furthermore, we observed that Drosophila β-glucan receptor deficient flies where more sensitive to C. parapsilosis compared to wild-type flies; however, we could not find a clear dependence on the recognition of this receptor and the cell wall β-glucan exposure-induced host response. These studies establish this D. melanogaster infection model as an efficient tool in deciphering immune responses to C. parapsilosis as well as for assessing virulence factors produced by this emerging fungal predator.