julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Is a further reduction of radiation exposure in scoliosis monitoring achievable using flat detector and pulsed fluoroscopy technology? - A feasibility study on human specimen
2020-07-21

<title>Abstract</title> Background: In the case of scoliosis therapy, frequent radiological monitoring of the spine is necessary. However, x-ray requires high radiation doses; therefore digital pulsed fluoroscopy with flat detector technique can be used alternatively. The latest developments in this technology lead to further dose reduction with an improved image quality. To evaluate the new system, we asked if there is a difference in dose area product (DAP) concerning the opening area (OA) and image quality settings (IQS). Further we wanted to investigate the inter-observer reliability using an established scoring system and correlate the DAP with the point value. Methods Therefore, we examined 4 cadaver spines (T1 to sacrum) with the flat detector technique using digital pulsed fluoroscopy and simulated the abdominal soft tissues with water bags. The images were merged calculating whole spine images from several digital single images and evaluated by 3 different investigators (spine surgeon, experienced pediatric radiologist, assistant physician) using an established scoring system. For comparison and validation of our model, we used digital radiography images of the cadaver spines. Results The values for the DAP increased from the small OA (33%; 0.56 μGy·m2) to the maximum OA (100%; 0.82 μGy·m2) by 45% (p = .003) and from low IQS (0.57 μGy·m2) to high IQS (0.84 μGy·m2) by 48% (p = .028). The inter-observer reliability was strong (3 vs. 1: ρ = .818; 3 vs. 2: ρ = .742; 2 vs. 1: ρ = .586; p &lt;.001), but there was no correlation between DAP and point value (ρ = -.053, p = .588). Despite the low DAP, the setting 33% OA achieved the best point values, therefore this setting is preferred. Conclusions Using a digital fluoroscopy system allows a significant reduction of radiation exposure for whole spine images by a factor of 7.5 (3.88 μGy·m2 to 0.5 μGy·m2) compared to slot-scanning x-ray (EOS).
Overview: Integrative and Comprehensive Understanding on Polar Environments (iCUPE) – concept and initial results
2020-07-22

Abstract. The role of polar regions is increasing in terms of megatrends such as globalization, new transport routes, demography, and the use of natural resources with consequent effects on regional and transported pollutant concentrations. We set up the ERA-PLANET Strand 4 project “iCUPE – integrative and Comprehensive Understanding on Polar Environments” to provide novel insights and observational data on global grand challenges with an Arctic focus. We utilize an integrated approach combining in situ observations, satellite remote sensing Earth observations (EOs), and multi-scale modeling to synthesize data from comprehensive long-term measurements, intensive campaigns, and satellites to deliver data products, metrics, and indicators to stakeholders concerning the environmental status, availability, and extraction of natural resources in the polar areas. The iCUPE work consists of thematic state-of-the-art research and the provision of novel data in atmospheric pollution, local sources and transboundary transport, the characterization of arctic surfaces and their changes, an assessment of the concentrations and impacts of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants and their cycling, the quantification of emissions from natural resource extraction, and the validation and optimization of satellite Earth observation (EO) data streams. In this paper we introduce the iCUPE project and summarize initial results arising out of the integration of comprehensive in situ observations, satellite remote sensing, and multi-scale modeling in the Arctic context.
Fox dietary ecology as a tracer of human impact on Pleistocene ecosystems
2020-07-22

Nowadays, opportunistic small predators, such as foxes (Vulpes vulpes and Vulpes lagopus), are well known to be very adaptable to human modified ecosystems. However, the timing of the start of this phenomenon in terms of human impact on ecosystems and of the implications for foxes has hardly been studied. We hypothesize that foxes can be used as an indicator of past human impact on ecosystems, as a reflection of population densities and consequently to track back the influence of humans on the Pleistocene environment. To test this hypothesis, we used stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N) of bone collagen extracted from faunal remains from several archaeological sites located in the Swabian Jura (southwest Germany) and covering a time range over three important cultural periods, namely the Middle Palaeolithic (older than 42,000 years ago) attributed to Neanderthals, and the early Upper Palaeolithic periods Aurignacian and Gravettian (42,000 to 30,000 years ago) attributed to modern humans. We then ran Bayesian statistic systems (SIBER, mixSIAR) to reconstruct the trophic niches and diets of Pleistocene foxes. We observed that during the Middle Palaeolithic period, when Neanderthals sparsely populated the Swabian Jura, the niches occupied by foxes suggest a natural trophic behavior. In contrast, during the early Upper Palaeolithic periods, a new trophic fox niche appeared, characterized by a restricted diet on reindeer. This trophic niche could be due to the consumption of human subsidies related to a higher human population density and the resulting higher impact on the Pleistocene environment by modern humans compared to Neanderthals. Furthermore, our study suggests that, a synanthropic commensal behavior of foxes started already in the Aurignacian, around 42,000 years ago.
Suprascapular Neuropathy around the Shoulder: A Current Concept Review
2020-07-22

Suprascapular neuropathy is an uncommon but increasingly recognized cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction due to nerve entrapment. The aim of this review is to summarize some important aspects of this shoulder pathology. An extensive research was performed on PubMed and Clinical Key. The goal was to collect all the anatomical, biomechanical and clinical studies to conduct an extensive overview of the issue. Attention was focused on researching the state of art of the diagnosis and treatment. A total of 59 studies were found suitable and included. This condition is more frequently diagnosed in over-head athletes or patients with massive rotator cuff tears. Diagnosis may be complex, whereas its treatment is safe, and it has a great success rate. Prompt diagnosis is crucial as chronic conditions have worse outcomes compared to acute lesions. Proper instrumental evaluation and imaging are essential. Dynamic compression must initially be treated non-operatively. If there is no improvement, surgical release should be considered. On the other hand, soft tissue lesions may first be treated non-operatively. However, surgical treatment by arthroscopic means is advisable when possible as it represents the gold standard therapy. Other concomitant shoulder lesions must be recognized and treated accordingly.
Retroperitoneal Fibrosis and its Differential Diagnoses: The Role of Radiological Imaging
2020-07-22

Background Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare disease with an incidence of 0–1/100 000 inhabitants per year and is associated with chronic inflammatory fibrosis of the retroperitoneum and the abdominal aorta. This article sheds light on the role of radiological imaging in retroperitoneal fibrosis, names various differential diagnoses and provides an overview of drug and surgical treatment options. Methods A literature search for the keywords “retroperitoneal fibrosis” and “Ormond’s disease” was carried out in the PubMed database between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2019 (n = 1806). Mainly original papers were selected, but also reviews, in English and German language, with a focus on publications in the last 10 years, without excluding older publications that the authors believe are relevant to the topic discussed in the review (n = 40). Results and Conclusion Ormond’s disease is a rare but important differential diagnosis for nonspecific back and flank pain. Imaging diagnostics using CT or MRI show a retroperitoneal mass, which must be differentiated from lymphoma, sarcoma, multiple myeloma and Erdheim-Chester disease. Patients have an excellent prognosis under adequate therapy. FDG-PET/CT or FDG-PET/MRT should be considered as potential modalities, as hybrid imaging can evaluate both the morphological changes and the inflammation. Key Points: Citation Format
Impact of haptic feedback on applied intracorporeal forces using a novel surgical robotic system—a randomized cross-over study with novices in an experimental setup
2020-07-22

Abstract Background Most currently used surgical robots have no force feedback; the next generation displays forces visually. A novel single-port robotic surgical system called FLEXMIN has been developed. Through an outer diameter of 38 mm, two instruments are teleoperated from a surgeon’s control console including true haptic force feedback. One additional channel incorporates a telescope, another is free for special instrument functions. Methods This randomized cross-over study analyzed the effect of haptic feedback on the application of intracorporeal forces. In a standardized experiment setup, the subjects had to draw circles with the surgical robot as gently as possible. The applied forces, the required time spans, and predefined error rates were measured. Results Without haptic feedback, the maximum forces (median/IQR) were 6.43 N/2.96 N. With haptic feedback, the maximum forces were lower (3.57 N/1.94 N, p &lt; 0.001). Also, the arithmetic means of the force progression ( p &lt; 0.001) and their standard deviations ( p &lt; 0.001) were lower. Not significant were the shorter durations and lower error rates. No sequence effect of force or duration was detected. No characteristic learning or fatigue curve was observed. Conclusions In the experiment setup, the true haptic force feedback can reduce the applied intracorporeal robotic force to one-half when considering the aspects maximum, means, and standard deviation. Other test tasks are needed to validate the influence of force feedback on surgical efficiency and safety.
LED Zappelin’: An open source LED controller for arbitrary spectrum visual stimulation and optogenetics during 2-photon imaging
2020-07-22

Two-photon (2P) microscopy is a cornerstone technique in neuroscience research. However, combining 2P imaging with spectrally arbitrary light stimulation can be challenging due to crosstalk between stimulation light and fluorescence detection. To overcome this limitation, we present a simple and low-cost electronic solution based on an ESP32 microcontroller and a TLC5947 LED driver to rapidly time-interleave stimulation and detection epochs during scans. Implemented for less than $100, our design can independently drive up to 24 arbitrary spectrum LEDs to meet user requirements. We demonstrate the utility of our stimulator for colour vision experiments on the <i>in vivo</i> tetrachromatic zebrafish retina and for optogenetic circuit mapping in <i>Drosophila</i>.
A pilot study: Auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) can be measured in human fetuses using fetal magnetoencephalography (fMEG)
2020-07-22

Ten out of 47 recordings were excluded due to technical problems or maternal movements. Analysis of the included 37 fetal recordings revealed a statistically significant response for the phase coherence between trials for the MF of 27 Hz but not for 42 Hz. An exploratory subgroup analysis moreover suggested an advantage in detectability for fetal behavioral state 2F (active asleep) compared to 1F (quiet asleep) detected using fetal heart rate. In conclusion, this pilot study is the first description of a method to detect human ASSRs in fetuses. The findings warrant further investigations of the developing fetal brain.
Drosophila, Chitin and Insect Pest Management
2020-07-22

Insects are a great menace in agriculture and vectors of human diseases. Hence, controlling insect populations is an important issue worldwide. A common strategy to control insects is the application of insecticides. However, insecticides entail three major problems. First, insecticides are chemicals that stress ecosystems and may even be harmful to humans. Second, insecticides are often unspecific and also eradicate beneficial insect species like the honeybee. Third, insects are able to develop resistance to insecticides. Therefore, the efficient generation of new potent insecticides and their intelligent delivery are the major tasks in agriculture. In addition, acceptance or refusal in society is a major issue that has to be considered in the application of a pest management strategy. In this paper, we unify two issues: 1) we illustrate that our molecular knowledge of the chitin synthesis and organization pathways may offer new opportunities to design novel insecticides that are environmentally harmless at the same time being specific to a pest species; and 2) we advocate that the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster may serve as an excellent model of insect to study the effects of insecticides at the genetic, molecular and histology level in order to better understand their mode of action and to optimize their impact. Especially, chitin synthesis and organization proteins and enzymes are excellently dissected in the fruit fly, providing a rich source for new insecticide targets. Thus, D. melanogaster offers a cheap, efficient and fast assay system to address agricultural questions, as has been demonstrated to be the case in bio-medical research areas.
In-Vitro Identification and In-Vivo Confirmation of DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Urothelial Cancer
2020-07-22

We identified DNA methylation targets specific for urothelial cancer (UC) by genome-wide methylation difference analysis of human urothelial (RT4, J82, 5637), prostate (LNCAP, DU-145, PC3) and renal (RCC-KP, CAKI-2, CAL-54) cancer cell lines with their respective primary epithelial cells. A large overlap of differentially methylated targets between all organs was observed and 40 Cytosine-phosphate-Guanine motifs (CpGs) were only specific for UC cells. Of those sites, two also showed high methylation differences (≥47%) in vivo when we further compared our data to those previously obtained in our array-based analyses of urine samples in 12 UC patients and 12 controls. Using mass spectrometry, we finally assessed seven CpG sites in this “bladder-specific” region of interest in urine samples of patients with urothelial (n = 293), prostate (n = 75) and renal (n = 23) cancer, and 143 controls. DNA methylation was significantly increased in UC compared to non-UC individuals. The differences were more pronounced for males rather than females. Male UC cases could be distinguished from non-UC individuals with &gt;30% sensitivity at 95% specificity (Area under the curve (AUC) 0.85). In summary, methylation sites highly specific in UC cell lines were also specific in urine samples of UC patients showing that in-vitro data can be successfully used to identify biomarker candidates of in-vivo relevance.
Performing a task jointly enhances the sound-induced flash illusion
2020-07-22

Our senses are stimulated continuously. Through multisensory integration, different sensory inputs may or may not be combined into a unitary percept. Simultaneous with this stimulation, people are frequently engaged in social interactions, but how multisensory integration and social processing interact is largely unknown. The present study investigated if, and how, the multisensory sound-induced flash illusion is affected by a social manipulation. In the sound-induced flash illusion, a participant typically receives one visual flash and two auditory beeps and she or he is required to indicate the number of flashes that were perceived. Often, the auditory beeps alter the perception of the flashes such that a participant tends to perceive two flashes instead of one flash. We tested whether performing a flash counting task with a partner (confederate), who was required to indicate the number of presented beeps, would modulate this illusion. We found that the sound-induced flash illusion was perceived significantly more often when the flash counting task was performed with the confederate compared with performing it alone. Yet, we no longer find this effect if visual access between the two individuals is prevented. These findings, combined with previous results, suggest that performing a multisensory task jointly—in this case an audiovisual task—lowers the extent to which an individual attends to visual information, which in turn affects the multisensory integration process.
Three spheres of stratification in how social origin relates to educational achievement: a large-scale analysis
2020-07-22

This paper proposes to broaden the focus of analysis when studying the importance of parental context for a child’s educational achievement and attainment. Research has assessed the relevance of social origin primarily in the form of effects of parental characteristics. However, two additional aspects require further attention: first, individual-level distributions of the respective characteristics, and second, the composition or associations of context characteristics at the family level. This means that, in fact, three spheres of stratification need to be considered when assessing social origin's relevance for education. Going beyond parent-specific effects, this paper compares 61 countries with regard to the relevance of parental context in children’s educational achievement. Using large-scale data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015 study, individual-level information on school students and their parents is used to derive country-specific macro-level indicators. These indicators are then used for comparative analyses. The analyses are also replicated using different measures for social origin and achievement. The results confirm that it is reasonable to consider various components when conceptualising and interpreting the level of origin-based inequality in education. There are marked international differences in the specific relevance of these components, but there are no clear associations between these dimensions.
Imaging biomarkers for motor outcome after stroke – should we include information from beyond the primary motor system?
2020-07-22

Abstract Hemiparesis is a common consequence of stroke to the primary motor system. Previous studies suggested that damage to additional brain areas might play a causal role in the occurrence and severity of hemiparesis and its recovery. Knowledge of these regions might be applied in the creation of imaging biomarkers for motor outcome prediction if lesion information from such areas carries predictive value. We assessed acute and chronic paresis of the upper limb in 102 patients with unilateral stroke. In a first experiment, the neural correlates of acute and chronic upper limb paresis were mapped by lesion behaviour mapping. Following the same approach, a lesion biomarker of corticospinal tract (CST) damage was mapped. This analysis served as an artificial control condition as the biomarker, by definition, is only causally related to damage of the CST. Mapping acute or chronic upper limb paresis implicated areas outside of the primary motor system. Likewise, mapping the CST lesion biomarker implicated several areas outside of the CST with high correspondence to areas associated with upper limb paresis. Damage to areas outside of the primary motor system thus might, to some degree, not play a causal role in hemiparesis. In a second experiment, we showed that lesion information from these areas outside of the primary motor system can be used to predict motor outcome. This was even the case for the CST lesion biomarker. Although the only causal source underlying the CST lesion biomarker was damage to the CST, lesion information that mainly included non-CST regions was able to predict the biomarker (non-significantly) better than information taken from only the CST itself. These findings suggest that simple theory-based biomarkers or qualitative rules to infer post-stroke outcome from imaging data might perform sub-optimally, as they do not consider the complexity of lesion data. Instead, high-dimensional models with data-driven feature selection strategies might be required.
Rapid genomic and phenotypic change in response to climate warming in a widespread plant invader
2020-07-23

Abstract Predicting plant distributions under climate change is constrained by our limited understanding of potential rapid adaptive evolution. In an experimental evolution study with the invasive common ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) we subjected replicated populations of the same initial genetic composition to simulated climate warming. Pooled DNA sequencing of parental and offspring populations showed that warming populations experienced greater genetic divergence from their parents, than control populations. In a common environment, offspring from warming populations showed more convergent phenotypes in seven out of nine plant traits, with later flowering and larger biomass, than plants from control populations. For both traits, we also found a significantly higher ratio of phenotypic to genetic differentiation across generations for warming than for control populations, indicating stronger response to selection under warming conditions. As a measure for evolutionary rate, the phenotypic and sequence divergence between generations were assessed using the Haldane metric. Our approach combining comparisons between generations (allochronic) and between treatments (synchronic) in an experimental evolutionary field study, and linking population genomic data with phenotyping analyses provided a powerful test to detect rapid responses to selection. Our findings demonstrate that ragweed populations can rapidly evolve in response to climate change within a single generation. Short‐term evolutionary responses to climate change may aggravate the impact of some plant invaders in the future and should be considered when making predictions about future distributions and impacts of plant invaders.
The CDK4/6-EZH2 pathway is a potential therapeutic target for psoriasis
2020-07-23

Psoriasis is a frequent, inflammatory skin disease characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and a disease-related infiltration of immune cells. Here, we identified a novel proinflammatory signaling pathway driven by cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and CDK6 and the methyltransferase EZH2 as a valid target for psoriasis therapy. Delineation of the pathway revealed that CDK4/6 phosphorylated EZH2 in keratinocytes, thereby triggering a methylation-induced activation of STAT3. Subsequently, active STAT3 resulted in the induction of IκBζ, which is a key proinflammatory transcription factor required for cytokine synthesis in psoriasis. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of CDK4/6 or EZH2 abrogated psoriasis-related proinflammatory gene expression by suppressing IκBζ induction in keratinocytes. Importantly, topical application of CDK4/6 or EZH2 inhibitors on the skin was sufficient to fully prevent the development of psoriasis in various mouse models by suppressing STAT3-mediated IκBζ expression. Moreover, we found a hyperactivation of the CDK4/6-EZH2 pathway in human and mouse psoriatic skin lesions. Thus, this study not only identifies a novel psoriasis-relevant proinflammatory pathway, but also proposes the repurposing of CDK4/6 or EZH2 inhibitors as a new therapeutic option for patients with psoriasis.