Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local Job Losses and Child Maltreatment: The Importance of Community Context

A growing body of literature suggests that economic downturns predict an increase in child maltreatment. However, to inform policies and practices to prevent and intervene in child maltreatment, it is necessary to identify how, when, and under what conditions community-level economic conditions affect child maltreatment. In this study, we use North Carolina administrative data from 2006 to 2011 on child maltreatment reports and job losses to distinguish effects on maltreatment frequency from effects on severity, identify the timing of these effects, and test whether community characteristics moderate these effects. To isolate effects of unanticipated job losses and to control for potential confounding factors, we use a fixed effects regression approach. We find that, though job losses did not affect the frequency of reports, job losses increased the share of reports that were relatively severe. This effect endured for 9 months following job losses and was only evident in economically disadvantaged communities.
New Systemic Treatments in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The principal advancements in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the use of new systemic treatments, such as lenvatinib in first‐line treatment and regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab in second‐line treatment, because of their benefits in terms of overall survival. In addition, nivolumab as a second‐line agent was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017 based on improved radiological response data. Physicians and patients alike will greatly benefit from this expanded arsenal of treatments once all these new drugs for the treatment of HCC finally become available. Unfortunately, in our review of the available data, we found a conspicuous lack of approved systemic treatments for HCC in the distinct setting of after liver transplantation (LT). Careful evaluation of the clinical trials for approved systemic treatments of HCC is crucial when considering the best options for those with HCC recurrence after LT. Although several first‐line or second‐line treatments have been shown to be effective for HCC, each of these trials was composed of its own specific populations, and those with HCC recurrence after LT were excluded. We have also summarized from a critical and clinical point of view the issues involved in the management of patients who are candidates for systemic treatment in this era of multiple drugs for the same indication.
Immuno-informatics Analysis to Identify Novel Vaccine Candidates and Design of a Multi-Epitope Based Vaccine Candidate Against Theileria parasites

Theileriosis poses a serious threat to ruminants in tropical and subtropical countries. It is a tick-borne disease, caused by an apicomplexan parasite, Theileria. The high disease burden in animals causes huge economic losses to marginal farmers. Further, with increasing cases of resistance to commonly used drugs, it is highly desirable to develop better and cost-effective vaccines against theileriosis. The only available vaccine, live attenuated parasite vaccine, has many drawbacks and hence is unsuitable for controlling this disease. Immuno-informatics has emerged as a useful tool in down selection of potential molecules for vaccine development. In this study, we have used an immuno-informatics driven genome-wide screening strategy to identify potential vaccine targets containing important and effective dominant immunogens against Theileria. The proteome of Theileria annulata was screened for proteins with probability of plasma membrane localization or GPI anchor. The proteins non-homologous to the host (bovine) were selected and their antigenicity was analyzed. The B-cell epitopes were identified in the selected proteins and mapped in the modeled structure of the proteins. A total of 19 linear epitopes in 12 proteins, exposed in the extracellular space and having the potential to induce protective antibodies were obtained. Additionally, CTL epitopes which are peptides with 9-mer core sequence, were also identified, modeled and docked with bovine MHC-I structures. The CTL epitopes showing high binding energy with the bovine MHC-I were further engineered in silico to design a putative multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Theileria parasites. The docking studies and molecular dynamics studies with the predicted multi-epitope vaccine candidate and modeled bovine TLR4 exhibited strong binding energy, suggesting that the complex is stable and the putative multi-epitope vaccine candidate can be a potentially good candidate for vaccine development.
Detecting over-reporting of symptoms: the French version of the self-report symptom inventory

Abstract Objective: Symptom exaggeration and malingering are core issues in forensic and clinical evaluation. Generally, experts use two main types of instruments to assess the credibility of symptoms: performance validity tests that aim to detect underperformance and self-report validity tests that appraise over-reporting of symptoms. However, while many tools can be used to assess underperformance, far fewer instruments are available to evaluate over-reporting of symptoms. Methods: In this study, we adapted the Self-Report Symptom Inventory (SRSI) for use with French-speaking participants and tested its psychometric properties on a sample of 575 healthy adults (aged from 18 to 65 years), alongside various smaller subgroups. Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a two-factor structure for the scale, with a first factor including items questioning genuine symptoms and a second factor including items questioning bizarre or rare symptoms (i.e., pseudosymptoms). Additional analyses emphasized the SRSI’s excellent internal reliability and good convergent validity. Furthermore, our results revealed that both the symptom and pseudosymptom subscales were able to discriminate between participants who were asked to feign cognitive impairments (i.e., malingerers), healthy controls, and patients with genuine cognitive symptoms. Conclusion: Overall, these results suggest that the SRSI may be considered a promising tool to assess the credibility of symptoms in patients evaluated in forensic contexts.
Estradiol‐17β stimulates H2S biosynthesis by ER‐dependent CBS and CSE transcription in uterine artery smooth muscle cells in vitro

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S), synthesized by cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE), is a potent vasodilator that can be stimulated by estradiol‐17β (E 2β) in uterine artery (UA) smooth muscle (UASMC) in vivo; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. This study tested a hypothesis that E 2β stimulates H 2S biosynthesis by upregulating CBS expression via specific estrogen receptor (ER). Treatment with E 2β stimulated time‐ and concentration‐ dependent CBS and CSE messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions, and H 2S production in cultured primary UASMC isolated from late pregnant ewes, which were blocked by ICI 182,780. Treatment with specific ERα or ERβ agonist mimicked these E 2β‐stimulated responses, which were blocked by specific ERα or ERβ antagonist. Moreover, E 2β activated both CBS and CSE promoters and ICI 182,780 blocked the E 2β‐stimulated responses. Thus, E 2β stimulates H 2S production by upregulating CBS and CSE expression via specific ER‐dependent transcription in UASMC in vitro.
Assessment of cognitive-driven activity of daily living impairment in non-demented Parkinson's patients.

The core criterion for Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) is the impairment in activities of daily living (ADL) function primarily caused by cognitive, not motor symptoms. There is evidence to assume that mild ADL impairments in mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) characterize those patients at high risk for dementia. Data of 216 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients assessed with comprehensive motor and neuropsychological assessments were analysed. Based on linear regression models, subscores of the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) primarily reflecting patients' global cognitive status (FAQC ) or PD-related motor severity (FAQM ) were developed. A quotient (FAQQ ) of both scores was calculated, with values >1 indicating more cognitive- compared to motor-driven ADL impairment. Both FAQC and FAQM scores were higher in PD-MCI than cognitively normal (PD-CN) patients, indicating more severe cognitive- and motor-driven ADL impairments in this group. One third (31.6%) of the PD-MCI group had a FAQQ score >1, which was significantly different from patients with PD-CN (p = .02). PD-MCI patients with an FAQQ score >1 were more impaired on tests assessing attention (p = .019) and language (p = .033) compared to PD-MCI patients with lower FAQQ values. The differentiation between cognitive- and motor-driven ADL is important, as the loss of functional capacity is the defining factor for a diagnosis of PDD. We were able to differentiate the cognitive-driven from the motor-driven ADL impairments for the FAQ. PD-MCI patients with more cognitive- compared to motor-driven ADL impairments may pose a risk group for conversion to PDD and can be targeted for early treatments.
Whole-body vibration training improves the balance ability and leg strength of athletic throwers.

BACKGROUND Physical strength improvements have been observed with whole-body vibration training (WBVT); however, the appropriate load and duration have not been determined. Furthermore, studies on WBVT in throwing athletes, for whom power training is important, are lacking. Therefore, we examined the effectiveness of lower limb training by WBVT in male throwing athletes. METHODS Fourteen male throwing athletes were enrolled. Lower limbs training (squat, single-leg squat, forward lunge, and side lunge) was performed with WBVT (n=7) or without WBVT (n=7). Training was conducted three times a week for a total of eight weeks (four weeks at 30 Hz for 40 s, then four weeks at 50 Hz for 60 s for the WBVT group). Jump performance, lower limb muscular strength, and balancing ability were assessed before, at the mid-point, and after training. RESULTS Significant improvement in the vertical jump was only observed in the WBVT group (pre- vs post-training: P<0.05; pre- vs mid-training: P <0.01). In the WBVT group, significant improvements were observed in 26 out of 32 balancing ability assessments. In contrast, only two such assessments significantly improved in the Control group. In the WBVT group, a significant improvement of 5% was observed in left and right extension for the knee joint isokinetic muscle force test with an angular velocity of 60 deg/s. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that lower limb training with WBVT improves leg muscle strength and balancing ability in athletic throwers. In particular, dynamic balancing ability is increased, with significant improvement in the left and right legs.
LIN28A activates the transcription of NANOG in dairy goat male germline stem cells

LIN28A serves as a crucial marker of dairy goat male germline stem cells (GmGSCs). In our previous study, we demonstrated that LIN28A promotes proliferation, self‐renewal, and maintains the stemness of GmGSCs. Here, we found that LIN28A could activate the transcription of NANOG in a let‐7g independent manner. We cloned the 5′ upstream of two NANOG genes which were located on chromosome 15 ( NANOG‐ch15) and chromosome 5 ( NANOG‐ch5), respectively, and then examined their promoter activities and promoter methylation levels. Results showed that NANOG‐ch15 is a pseudogene whereas NANOG‐ch5 is active in Capra hircus. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the 5′ upstream region of NANOG‐ch5 does not have typical CpG islands but contains several CG enrichment regions and several LIN28A binding sites. Deletion analysis suggested that NANOG‐ch5 promoter can be activated by LIN28A directly binding to the site ‐210 but not by the indirect effect from the inhibition of let‐7g, which is known to be downregulated by LIN28A. Mechanistically, LIN28A recruits and interacts with 5‐methylcytosine‐dioxygenase Ten‐Eleven translocation 1 (TET1) to NANOG‐ch5 gene promoter binding sites to orchestrate 5‐methylcytosine and 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine dynamics. These results revealed the role of LIN28A in NANOG transcriptional regulation via epigenetic DNA modifications to maintain the stemness of GmGSC.
Trajectories of childhood immune development and respiratory health relevant to asthma and allergy

Events in early life contribute to subsequent risk of asthma; however, the causes and trajectories of childhood wheeze are heterogeneous and do not always result in asthma. Similarly, not all atopic individuals develop wheeze, and vice versa. The reasons for these differences are unclear. Using unsupervised model-based cluster analysis, we identified latent clusters within a prospective birth cohort with deep immunological and respiratory phenotyping. We characterised each cluster in terms of immunological profile and disease risk, and replicated our results in external cohorts from the UK and USA. We discovered three distinct trajectories, one of which is a high-risk ‘atopic’ cluster with increased propensity for allergic diseases throughout childhood. Atopy contributes varyingly to later wheeze depending on cluster membership. Our findings demonstrate the utility of unsupervised analysis in elucidating heterogeneity in asthma pathogenesis and provide a foundation for improving management and prevention of childhood asthma.
Dimethyl fumarate and teriflunomide for multiple sclerosis in a real‐life setting: a French retrospective cohort study

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and teriflunomide are approved oral disease‐modifying treatments for relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Phase 3 trials established these agents to be effective and generally well tolerated, although comparative efficacy and discontinuation rates are still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess real‐world efficacy and discontinuation of DMF and teriflunomide in patients with relapsing‐remitting MS.
Diagnostic performance of thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) alone and in combination with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for the characterization of thyroid nodules.

BACKGROUND The thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS), classified and determined the risk of thyroid nodule malignancy with ultrasound scanning. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is newly developed methods which could measure perfusion features. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate the value of diagnosing thyroid nodules using TI-RADS combined with CEUS and determine whether improvements were made to the diagnostic accuracy. METHODS The features of conventional ultrasonography (US) and CEUS ion 117 case of thyroid nodules samples, which were confirmed by fine-needle aspiration and/or surgery, were retrospectively analyzed. The independent US and CEUS predictors for malignancy were determined and quantified using logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to compare the diagnostic efficiency of each method in predicting malignant solid thyroid nodules. RESULTS The TI-RADS + CEUS combination had the highest accuracy (94.02%), sensitivity (94.74%), specificity (93.33%), PPV (93.10%) and NPV (94.92%), significantly greater than that of TI-RADS alone and CEUS alone (χ2 = 8.746, P < 0.001; χ2 = 9.825, P < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of TI-RADS alone, CEUS alone, and combined use of TI-RADS and CEUS were 0.871, 0.884, and 0.942, respectively. The following conventional US and CEUS features based on logistic regression analysis showed significant predictive value for thyroid malignant nodules: Obscure margin, calcification, hypoechoic, low enhancement, rim-like enhancement. CONCLUSIONS TI-RADS in combination with CEUS has superior diagnostic efficiency in the discrimination of benign and malignant thyroid lesions, compared with TI-RADS and CEUS alone.
Gram‐Positive and Gram‐Negative Antibiotic Activity of Asymmetric and Monomeric Robenidine Analogues

Desymmetrisation of robenidine (1: N′,2‐bis((E)‐4‐chlorobenzylidene)hydrazine‐1‐carboximidhydrazide) and the introduction of imine alkyl substituents gave good antibiotic activity. Of note was the increased potency of two analogues against vancomycin‐resistant Enterococci (VRE), one of which returned a MIC of 0.5 μg mL−1. Five analogues were found to be equipotent or more potent than the lead 1. Introduction of an indole moiety resulted in the most active robenidine analogue against methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), with a MIC of 1.0 μg mL−1. Imine C=NH isosteres (C=O/C=S) were inactive. Monomeric analogues were 16–64 μg mL−1 active against MRSA and VRE. An analogue that lacks the terminal hydrazide NH moiety showed modest Gram‐negative activity at 64 μg mL−1. A 4‐tert‐butyl analogue was shown to be active against both Gram‐positive and ‐negative strains at 16–64 μg mL−1. In general, additional modifications with aromatic moieties was poorly tolerated, except with concomitant introduction of an imine C‐alkyl group. The activity of these analogues against MRSA and VRE ranged from 8 μg mL−1 to inactive (MIC>128 μg mL−1) with the naphthyl and indole analogues. Gram‐negative activity was most promising with two compounds at 16 μg mL−1 against E. coli. Against P. aeruginosa, the highest activity observed was with MIC values of 32 μg mL−1 with another two analogues. Combined, these findings support the further development of the (E)‐2‐benzylidenehydrazine‐1‐carboximidamide scaffold as a promising scaffold for the development of antibiotics against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative strains.
Electronic Cigarettes: Impact on Lung Function and Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Among Healthy Adults

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are rapidly becoming an alternative form of nicotine consumption worldwide and a disruptive element in the global health diplomacy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of e-cigarettes on lung function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) among young healthy male adults. Sixty apparently healthy male volunteers were recruited and divided into two groups. Group 1 (e-cigarette-exposed group) consisted of 30 males who were daily e-cigarette users (age 27.07 ± 6.00 [mean ± SD] years). Group 2 (control group) consisted of 30 males who were not e-cigarette users (age 25.90 ± 7.72 [mean ± SD] years). Both groups were neither current nor former traditional tobacco users. Age, ethnicity, height, weight, and socioeconomic status were considered using a matched design to investigate the impact of e-cigarette use on lung function and FeNO. The lung function test parameters that were found to be significantly decreased in e-cigarette users compared to their control group were forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced expiratory ratio (FEV1/FVC), forced expiratory flow—25% (FEF25%), forced expiratory flow—50% (FEF50%), forced expiratory flow—75% (FEF75%), forced expiratory flow—25%–75% (FEF25%–75%), and forced expiratory flow—75%–85% (FEF75%–85%). FeNO was also decreased in e-cigarette users, but it did not reach the level of significance. The use of e-cigarettes significantly impaired various lung function parameters and the pattern of impairment exhibited a peripheral obstructive airway involvement. These findings have a general message for the global health community on the potential harm of e-cigarettes on lung function.
The Best Option in Treatment of Modified Mason Type III Radial Head Fractures: Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Versus Radial Head Excision.

Background Radial head fractures commonly occur during elbow traumas. Among those, treatment of Mason type III fractures is still under controversy. Common treatment methods for these fractures include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) as well as radial head excision. In this study, we compared long-term outcomes of both methods in treatment of patients with Mason type III fractures of radial head. Methods Fifteen men and five women with Mason type III radial head fractures were evaluated retrospectively. Ten patients had undergone excision whereas the other ten patients had been treated with ORIF. Outcomes were assessed based on stability and range of motion of the elbow joint, grip strength, and pain. Data were gathered using Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI), Oxford elbow score, and disability of arm-shoulder-hand (DASH), along with the short form (SF)-36 questionnaire. Results The mean age of the subjects was 36.25±9.22 years and the mean follow-up time was 25.05±11.43 months. The ranges of extension and supination, and frequency of pain reporting was significantly different between the groups. The average grip strength in the operated side was significantly higher in the ORIF group, compared with the excision (P= 0.03). Ten (100%) patients of ORIF group and 5 (50%) patients of excision group had elbow joint stability (P=0.01). Mean MEPI and DASH scores were significantly higher in ORIF group (P<0.001 and =0.04, respectively). Conclusion The results are in favor of ORIF method. Therefore, this method is recommended and preferred over excision in treating radial heads with Mason type III fracture.
Risk Factors for Seizures Among Young Children Monitored With Continuous Electroencephalography in Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Study

Objective: cEEG is an emerging technology for which there are no clear guidelines for patient selection or length of monitoring. The purpose of this study was to identify subgroups of pediatric patients with high incidence of seizures. Study Design: We conducted a retrospective study on 517 children monitored by cEEG in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a children's hospital. The children were stratified using an age threshold selection method. Using regression modeling, we analyzed significant risk factors for increased seizure risk in younger and older children. Using two alternative correction procedures, we also considered a relevant comparison group to mitigate selection bias and to provide a perspective for our findings. Results: We discovered an approximate risk threshold of 14 months: below this threshold, the seizure risk increases dramatically. The older children had an overall seizure rate of 18%, and previous seizures were the only significant risk factor. In contrast, the younger children had an overall seizure rate of 45%, and the seizures were significantly associated with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE; p = 0.007), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH; p = 0.005), and central nervous system (CNS) infection (p = 0.02). Children with HIE, ICH, or CNS infection accounted for 61% of all seizure patients diagnosed through cEEG under 14 months. Conclusions: An extremely high incidence of seizures prevails among critically ill children under 14 months, particularly those with HIE, ICH, or CNS infection.