Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decreased cortical response to verbal working memory following sleep deprivation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To investigate the cerebral hemodynamic response to verbal working memory following sleep deprivation. DESIGN Subjects were scheduled for 3 functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning visits: an initial screening day (screening state), after a normal night of sleep (rested state), and after 30 hours of sleep deprivation (sleep-deprivation state). Subjects performed the Sternberg working memory task alternated with a control task during an approximate 13-minute functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. SETTING Inpatient General Clinical Research Center and outpatient functional magnetic resonance imaging center. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS Results from 33 men (mean age, 28.6 +/- 6.6 years) were included in the final analyses. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Subjects performed the same Sternberg working memory task at the 3 states within the magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Neuroimaging data revealed that, in the screening and rested states, the brain regions activated by the Sternberg working memory task were found in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Broca's area, supplementary motor area, right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, and the bilateral posterior parietal cortexes. After 30 hours of sleep deprivation, the activations in these brain regions significantly decreased, especially in the bilateral posterior parietal cortices. Task performance also decreased. A repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed that subjects at the screening and rested states had similar activation patterns, with each having significantly more activation than during the sleep-deprivation state. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that human sleep-deprivation deficits are not caused solely or even predominantly by prefrontal cortex dysfunction and that the paretal cortex, in particular, and other brain regions involved in verbal working memory exhibit significant sleep-deprivation vulnerability.
Substance P induces granulocyte infiltration through degranulation of mast cells.

Substance P, a potent vasodilatory neuropeptide, is released from peripheral nerve endings of sensory neurons by various stimuli. Although in vitro incubation of rat and human mast cells with substance P causes their degranulation, it is not known whether inflammatory changes induced by substance P are mediated by degranulation of mast cells. We investigated this point by using genetically mast cell-deficient WBB6F1-W/Wv and WCB6F1-Sl/Sld mice. The s.c. injection of substance P induced degranulation of mast cells in the skin of WBB6F1-+/+ mice, and then a marked eosinophil infiltration around the degranulated mast cells. However, WBB6F1-W/Wv and WCB6F1-Sl/Sld mice showed little or no eosinophil infiltration in the skin after the injection of substance P. When the mast cell deficiency of WBB6F1-W/Wv mice was rescued either systemically by bone marrow transplantation or locally by injection of cultured mast cells, injection of substance P induced the infiltration of eosinophils, suggesting that substance P-induced eosinophil infiltration was mediated through degranulation of mast cells.
The effects of multi-strain probiotic compound on symptoms and quality-of-life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Background: Evidence has shown beneficial effects of probiotics in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, there is still a lack of data in this regard. We evaluated the efficacy of a multi-strain probiotic compound on IBS symptoms and quality-of-life (QOL). Materials and Methods: Adult IBS patients (n0=132) were randomized to receive a probiotic compound containing seven bacteria species including Lactobacillus strains, Bifidobacterium strains and Streptococcus thermophiles or similar placebo, twice daily after a meal for 14 consecutive days. Improvement of IBS symptoms was assessed in categories of abdominal pain and distension and improvement of bowel habit. Improvement in patients QOL was assessed by the IBS-QOL instrument. Patients were evaluated for symptoms and QOL at baseline and then 1 month after completion of the treatment. Results: After treatment, there was a decrease in abdominal pain and distension severity in both probiotic and the placebo groups ( P<0.001), but there was no difference between the two groups in this regard ( P>0.05). Improvement in bowel habit was observed in 33.3% of the probiotic and 36.5% of the placebo group (P =0.910). There was no significant difference between the two groups in QOL after the treatment (P >0.05). Conclusions: We found no beneficial effects over placebo for a 2-week treatment with the above mentioned multi-strain probiotic compound in the treatment of IBS. Further, trials are yet required before a clear conclusion in this regards.
Age- and sex-associated modification of plasma melatonin concentrations in man. Relationship to pathology, malignant or not, and autopsy findings.

Plasma melatonin concentrations were determined in 757 unselected elderly patients aged 80.9 +/- 9.7 years. The daytime (8-9.30 h) plasma levels of melatonin were in the so-called normal range in only one third of the population whereas 65% of the subjects had abnormal levels of the hormone, most often decreased i.e. less than 0.17 nmol/l (53%) and sometimes increased i.e. 0.43 nmol/l or higher (12%). A control group of healthy elderly subjects showed the same distribution as the entire population. A sex-difference with significantly higher levels of plasma melatonin in elderly women was observed. With respect to pathology and autopsy findings high levels of the hormone correlated with cancer, chronic renal failure, cardiovascular disease, biological inflammatory syndrome and diabetes. Low levels correlated with neurologic disease, tobacco or alcohol addiction. However, some of these relations were found to be sex-related as they were observed in women but not in men. Our data indicate that pineal function seems to be often altered in elderly human subjects and suggest potential diagnostic applications of melatonin determination.
Baseline Predictors for Success Following Strategy-Based Cognitive Remediation Group Training in Schizophrenia

Abstract Our aim was to examine predictive variables associated with the improvement in cognitive, clinical, and functional outcomes after outpatient participation in REPYFLEC strategy-based Cognitive Remediation (CR) group training. In addition, we investigated which factors might be associated with some long-lasting effects at 6 months’ follow-up. Predictors of improvement after CR were studied in a sample of 29 outpatients with schizophrenia. Partial correlations were computed between targeted variables and outcomes of response to explore significant associations. Subsequently, we built linear regression models for each outcome variable and predictors of improvement. The improvement in negative symptoms at posttreatment was linked to faster performance in the Trail Making Test B. Disorganization and cognitive symptoms were related to changes in executive function at follow-up. Lower levels of positive symptoms were related to durable improvements in life skills. Levels of symptoms and cognition were associated with improvements following CR, but the pattern of resulting associations was nonspecific.
Using Digital Health Technology to Prevent and Treat Diabetes.

This year’s article on health information technology (HIT) illustrates the use of digital technology to prevent and treat diabetes by enabling consumer engagement, behavior change, and impact analytics. It provides a snapshot of current thinking about digital technology’s capabilities and capacity to deliver personalized interventions at scale. Early results are promising. A growing number of digital programs are clinically proven to improve health and lower the cost of care. And pioneering health-care organizations are offering these programs to members and patients as part of their new models for value-based care. Their success will drive other organizations—payers, providers, and employers—to make similar investments in health. In the modern health-care world, experts agree that ‘‘value’’ will be created by enabling health, not just delivering care. With today’s epidemic of diabetes, patients who use digital health technologies can benefit greatly from both short-term health improvements and long-term health self-management. The foundations have been laid with evidence-based programs. Now, more health-care organizations must embrace this population management strategy for health. As adoption increases, the next technology challenge will arise: consumer engagement at scale. This engagement will be digital: content-rich programs filled with social support to activate, educate, and engage consumers. Most of the articles included in this and prior ATTD Yearbook articles address the specifics of digital interventions once the person enrolls. But before enrollment, consumers must engage. And to engage consumers, one must understand their reasons for engaging and their expectations for results. These insights fall into the realm of digital marketing, rather than the domain of clinical programs. Using a multidisciplinary approach, digital engagement will be the next variable to solve in the equation for scalable digital health. Not for a lack of trying, we have been unable to find noteworthy articles presenting best practices for consumer engagement from outreach to enrollment. But the future looks quite bright for the science of marketing digital health interventions. Increasingly, ‘‘big data’’ is providing scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare providers, and administrators with the insights they need to predict consumer interests and personalize experiences throughout the entire behavior change process— from outreach to outcomes. Over the coming year, we will continue to search the health-care landscape to bring more innovations in digital health and diabetes prevention, from consumer engagement to population impact.
National Italian Register of Implantable Systems for Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): Analysis of Preliminary Data

The aim of this work is to assess quality of treatment and to monitor drawbacks of SCS implantation systems through a National Observational Center. Data were obtained through a questionnaire sent by post or via telephone to each patient. All patients were affected by chronic‐‘vascular’ and “neuropathic” pain. Questionnaires were handed out to 463 patients. So far the returned questionnaires have accounted for 72% (with men accounting for 58% and women for 42%). The data obtained concern the decade between 1988 and 1999.
Neuropsychological Profile of Children with Cryptogenic Localization Related Epilepsy

Up to one third of the epilepsy population consists of children with cryptogenic localization related epilepsy (CLRE). Unfortunately, the effect of CLRE on the development is still unclear. Behavioral and academic problems have been reported, but no conclusive study concerning the impact of CLRE on neuropsychological functioning is yet published. This study was a systematic cross-sectional open clinical and nonrandomized investigation, which included 68 children with CLRE. Several neuropsychological tests were analyzed and age-related normative values were used as reference. Differences between CLRE and reference values were tested with Paired-Samples t-tests. Z scores were computed to compare the different neuropsychological tests and to inspect whether a characteristic neuropsychological profile exists for CLRE. The Independent-Samples t-test was used to explore which epilepsy factors (seizure type, seizure frequency, age at onset, duration of epilepsy, and drug load) were influencing the cognitive profile of CLRE. There seems to be a characteristic cognitive profile for children with CLRE; children with CLRE experience cognitive difficulties on a wide range of areas—in particular, alertness, mental speed, and memory. Seizure type, seizure frequency, duration of epilepsy, and drug load do not influence this neuropsychological profile. Age at onset was an important risk factor; the earlier the age at onset, the worse the cognitive performance. In spite of the influence of age at onset, the revealed profile can be seen as a stable, independent of temporary factors, neuropsychological profile for children with CLRE.
Environmental effects on head and neck cancer in India.

e17059 Background: Head and neck cancer in India has unique demographic profile, environmental exposure, dietary habits, and personal and family history. METHODS 1,000 cases were analysed. RESULTS Males dominated (82%) in fifth (29%) and sixth (33%) decades. Majority was uneducated (76%) and poor. Passive tobacco smoking was seen in-house (85%) as well as in the work-place (80%). Approximately 69% smoked more than 100 cigarettes/bidis in their lifetime. Majority acquired regular smoking habit in second (73%) and third (18%) decades and continued smoking for more than 20 years (66%) with 10-20 cigarettes daily (range 1 to 43). However 30% never used tobacco. The main alternative forms were bidi (27%) and smokeless-tobacco chewing products (47%). A past history of cancer and the subsequent radiation treatment was found in 3% while GERD in 33%. Multivitamins/minerals for chemoprevention was used in 65% for 1 to 12 months. Alcohol consumption was seen in 26% where the age of initiation was in second and third decade and the total years of consumption mainly varied from 10-30 years. Having a predominant agriculture-based-economy, the majority of males (38%) were farmers with significant exposure to pesticides and fertilizers; while females predominantly housewifes (17%). The family history was appreciated in 1% with natural parents known in all. The most common sites involved were oral cavity (28%), oropharynx (30%), and larynx (32%). Majority presented with advanced stage (III = 39%; IV = 23%). The consumption of fruit and vegetable juice was less common as compared to fresh consumption as such. Green salads, potatoes, and fiber cereals were significantly used (4-6 times a week). Beans, peas, and corn was not common while beef and pork consumption rare owing . The 'staple' diet was wheat, rice, pulses with additional meat mainly in Muslims (once a day). The use of cooking oil, butter, eggs biscuits, cheese, cakes, and cookies was uncommon (less than once a week), but milk was abundant. CONCLUSIONS Hence, it seems that poor, education/literacy, poor socioeconomic status, tobacco smoking (passive and active) at an early age for prolonged duration, tobacco-related products and exposure to pesticides/fertilizers predispose Indian population for head and neck cancer, rather than a positive family history, dietary factors, radiation exposure, or alcoholism. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Localisation of NK1 receptor immunoreactivity to neurons and interstitial cells of the guinea‐pig gastrointestinal tract

Tachykinins, including substance P, neurokinin A, and neuropeptides K and γ, are expressed widely in the peripheral nervous system where they affect smooth muscle contraction, exocrine gland secretion, vascular permeability, and neurotransmission. Substance P, the preferred ligand for the NK1 receptor, is found in high concentrations in the enteric nervous system. In the present study, the localisation and distribution of the NK1 receptor was studied throughout the gastrointestinal tract of the guinea‐pig by using a polyclonal antiserum raised against the C‐terminal 15 amino acids of the NK1 receptor. Co‐localisation with other neuronal markers was examined in the ileum. Nerve cell bodies reactive for the NK1 receptor were found in the myenteric plexus of all regions and the submucous plexus of the small and large intestines. In the small intestine, the interstitial cells of Cajal were also immunoreactive. Immunoreactivity was largely confined to cell surfaces. Almost all immunoreactive myenteric nerve cells had Dogiel type I morphology, and most of these were immunoreactive for nitric oxide synthase, a transmitter of inhibitory neurons to the muscle and of descending interneurons. Neuropeptide Y‐containing secretomotor neurons in the submucous and myenteric plexuses also exhibited NK1 receptor immunoreactivity. NK1 receptors were present on a minority of tachykinin immunoreactive neurons of submucous ganglia. The results suggest that receptors on the longitudinal muscle might not be conventional NK1 receptors, that excitation of the circular muscle of the ileum is indirect, perhaps via the interstitial cells of Cajal, and that enteric inhibitory neurons may be excited via NK1 receptors. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rotavirus epidemiology and surveillance before vaccine introduction in Argentina, 2012–2014

Group A Rotavirus has been widely described as one of the most important infantile diarrheal pathogens worldwide. In Argentina, it is responsible for over 200,000 acute diarrhea cases and from 30 to 50 deaths annually in children under 5 years. The aim of this study is to analyze frequency, seasonality, age group distribution, and circulating genotypes based on data notified in the 2012–2014 period and in turn to assess the pre‐vaccine scenario, considering that rotavirus vaccine was introduced in 2015. Data were taken from the Viral Diarrhea Notification module of the Argentine SNVS‐SIVILA surveillance tool. Analyses of circulating genotypes were performed on rotavirus‐positive stool specimens by conventional binary characterization of the outermost capsid genes. Overall data showed rotavirus detection in about 25% of samples tested, and higher rates in children under 2 years old were observed. Rotavirus positive cases were distributed according to a typical winter seasonal pattern. A heterogeneous regional pattern of prevalence was also observed, with higher rates detected in the North region. Genotype co‐circulation and annual fluctuation were observed. In general, G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], and G12P[8] were the most frequently detected genotypes. This study represents the last survey taken of a population considered to be naïve. J. Med. Virol. 89:423–428, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PIN‐like ductal carcinoma of the prostate has frequent activating RAS/RAF mutations

Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia‐like (PIN‐like) ductal carcinoma is a rare tumour characterised by often cystically dilated glands architecturally resembling high‐grade PIN, but lacking basal cells. These tumours are frequently accompanied by grade group 1 acinar cancer and behave relatively indolently. In contrast, conventional ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate is an aggressive variant comparable to grade group 4 acinar cancer. Here, we used targeted next‐generation sequencing to molecularly profile PIN‐like ductal carcinoma cases at radical prostatectomy.
Loyalty Runs Deeper than Thread Count: An Exploratory Study of Gay Guest Preferences and Hotelier Perceptions

ABSTRACT Alongside many global businesses, hotels have recently shared in the movement to serve the gay market. If the perception of being gay-friendly is not the same for hoteliers and their gay guests, a marketing discrepancy may exist and loyalty of the gay segment could be at risk. To address this issue, a sample of 188 gay guests and 48 hoteliers was explored. Differences tests were conducted to evaluate the hotel attribute importance ratings of gay guests versus hoteliers when considering that segment. After conducting a factor analysis, a regression determined the impact of each factor on gay guest loyalty, with the social environment component having the greatest impact. Most importantly, hotels should support the gay community beyond simply offering a room, an intangible yet important display of social responsibility. This study augments previous hospitality research on the gay guest segment and provides avenues for future qualitative and quantitative studies.
Neurological Complications Related to Elective Orthopedic Surgery: Part 2: Common Hip and Knee Procedures

Many anesthesiologists may not be familiar with the rate of surgical neurological complications of the hip and knee procedures for which they are providing local anesthetic–based anesthesia and/or analgesia. Part 2 of this narrative review series on neurological complications of elective orthopedic surgery describes the mechanisms and likelihood of peripheral nerve injury associated with some of the most common hip and knee procedures, including arthroscopic hip and knee surgery and total hip and knee replacement. What’s New As the popularity of regional anesthesia continues to increase with the development of ultrasound guidance, anesthesiologists should have a thoughtful understanding of the nerves at risk of surgical injury during elective hip and knee procedures.
Fetal Microchimerism in the Maternal Mouse Brain: A Novel Population of Fetal Progenitor or Stem Cells Able to Cross the Blood–Brain Barrier?

We investigated whether fetal cells can enter the maternal brain during pregnancy. Female wild‐type C57BL/6 mice were crossed with transgenic Green Mice ubiquitously expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Green Mouse fetal cells were found in the maternal brain. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of genomic DNA for the EGFP gene showed that more fetal cells were present in the maternal brain 4 weeks postpartum than on the day of parturition. After an excitotoxic lesion to the brain, more fetal cells were detected in the injured region. The presence of fetal cells in the maternal brain was also confirmed by quantitative real‐time PCR for the sex‐determining region of the Y chromosome. Four weeks postpartum, EGFP‐positive Green Mouse fetal cells in the maternal brain were found to adopt locations, morphologies, and expression of immunocytochemical markers indicative of perivascular macrophage‐, neuron‐, astrocyte‐, and oligodendrocyte‐like cell types. Expression of morphological and immunocytochemical characteristics of neuron‐ and astrocyte‐like cell types was confirmed on identification of fetal cells in maternal brain by Y chromosome fluorescence in situ hybridization. Although further studies are required to determine whether such engraftment of the maternal brain has any physiological or pathophysiological functional significance, fetomaternal microchimerism provides a novel model for the experimental investigation of the properties of fetal progenitor or stem cells in the brain without prior in vitro manipulation. Characterization of the properties of these cells that allow them to cross both the placental and blood–brain barriers and to target injured brain may improve selection procedures for isolation of progenitor or stem cells for brain repair by intravenous infusion.