Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Valence-encoding in the lateral habenula arises from the entopeduncular region

Lateral habenula (LHb) neurons are activated by negative motivational stimuli and play key roles in the pathophysiology of depression. Prior reports suggested that rostral entopeduncular nucleus (rEPN) neurons drive these responses in the LHb and rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg), but these influences remain untested. Using rabies viral tracers, we demonstrate disynaptic projections from the rEPN to RMTg, but not VTA, via the LHb in rats. Using in vivo electrophysiology, we find that rEPN or LHb subpopulations exhibit activation/inhibition patterns after negative/positive motivational stimuli, similar to the RMTg, while temporary inactivation of a region centered on the rEPN decreases LHb basal and burst firing, and reduces valence-related signals in LHb neurons. Additionally, excitotoxic rEPN lesions partly diminish footshock-induced cFos in the LHb and RMTg. Together, our findings indicate an important role of the rEPN, and possibly immediately adjacent hypothalamus, in driving basal activities and valence processing in LHb and RMTg neurons.
Exosomes Derived From Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit Complement Activation In Rats With Spinal Cord Injury

Purpose Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a relatively common, devastating traumatic condition resulting in permanent disability. In this study, the use of exosomes derived from bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs-Exo) as a cell-free therapy for the treatment of SCI in rats was investigated to gain insights into their mechanisms of action. Methods Rats were randomly divided into three groups, Sham (treated with PBS), SCI (SCI injury + PBS) and SCI + Exo (SCI injury + BMSCs-Exo). Changes in the complement system between the three groups were assessed with the use of proteomics. The proteomic data were verified using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, the distributions of BMSCs-Exo in rats with SCI were detected by immunofluorescence. Moreover, SCI-activated NF-κB levels were determined using Western blot. Results SCI insult increased complement levels, including C4, C5, C6, C4 binding protein alpha and complement factor H. In contrast, the SCI + BMSCs-Exo group exhibited attenuated SCI-induced complement levels. Immunofluorescence assay results revealed that BMSCs-Exo mainly accumulated at the spinal cord injury site and were bound to microglia cells. Western blot analysis of tissue lysates showed that BMSCs-Exo treatment also inhibited SCI-activated nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Conclusion BMSCs-Exo play a protective role in spinal cord injury by inhibiting complement mRNA synthesis and release and by inhibiting SCI-activated NF-κB by binding to microglia.
Pretransplant dialysis modality and long‐term patient and kidney allograft outcome: a 15‐year retrospective single‐centre cohort study

Among factors determining long‐term kidney allograft outcome, pretransplant renal replacement therapy (RRT) is the most easily modifiable. Previous studies analysing RRT modality impact on patient and graft survival are conflicting. Studies on allograft function are scarce, lack sufficient size and follow‐up. We retrospectively studied patient and allograft survival together with allograft function and its decline in 2277 allograft recipients during 2000–2014. Pretransplant RRT modality ≥60 days as grouped into “no RRT” (n = 136), “haemodialysis (HD)” (n = 1847), “peritoneal dialysis (PD)” (n = 159), and “HD + PD” (n = 135) was evaluated. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated superior 5‐/10‐/15‐year patient (93.0/81.8/73.1% vs. 86.2/71.6/49.8%), death‐censored graft (90.8/85.4/71.5% vs. 84.4/75.2/63.2%), and 1‐year rejection‐free graft survival (73.8% vs. 63.8%) in PD versus HD patients. Adjusted Cox regression revealed 34.5% [1.5–56.5%] lower hazards of death, whereas death‐censored graft loss was similar [HR = 0.707 (0.469–1.064)], and rejection was less frequent [HR = 0.700 (0.508–0.965)]. Allografts showed higher 1‐/3‐/5‐year estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in “PD” versus “HD” groups. Living donation benefit for allograft function was most pronounced in groups “no RRT” and “PD”. Functional allograft decline (eGFR slope) was lowest for “PD”. Allograft recipients on pretransplant PD versus HD demonstrated superior all‐cause patient and rejection‐free graft survival along with better allograft function (eGFR).
A Versatile Porous Silver-Coordinated Material for the Heterogeneous Catalysis of Chemical Conversion with Propargylic Alcohols and CO2

The efficient transformation of carbon dioxide into useful chemical feedstock is of great significance, attracting intense research interest. The widely studied porous-coordinated polymers possess large pores to adsorb guest molecules and further allow the contact and to transfer the substrate molecule within their microenvironment. Here we present the synthesis of a silver-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) material with a three-dimensional structure by incorporating a tetraphenyl-ethylene moiety as the four-point connected node via the solvothermal method. This polymer exhibits as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the carboxylative cyclization of CO2 to α-methylene cyclic carbonates in excellent yields. Moreover, the introduction of silver (Ag (I)) chains in this framework shows the specific alkynophilicity to activate C≡C bonds in propargylic alcohols to greatly accelerate the efficient conversion, and the large pores in the catalyst exhibit a size-selective catalytic performance.
Sexting and Psychological Distress: The Role of Unwanted and Coerced Sexts

Sexting (e.g., conveying nude electronic images) is now common among young adults. Despite leading to negative consequences for some (e.g., harassment and unwanted dissemination), findings regarding sexting behaviors and mental health variables have been mixed. We recruited a convenience sample of young adults (N = 444, M age = 20, SD = 1) to test the hypothesis that sexting might be associated with poorer mental health. Our results showed no association between receiving or sending sexts overall. However, receiving unwanted sexts, or sexting under coercion, was associated with higher depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, and lower self-esteem, and these two sexting experiences were independent predictors of psychological distress. The relationship between these sexting behaviors with poor mental health was moderated by gender, with poorer outcomes for males receiving unwanted sexts. These findings indicate a possible moderating factor in sexting and mental health.
Leukemia stem cell immunophenotyping tool for diagnostic, prognosis, and therapeutics

The existence of cancer stem cells is debatable in numerous solid tumors, yet in leukemia, there is compelling evidence of this cell population. Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are altered cells in which accumulating genetic and/or epigenetic alterations occur, resulting in the transition between the normal, preleukemic, and leukemic status. These cells do not follow the normal differentiation program; they are arrested in a primitive state but with high proliferation potential, generating undifferentiated blast accumulation and a lack of a mature cell population. The identification of LSCs might guide stem cell biology research and provide key points of distinction between these cells and their normal counterparts. The identification and characterization of the main features of LSCs can be useful as tools for diagnosis and treatment. In this context, the aim of the present review was to connect immunophenotype data in the main types of leukemia to further guide technical improvements.
Ammonium Gemini Surfactants Form Complexes with Model Oligomers of siRNA and dsDNA

Dimeric cationic surfactants (gemini-type) are a group of amphiphilic compounds with potential use in gene therapy as effective carriers for nucleic acid transfection (i.e., siRNA, DNA, and plasmid DNA). Our studies have shown the formation of lipoplexes composed of alkanediyl-α,ω-bis[(oxymethyl)dimethyldodecylammonium] chlorides and selected 21-base-pair nucleic acid (dsDNA and siRNA) oligomers. To examine the structure and physicochemical properties of these systems, optical microscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD), small-angle X-ray scattering of synchrotron radiation (SR-SAXS), and agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) were used. The lengths of spacer groups of the studied surfactants had a significant influence on the surfactants’ complexing properties. The lowest charge ratio (p/n) at which stable lipoplexes were observed was 1.5 and the most frequently occurring microstructure of these lipoplexes were cubic and micellar phases for dsDNA and siRNA, respectively. The cytotoxicity tests on HeLa cells indicated the non-toxic concentration of surfactants to be at approximately 10 µM. The dicationic gemini surfactants studied form complexes with siRNA and dsDNA oligomers; however, the complexation process is more effective towards siRNA. Therefore these systems could be applied as transfection systems for therapeutic nucleic acids.
Perioperative acupuncture medicine: a novel concept instead of acupuncture anesthesia

Objective: To confirm that acupuncture applied to patients would improve the clinical curative effect and accelerate the patient's recovery by introducing the application of acupuncture in pre-operation, during operation, and post-operation. Data sources: Literature cited in this review was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and was primarily published in English or Chinese from 2010 to 2018, with keywords of “acupuncture,” “electroacupuncture,” “perioperative period,” “sedation,” “analgesia,” and “recovery. ” Relevant citations in the retrieved articles were also screened to include more data. Study selection: All retrieved literature was scrutinized, most typical articles related on perioperative acupuncture application in clinical study were reviewed. Results: Acupuncture could relieve anxiety and stress during the preoperative stage. It reduces the usage of narcotics and stress response, and maintains the respiratory stability and homeostasis during surgery. It also exerts a protective effect on vital organs, and during the postoperative stages, enhances the recovery while effectively alleviating the postoperative pain. This phenomenon prevents common postoperative discomforts such as nausea and vomiting. In addition, it might improve the patients’ long-term prognosis. Conclusions: The novel concept “perioperative acupuncture medicine” is to focus on the optimal treatment in the perioperative period of surgical patients. The review reveals the important role of acupuncture in enhancing rapid recovery of patients during the perioperative period.
CXCR4 and CXCR3 are two distinct prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer: Database mining for CXCR family members

CXC chemokine receptors (CXCRs) and chemokines are involved in tissue development and homeostasis, including in cancer development and progression. To date, seven CXCRs have been identified. However, the expression of CXCRs and their influence on the occurrence and development of breast cancer (BC) requires further investigation. In the present study, mRNA expression levels of the seven CXCRs were compared between normal tissues and several cancer types using the Oncomine database. Highly expressed CXCRs were selected and the expression levels of these CXCRs were examined in different subtypes of BC using the Gene Expression-Based Outcome for Breast Cancer database. Finally, the prognostic value of these CXCRs was examined using Kaplan-Meier plotter. It was found that, compared with normal controls, transcripts of CXCR4 and CXCR3 were significantly overexpressed in BC samples compared with other CXCRs. Survival analysis showed that high expression of CXCR4 promoted the recurrence of BC but had no impact on overall survival (OS), while a high level of CXCR3 transcript expression was significantly associated with increased survival in patients with BC. With regards to different subtypes of BC, the present study revealed that high CXCR4 transcript expression was significantly associated with both longer relapse-free survival and OS only in basal-like BC. Furthermore, CXCR4 promoted chemosensitivity in patients with basal-like BC and induced resistance against endocrine therapy for patients with luminal A BC. Thus, CXCR4 and CXCR3 are two distinct prognostic biomarkers and further studies are required.
An Integrated Approach to HIV Disclosure for HIV-Affected Families in Thailand

Disclosure of HIV status to family members could improve communication, relationship, and cohesion. We evaluated the impact of a family-centered program designed to increase the readiness/willingness of parents to disclose HIV status to their children. People living with HIV (PLWH) with children ≥8 years were surveyed regarding HIV knowledge, family relationship, attitudes, willingness/readiness to disclose, and they were then invited to participate in group education and family camps. Of 367 PLWH surveyed, 0.8% had disclosed, 14.7% had not yet disclosed but were willing/ready to disclose, 50.4% were willing but not ready, and 33.2% did not wish to disclose. The educational sessions and camps led to significant improvements of HIV knowledge and disclosure techniques, and readiness/willingness to disclose. Given the benefits of group education and family camps in supporting PLWH to improve their communication with their families and disclose their HIV status, these supporting activities should be included in HIV programs.
The Prognostic and Therapeutic Role of Genomic Subtyping by Sequencing Tumor or Cell-Free DNA in Pulmonary Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma

Purpose: The optimal systemic treatment for pulmonary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is still under debate. Previous studies showed that LCNEC with different genomic characteristics might respond differently to different chemotherapy regimens. In this study, we sought to investigate genomic subtyping using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis in advanced LCNEC and assess its potential prognostic and predictive value. Experimental Design: Tumor DNA and cfDNA from 63 patients with LCNEC were analyzed by target-captured sequencing. Survival and response analyses were applied to 54 patients with advanced stage incurable disease who received first-line chemotherapy. Results: The mutation landscape of frequently mutated cancer genes in LCNEC from cfDNA closely resembled that from tumor DNA, which led to a 90% concordance in genomic subtyping. The 63 patients with LCNEC were classified into small-cell lung cancer (SCLC)-like and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-like LCNEC based on corresponding genomic features derived from tumor DNA and/or cfDNA. Overall, patients with SCLC-like LCNEC had a shorter overall survival than those with NSCLC-like LCNEC despite higher response rate (RR) to chemotherapy. Furthermore, treatment with etoposide-platinum was associated with superior response and survival in SCLC-like LCNEC compared with pemetrexed-platinum and gemcitabine/taxane-platinum doublets, while treatment with gemcitabine/taxane-platinum led to a shorter survival compared with etoposide-platinum or pemetrexed-platinum in patients with NSCLC-like LCNEC. Conclusions: Genomic subtyping has potential in prognostication and therapeutic decision-making for patients with LCNEC and cfDNA analysis may be a reliable alternative for genomic profiling of LCNEC.
Culture–Sex Interaction and the Self-Report Empathy in Australians and Mainland Chinese

Empathy is the ability to understand and share other people’s emotions. Researchers have debated whether Westerners and Asians differ in their self-report empathy. This study aimed to replicate a previously reported culture–sex interaction in self-report empathy using Australian and Mainland Chinese participants, to investigate the cultural differences in self-report empathy in each sex group, and to verify the moderated mediating effects of three empathy-related traits (i.e., independent self-construal, interdependent self-construal, and personal distress) on the cultural differences in self-report empathy in both sex groups. In this study, scores on two self-report questionnaires of empathy, namely, the Empathy Quotient (EQ) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), were compared between 196 Australian Caucasian (101 males) and 211 Mainland Chinese (59 males) university students. Results first confirmed the significant culture–sex interaction and illustrated that the cultural differences in empathy scores were significant only for female (i.e., Australian females had higher scores than Mainland Chinese females) but not for male participants. Furthermore, results of moderated mediation analyses indicated that higher self-report empathy in both females and males was related to higher interdependent self-construal (exhibited by Mainland Chinese) and less personal distress (exhibited by Australians), and particularly in females, also related to higher independent self-construal (exhibited by Australian females). The current study is one of few studies that suggest cultural differences in empathy are dependent on the sex of the participant. Moreover, the current findings have added new insights into the explanation of cultural differences in empathy using personal distress and self-construal.
Localization of Neuronal Gain Control in the Pupillary Response

Multifocal pupillographic objective perimetry (mfPOP) is being developed as an alternative to standard visual perimetry. In mfPOP, pupil responses to sparse multifocal luminance stimuli are extracted from the overall composite response. These individual test-region responses are subject to gain-control which is dependent on the temporal and spatial density of stimuli. This study aimed to localize this gain within the pupil pathway. Pupil constriction amplitudes of 8 subjects (41.5 ±12.7 y, 4 male) were measured using a series of 14 mfPOP stimulus variants. The temporal density of stimulus signal at the levels of retina, pretectal olivary nuclei (PON), and Edinger-Westphal nuclei (EWN) were controlled using a combination of manipulation of the mean interval between stimulus presentations (3 or 6 stimuli/s/hemiretina) and the restriction of stimuli to specific subsets of the 24 visual field test-regions per eye (left or right eye, left or right hemifield, or nasal or temporal hemifield). No significant difference was observed between mfPOP variants with differing signal density at the retina or PON but matched density at the other levels. In contrast, where signal density differed at the EWN but was the same at the retinal and PON levels e.g., between 3 stim/s homonymous hemifield and all test-region variants, significant reductions in constriction amplitudes were observed [t(30) = −2.07 to −2.50, all p < 0.05]. Similar, although more variable, relationships were seen using nasal, and temporal hemifield stimuli. Results suggest that the majority of gain-control in the subcortical pupillary pathway occurs at the level of the EWN.
Nicotinamide riboside does not alter mitochondrial respiration, content or morphology in skeletal muscle from obese and insulin‐resistant men

This is the first long‐term human clinical trial to report on effects of nicotinamide riboside (NR) on skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, content and morphology. NR supplementation decreases nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) protein abundance in skeletal muscle. NR supplementation does not affect NAD metabolite concentrations in skeletal muscle. Respiration, distribution and quantity of muscle mitochondria are unaffected by NR. NAMPT in skeletal muscle correlates positively with oxidative phosphorylation Complex I, sirtuin 3 and succinate dehydrogenase.
Subjecting Dams to Early Life Stress and Perinatal Fluoxetine Treatment Differentially Alters Social Behavior in Young and Adult Rat Offspring

Recently, the putative association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposure during pregnancy and the development of social disorders in children has gained increased attention. However, clinical studies struggle with the confounding effects of maternal depression typically co-occurring with antidepressant treatment. Furthermore, preclinical studies using an animal model of maternal depression to study effects of perinatal SSRI exposure on offspring social behavior are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate effects of perinatal fluoxetine exposure on juvenile and adult social behavior in male and female rat offspring, using an animal model of maternal vulnerability. We exposed heterozygous serotonin transporter (SERT) deficient female rats to early life maternal separation stress, and used this as a model for maternal vulnerability. Control and early life stressed heterozygous serotonin transporter knockout (SERT) dams were treated with the SSRI fluoxetine or vehicle throughout gestation and lactation. Subsequently, both male and female wildtype (SERT+/+) and heterozygous (SERT+/-) rat offspring were tested for pup ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), juvenile social play behavior and adult social interaction. Fluoxetine treatment of the dams resulted in a reduced total USV duration in pups at postnatal day 6, especially in SERT+/+ males. Perinatal fluoxetine exposure lowered social play behavior in male offspring from both control and early life stressed dams. However, in females a fluoxetine-induced reduction in juvenile play behavior was only present in offspring from control dams. Offspring genotype did not affect juvenile play behavior. Despite fluoxetine-induced behavioral effects at juvenile age, fluoxetine reduced male adult social behavior in offspring from control dams only. Effects of fluoxetine on female adult social behavior were virtually absent. Interestingly, early life stress in dams increased adult social exploration in vehicle exposed SERT+/+ female offspring and total social behavior in fluoxetine exposed adult SERT+/- male offspring. Furthermore, SERT+/- males appeared less social during adulthood compared to SERT+/+ males. Overall, the present study shows that chronic blockade of the serotonin transporter by fluoxetine during early development has a considerable impact on pup USVs, juvenile social play behavior in both male and female offspring, and to a lesser extent on male social interaction in adulthood.