Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects of Genetically Determined Cholesterol Efflux Capacity on Coronary Artery Disease and Ischemic Stroke

Background Observational studies indicated that cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is inversely associated with cardiovascular events, independently of the HDL cholesterol concentration. The aim of the study is to examine the casual relevance of CEC for coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI), and compare it with that for ischemic stroke and its subtypes using a Mendelian randomization approach. Methods We performed a 2-sample Mendelian randomization to estimate the casual relationship of CEC with the risk of CAD, MI, and ischemic stroke. A CEC-related genetic variant (rs141622900) and other five genetic variants were used as the instrumental variables. Association of genetic variants with CAD were estimated in a GWAS involving 60,801 CAD cases and 123,504 controls. They were then compared with the associations of these variants with ischemic stroke and its subtypes (large vessel, small vessel, and cardioembolic) involving 40,585 ischemic stroke cases and 406,111 controls. Results Using the SNP of rs141622900 as the instrument, a 1-SD increase in CEC was associated with 45% lower risk for CAD (odds ratio [OR] 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44–0.69, p < 0.001) and 33% lower risk for MI (odds ratio [OR] 0.67, 95% CI 0.52–0.87, p = 0.002). By contrast, the causal effect of CEC was much weaker for ischemic stroke (odds ratio [OR] 0.79, 95% CI 0.64–0.97, p = 0.02; p for heterogeneity = 0.03) and, in particular, for cardioembolic stroke (p for heterogeneity = 0.006) when compared with that for CAD. Results using five genetic variants as the instrument also indicated consistently weaker effects on ischemic stroke than on CAD. Conclusion Genetic predicted higher CEC may be associated with decreased risk of CAD. However, the casual association of CEC with ischemic stroke and specific subtypes would need to be validated in further Mendelian randomization studies.
Where Actions Meet Outcomes: Medial Prefrontal Cortex, Central Thalamus, and the Basal Ganglia

Medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) interacts with distributed networks that give rise to goal-directed behavior through afferent and efferent connections with multiple thalamic nuclei and recurrent basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits. Recent studies have revealed individual roles for different thalamic nuclei: mediodorsal (MD) regulation of signaling properties in mPFC neurons, intralaminar control of cortico-basal ganglia networks, ventral medial facilitation of integrative motor function, and hippocampal functions supported by ventral midline and anterior nuclei. Large scale mapping studies have identified functionally distinct cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical subnetworks that provide a structural basis for understanding information processing and functional heterogeneity within the basal ganglia. Behavioral analyses comparing functional deficits produced by lesions or inactivation of specific thalamic nuclei or subregions of mPFC or the basal ganglia have elucidated the interdependent roles of these areas in adaptive goal-directed behavior. Electrophysiological recordings of mPFC neurons in rats performing delayed non-matching-to position (DNMTP) and other complex decision making tasks have revealed populations of neurons with activity related to actions and outcomes that underlie these behaviors. These include responses related to motor preparation, instrumental actions, movement, anticipation and delivery of action outcomes, memory delay, and spatial context. Comparison of results for mPFC, MD, and ventral pallidum (VP) suggest critical roles for mPFC in prospective processes that precede actions, MD for reinforcing task-relevant responses in mPFC, and VP for providing feedback about action outcomes. Synthesis of electrophysiological and behavioral results indicates that different networks connecting mPFC with thalamus and the basal ganglia are organized to support distinct functions that allow organisms to act efficiently to obtain intended outcomes.
Diffusion of Technology in the Teaching of Neuroanatomy in Times of Pandemic: A Medical and Academic Perspective on Learning

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused major changes in many sectors of society worldwide. The issue of medical education stands out since it had to adapt to the rules of social isolation, ensuing discussions about the computerization of teaching methodology, particularly in neuroanatomy. In particular, the latter showed satisfactory adaptability to new technologies and highly promising learning results. During this review, we aim to evaluate the current state of neuroanatomy teaching and evaluate the possibilities of incorporating technology into teaching–learning of human anatomy in a post-pandemic world.
Study of Mechanical Behavior in Epiphyseal Fracture Treated by Reduction and Cement Injection: No Immediate Post-Operative Weight-Bearing but Only Passive and Active Mobilization Should be Advised

The development of new percutaneous treatment techniques using a balloon for the reduction and cement for the stabilization for tibial plateau fractures (TPF) are promising. The biomechanical changes brought by the cement in the periarticular fracture are unknown. The objective of this study was to provide elements of understanding of the bone behavior in an epiphyseal fracture treated with cementoplasty and to define the modifications brought about by the presence of this cement in the bone from both an architectural and biomechanical point of view. In vitro animal experimentation was conducted. Bones samples were prepared with a cavity created with or without cancellous compaction, aided by balloon expansion following the same protocol as in the treatment of TPF. A uniaxial compression test was performed with various speeds and by using Heaviside Digital Image Correlation to measure mechanical fields. Preliminary finite element models were constructed with various boundary conditions to be compared to our experimental results. The analysis of the images permits us to obtain a representative load vs. time response, the displacement fields, and the strain distribution for crack initiation for each sample. Microcracks and discontinuity began very early at the interface bone/cement. Even when the global behavior was linear, microcracks already happened. There was no strain inside the cement. The finite element model that matched our experiments had no link between the two materials. In this work, the use of a novel correlation process highlighted the biomechanical role of the cement inside the bone. This demonstrated that there is no load transfer between bone and cement. After the surgery, the cement behaves like a rigid body inside the cancellous bone (same as a screw or plate). The cement provides good reduction and primary stabilization (mini-invasive approach and good stress distribution), permitting the patient to undergo rehabilitation with active and passive mobilization, but no weight-bearing should be authorized while the cortical bone is not consolidated or stabilized.
Development of Storm Surge Inundation Model and Database for Enhanced Climate Services in Bangladesh

Bangladesh's vulnerability to storm surge and success in reducing their impacts on the coastal communities are well-known. However, global warming is expected to increase both the frequency and the intensity of tropical cyclones. Also, the country still lacks in good quality data and information that can offer enhanced services to effectively design coastal defense systems and adapt to climate changes. This study developed a storm surge inundation model and database using the available tropical cyclones' database and simulated inundation for the past 31 cyclones in the Bay of Bengal, near the coastal regions of Bangladesh. The model uses a suite of Delft3D hydrodynamic and Delft Dashboard cyclone models. The model was calibrated and validated for two major cyclones, namely Sidr and Aila, using the available data for different bed roughness, track sources, and wind drag coefficient conditions. The results suggested that spatially varying bed roughness and wind varying drag conditions provide a more reliable prediction of inundation over the coast. The results also show that historical track data from Indian Meteorological Department optimize the model performances. The inundation database indicates that depending on the intensity and location, tropical cyclones can cause the maximum inundation of 1–5 m in the coastal lands of Bangladesh. More than 70% of the storms lead to the maximum inundation of more than 2 m, and about 25 and 7% of the storms can cause the maximum inundation of more than 3 and 4 m, respectively. The study also discusses the potential applications and shares insights on the implications of the inundation database that can offer improved information for enhanced climate services in Bangladesh. The database can be advanced with information about sectoral loss and damage as well as citizen science that will not only provide necessary information to design coastal protection structures and emergency measurements but also contribute to build long-term climate adaptation plans in the data-scarce region.
Pathogenesis of Alcohol-Associated Fatty Liver: Lessons From Transgenic Mice

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a major public health issue that significantly contributes to human morbidity and mortality, with no FDA-approved therapeutic intervention available. The health burden of ALD has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been associated with a spike in alcohol abuse, and a subsequent increase in hospitalization rates for ALD. A key knowledge gap that underlies the lack of novel therapies for ALD is a need to better understand the pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to ALD initiation, particularly with respect to hepatic lipid accumulation and the development of fatty liver, which is the first step in the ALD spectrum. The goal of this review is to evaluate the existing literature to gain insight into the pathogenesis of alcohol-associated fatty liver, and to synthesize alcohol’s known effects on hepatic lipid metabolism. To achieve this goal, we specifically focus on studies from transgenic mouse models of ALD, allowing for a genetic dissection of alcohol’s effects, and integrate these findings with our current understanding of ALD pathogenesis. Existing studies using transgenic mouse models of ALD have revealed roles for specific genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolic pathways including fatty acid uptake, mitochondrial β-oxidation, de novo lipogenesis, triglyceride metabolism, and lipid droplet formation. In addition to reviewing this literature, we conclude by identifying current gaps in our understanding of how alcohol abuse impairs hepatic lipid metabolism and identify future directions to address these gaps. In summary, transgenic mice provide a powerful tool to understand alcohol’s effect on hepatic lipid metabolism and highlight that alcohol abuse has diverse effects that contribute to the development of alcohol-associated fatty liver disease.
A Compact Conformal Printed Dipole Antenna for 5G Based Vehicular Communication Applications

A novel and compact conformal printed dipole antenna with geometrical modifications in ground plane is proposed in this paper for 5G based vehicular communications and IoT applications. The proposed antenna consists of a printed dipole as defected ground structure and a staircase structured offset fed integrated balun to attain wideband operation. It yields a better −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 17.65 GHz and 2.24 GHz over the frequency ranges 24.3 to 41.95 GHz and 49.91 to 2.15 GHz. Antenna projects the peak gain of 6.81 dB with 98.82% of peak radiation efficiency. The measured results of the proposed model are in good agreement with the simulation obtained from HFSS. The conformal models of the proposed antenna are developed to embed the antenna in different curved surfaces on vehicular body. The analyzed conformal characteristics of the antenna support excellent constant reflection coefficient with respect to planar structure of the antenna over the operating band at different angles.
The Chinese Brief Cognitive Test: Normative Data Stratified by Gender, Age and Education

The aim of this study was to develop a brief version of cognitive assessment test for evaluating the efficacy of treatments targeting cognitive impairments in Chinese schizophrenia patients, to examine its reliability, and establish normative data. Stratified according to age, gender, and educational level, healthy adult subjects were recruited from fifteen institutions in seven administrative regions of China and 723 valid samples were obtained, of which 50 were retested. Generalized Linear Models were conducted to analyze the effects of age, sex, and education. There was no significant difference between genders, while significant effects were demonstrated respectively among age and education on the normative data of C-BCT. The Cronbach α of C-BCT is 0.75, and the test-retest reliability (ICC) ranged from 0.62 to 0.76. Normative data of C-BCT were generated by gender, age and education, and the effects of these demographic factors were analyzed. It revealed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability of C-BCT.
Uncovering ‘Hidden’ Signals: Previously Presumed Visual Signals Likely Generate Air Particle Movement

Wolf spiders within the genus Schizocosa have become a model system for exploring the form and function of multimodal communication. In terms of male signaling, much past research has focused on the role and importance of dynamic and static visual and substrate-borne vibratory communication. Studies on S. retrorsa, however, have found that female-male pairs were able to successfully mate in the absence of both visual and vibratory stimuli, suggesting a reduced or non-existent role of these signaling modalities in this species. Given these prior findings, it has been suggested that S. retrorsa males may utilize an additional signaling modality during courtship—air particle movement, often referred to as near-field sound—which they likely produce with rapid leg waving and receive using thin filiform sensory hairs called trichobothria. In this study, we tested the role of air-particle movement in mating success by conducting two independent sets of mating trials with randomly paired S. retrorsa females and males in the dark and on granite (i.e., without visual or vibratory signals) in two different signaling environments—(i) without (“No Noise”) and (ii) with (“Noise”) introduced air-particle movement intended to disrupt signaling in that modality. We also ran foraging trials in No Noise/Noise environments to explore the impact of our treatments on overall behavior. Across both mating experiments, our treatments significantly impacted mating success, with more mating in the No Noise signaling environments compared to the Noise environments. The rate of leg waving—a previously assumed visual dynamic movement that has also been shown to be able to produce air particle displacement—was higher in the No Noise than Noise environments. Across both treatments, males with higher rates of leg waving had higher mating success. In contrast to mating trials results, foraging success was not influenced by Noise. Our results indicate that artificially induced air particle movement disrupts successful mating and alters male courtship signaling but does not interfere with a female’s ability to receive and assess the rate of male leg waving.
Time Perception for Musical Rhythms: Sensorimotor Perspectives on Entrainment, Simulation, and Prediction

Neural mechanisms supporting time perception in continuously changing sensory environments may be relevant to a broader understanding of how the human brain utilizes time in cognition and action. In this review, we describe current theories of sensorimotor engagement in the support of subsecond timing. We focus on musical timing due to the extensive literature surrounding movement with and perception of musical rhythms. First, we define commonly used but ambiguous concepts including neural entrainment, simulation, and prediction in the context of musical timing. Next, we summarize the literature on sensorimotor timing during perception and performance and describe current theories of sensorimotor engagement in the support of subsecond timing. We review the evidence supporting that sensorimotor engagement is critical in accurate time perception. Finally, potential clinical implications for a sensorimotor perspective of timing are highlighted.
Editorial: Integration of Machine Learning and Computer Simulation in Solving Complex Physiological and Medical Questions

Department of Surgery, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, United States, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Medical School, Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
FACTORS RELATED TO FEMALE COMMERCIAL SEX WORKERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STI) PREVENTION

Background: Sexually transmitted infections are still a public health problem in the world, especially in developing countries such as Indonesia. The spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI) among female commercial sex workers cannot be eradicated but may be reduced through prevention efforts. Aims: This study aims to determine the factors related to female commercial sex workers’ attitude towards STI prevention. Methods: This study used quantitative research type with cross sectional approach and purposive sampling to obtain 66 respondents through questionnaire as study instrument. Data analysis used chi square statistical test. Results: The study revealed that 42.4% was in the young age, 50% had low education level, 54.5% had income more than minimum regional wage, 53% had good knowledge of STI Prevention, 65.2% had support from friends and landlady and 57.6% had good attitude. After the chi square test there was no significant relationship between age, education, income, and friends’ supports to attitude of commercial sex workers toward STI prevention. Knowledge was found as the only variable associated to commercial sex workers’ attitudes toward STI prevention. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was a significant relationship between knowledge and the attitude of respondents in the efforts of STIs prevention.
Editorial: Post Operative Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Radical Prostatectomy (RP) is a standard treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa). Approximately 30% of patients treated with RP for prostate cancers will experience biochemical recurrence (BCR) (1). Post-operative radiation therapy (RT) can be either offered immediately after the surgery in case of aggressive pathological featuresdefined adjuvant treatment or be proposed for patients experiencing BCR as an earlysalvage strategy (2–5). Thereby the management of the postoperative BCR is most often based on salvage radiotherapy (SRT) with or without the addition of hormone therapy (HT) (3–5). The indications for SRT +/HT are established in the setting of a rising PSA level, after a period where an undetectable PSA was achieved (2, 3). However, immediate SRT in case of detectable PSA immediately after RP, but also SRT when a macroscopic recurrence in the prostate bed is shown by functional images, are two issues which treatment options and prognosis are still unclear (4, 5). The present edition of Frontiers in Oncology focuses on the need to improve the outcome of men with high risk or recurrent prostate cancer. This edition also focuses on the need for multi-disciplinary collaboration to achieve this important overall oncological objective. The range of topics in this collection features contributions to summarize the best evidence for post operative radiation therapy and highlight emerging advances in this setting. Manuscripts will target the need to optimize detection of relapse with the use of new generation imaging in the idea to improve outcome by early identification and treatment of distant sites of recurrence (Renard-Penna et al.; Cailleteau et al.; Gonzalez-Moya et al.). The key question wether or not adjuvant RT still remains a routine indication of treatment or should it be replaced in all situation by early SRT will be discuss as well (Giraud et al.). Because combinations of ADT with other systemic therapies add to the complexity of managing these patients presenting BCR, SRT encompass an evolving landscape of options and emerging concepts (radiation dose, timing of SRT, addition of next generation HT or chemotherapy) will be highlighted (le Guevelou et al.). We hope that this collection of articles contributes to the need for interdisciplinary collaborations on this topic and will give radiation oncologist an ideal overview on how to manage this patients usually discussed and/or referred to our institutions. Finally, with the help of several experts, our goal was to enlarge the field of post-operative RT to a better personalized approach.
Flipped Well-Plate Hanging-Drop Technique for Growing Three-Dimensional Tumors

Three-dimensional (3D) tumor culture techniques are gaining popularity as in vitro models of tumoral tissue analogues. Despite the widespread interest, need, and present-day effort, most of the 3D tumor culturing methodologies have not gone beyond the inventors’ laboratories. This, in turn, limits their applicability and standardization. In this study, we introduce a straightforward and user-friendly approach based on standard 96-well plates with basic amenities for growing 3D tumors in a scaffold-free/scaffold-based format. Hanging drop preparation can be easily employed by flipping a universal 96-well plate. The droplets of the medium generated by the well-plate flip (WPF) method can be easily modified to address various mechanisms and processes in cell biology, including cancer. To demonstrate the applicability and practicality of the conceived approach, we utilized human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116) to first show the generation of large scaffold-free 3D tumor spheroids over 1.5 mm in diameter in single-well plates. As a proof-of-concept, we also demonstrate matrix-assisted tumor culture techniques in advancing the broader use of 3D culture systems. The conceptualized WPF approach can be adapted for a range of applications in both basic and applied biological/engineering research.