Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Utilizing rs-fMRI’s Mean to Localize Seizure Focus

Purpose: We present for the first time the utilization of an average of the resting-state time points (rs-Mean) to localize epilepsy focus in a group of pediatric patients with medical refractory epilepsy. Materials and Methods: Twenty nine pediatric patients had drug-resistant epilepsy, and 22 subject controls underwent rs-fMRI. Comparison among group means was performed. Regions of Interest (ROI) derived from the nuclear medicine studies (GS) and the focal hyperintensities yielded by the rs-Mean were converted into ellipsoids. Euclidian Distance (ED) among the isocenters of each ROI pair per patient was found. Matching of ROIs was accepted if the ED was equal or less than 50 mm. Group comparison was performed utilizing two-tail T-test. Statistical significance was accepted with p values < 0.01. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the patient and normal control’s rs-Mean (p < 0.001, t (49) = 5.186; CI (95%) = [512.73, 1161.46]). The rs-Mean findings matched the GS findings in epilepsy patients in 72.4% of cases. The rs-Mean was positive matching GS in 6 of 9 (66.6%) MR-non-lesional cases. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that rs-Mean in intractable epilepsy patients differs from normal subjects, and that it may demonstrate the epileptogenic focus in a significant number of patients.
Hamburger Beiträge zur Angewandten Mathematik Error Estimates and Convergence Rates for Filtered Back Projection

Computerized tomography allows us to reconstruct a bivariate function from Radon samples. The reconstruction is based on the filtered back projection (FBP) formula, which gives an analytical inversion of the Radon transform. However, the FBP formula is numerically unstable and suitable low-pass filters with a compactly supported window function and finite bandwidth are employed to make the reconstruction by FBP less sensitive to noise. The objective of this paper is to analyse the intrinsic FBP reconstruction error which is incurred by the use of a low-pass filter. To this end, we prove L2-error estimates on Sobolev spaces of fractional order. The obtained error bounds are affine-linear with respect to the distance between the filter’s window function and the constant function 1 in the L∞-norm. With assuming more regularity of the window function, we refine the error estimates to prove convergence for the FBP reconstruction in the L2-norm as the filter’s bandwidth goes to infinity. Further, we determine asymptotic convergence rates in terms of the bandwidth of the low-pass filter and the smoothness of the target function.
Atorvastatin and losartan may upregulate renalase activity in hypertension but not coronary artery diseases: The role of gene polymorphism

The aim is to explore the treatment effect of coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension on plasma levels of renalase activity and also the possible association of renalase rs10887800 gene polymorphism with CAD and hypertension. A total of 286 patients who received coronary angiography were included in the study. Subjects were divided into four groups including (1) hypertensive with no CAD (H‐Tens, n = 60); (2) CAD with hypertension (CAD + H‐Tens, n = 71); (3) CAD with no hypertension (CAD, n = 61); and (4) nonhypertensive with no CAD as a control group (Con, n = 69). The plasma renalase activity was measured using the Amplex Red Monoamine Oxidase Assay Kit. Renalase rs10887800 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. Atorvastatin (P = 0.005), losartan (P < 0.001), and captopril (P = 0.001) were administered significantly more in case groups compared with the Con group. Significant higher and lower levels of renalase activity were observed in H‐Tens and CAD patients compared with control subjects (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Furthermore, no significant differences were obtained in the risk or protective effects of renalase rs10887800 SNP against hypertension and/or CAD in both recessive and dominant genetic models (P > 0.05). According to the findings of the present study, atorvastatin and losartan therapy assumes considerable significance in alleviating hypertension, but not CAD, by increasing the renalase activity. Furthermore, it was found that renalase rs10887800 is less likely a predisposing factor for susceptibility to hypertension and/or CAD in an Iranian southeast population.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale.

Given the severe mental health consequences that may ensue after bereavement, it is crucial to better understand malleable cognitive factors that are associated with poorer bereavement outcomes. Grief rumination (i.e., repetitive thinking about the causes and consequences of a loss) is a malleable cognitive process that is concurrently and longitudinally associated with postloss mental health problems. To assess grief rumination, the English and Dutch Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale (UGRS) were recently developed. The current study examined the reliability and validity of a Chinese version of the UGRS. Three hundred and ninety-three Chinese adults (56% women) bereaved on average 16.88 months ago filled out online questionnaires assessing demographic and loss-related characteristics, grief rumination (UGRS), trait rumination, trait mindfulness, and anxiety, depressive, and prolonged grief symptoms. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that a second-order five-factor hierarchical model provided the most optimal factor structure for the Chinese UGRS. UGRS total scale and subscale scores demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. Grief rumination had a moderate positive association with trait rumination and a low negative association with trait mindfulness, providing convergent and discriminant validity evidence. Test-criterion validity evidence was also provided. UGRS scores could distinguish bereaved groups with different relationships with the deceased. Moreover, grief rumination was associated with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and prolonged grief even after controlling for demographic and loss-related variables, trait rumination, and trait mindfulness. The Chinese UGRS appears a valid and reliable instrument to assess grief rumination in Chinese bereaved individuals.
MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF OCCIPITAL CONDYLES IN ADULT HUMAN SKULLS

Aim: The two bony projections that are present in the inferior surface of the occipital bone in the skull are called as Occipital condyles. They are present on either side of the foramen magnum in the base of skull. This study aims to document the dimensions of occipital condyles and its variations which are of paramount importance to neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons and radiologist when dealing with transcondylar surgical approaches and condylectomies. Methodology: The shapes of the occipital condyles were observed and the measurements like length, and breadth were measured. Results: The shape of occipital condyle varied from oval to crescent. Some shapes did not fit text book description. The mean length of occipital condyle of right side was 21.97 mm and left side was 22.34 mm. Conclusion: The documented parameters of the occipital condyles and its variations will serve as a
Iron Supplements Containing Lactobacillus plantarum 299v Increase Ferric Iron and Up-regulate the Ferric Reductase DCYTB in Human Caco-2/HT29 MTX Co-Cultures

Several human interventions have indicated that Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (L. plantarum 299v) increases intestinal iron absorption. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible effects of L. plantarum 299v on the mechanisms of iron absorption on the cellular level. We have previously shown that lactic fermentation of vegetables increased iron absorption in humans. It was revealed that the level of ferric iron [Fe (H2O)5]2+ was increased after fermentation. Therefore, we used voltammetry to measure the oxidation state of iron in simulated gastrointestinal digested oat and mango drinks and capsule meals containing L. plantarum 299v. We also exposed human intestinal co-cultures of enterocytes and goblet cells (Caco-2/HT29 MTX) to the supplements in order to study the effect on proteins possibly involved (MUC5AC, DCYTB, DMT1, and ferritin). We detected an increase in ferric iron in the digested meals and drinks containing L. plantarum 299v. In the intestinal cell model, we observed that the ferric reductase DCYTB increased in the presence of L. plantarum 299v, while the production of mucin (MUC5AC) decreased independently of L. plantarum 299v. In conclusion, the data suggest that the effect of L. plantarum 299v on iron metabolism is mediated through driving the Fe3+/DCYTB axis.
Measuring Self-Appraised Changes following Participation in an Intervention for Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia

ABSTRACT This study examined the psychometric properties of the Self-Appraisal of Change Scale, a measure designed to capture domains that are subjectively relevant to caregivers, associated with overall well-being, and amenable to change upon engaging in an intervention. Data from 107 caregivers of veterans with dementia enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a telephone-delivered caregiver psychoeducation and support group program (the Telehealth Education Program (TEP)) were analyzed. The TEP, which was delivered by master’s prepared social workers and a nurse dementia care manager, targeted caregivers’ dementia-related knowledge, attitudes, and self-management skills. Analyses were conducted to determine the factor structure, reliability, validity, and measurement invariance of the scale. Factor analyses yielded a single-factor solution for the scale’s nine items. The reliability and construct validity of the scale were also supported by the analyses. Multi-group analyses suggested that meaningful comparisons of scale items and total raw scores can be made across usual care (UC) and intervention groups. The findings offer preliminary support that the scale may represent a valid and reliable instrument that captures perceived changes in key domains (e.g. caregiving knowledge, attitudes, and skill) following participation in a psychoeducational and support intervention trial.
Effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Context Carbohydrate-restricted diets may increase low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and thereby cardiovascular risk. Objective A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted to compare the effects of very low, low, and moderate carbohydrate, higher fat diets versus high-carbohydrate, low-fat diets on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other lipid markers in overweight/obese adults. Data Sources Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Central, and CINAHL Plus were searched to identify large randomized controlled trials (n > 100) with duration ≥ 6 months. Data Extraction Eight randomized controlled trials (n = 1633; 818 carbohydrate-restricted diet, 815 low-fat diet) were included. Data Analysis Quality assessment and risk of bias, a random effects model, and sensitivity and subgroup analyses based on the degree of carbohydrate restriction were performed using Cochrane Review Manager. Results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocol. Results Carbohydrate-restricted diets showed no significant difference in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after 6, 12, and 24 months. Although an overall pooled analysis statistically favored low-fat diets (0.07 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.13; P = 0.009], this was clinically insignificant. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma triglycerides at 6 and 12 months favored carbohydrate-restricted diets (0.08 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.06-0.11; P < 1 × 10-5 and -0.13 mmol/L; 95%CI, -0.19 to -0.08; P < 1 × 10-5, respectively). These favorable changes were more marked in the subgroup with very-low carbohydrate content (< 50 g/d; 0.12 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.10-0.14; P < 1 × 10-5 and -0.19 mmol/L; 95%CI, -0.26 to -0.12; P = 0.02, respectively). Conclusions Large randomized controlled trials of at least 6 months duration with carbohydrate restriction appear superior in improving lipid markers when compared with low-fat diets. Dietary guidelines should consider carbohydrate restriction as an alternative dietary strategy for the prevention/management of dyslipidemia for populations with cardiometabolic risk.
Liver Fat Content and Body Fat Distribution in Youths with Excess Adiposity

This study had two main objectives: To examine the association between body fat distribution and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fat content, and to determine whether the relationship between NAFLD and regional body fat distribution, with respect to liver fat content in youths with excess adiposity, is independent of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and a healthy diet. Liver fat content (controlled attenuation parameter (CAP)), body fat distribution (body mass index (BMI) z-score, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, fat mass/height, body fat percentage, total fat mass, android-to-gynoid fat mass ratio, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and lean mass index, determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)), CRF (20-m shuttle-run test), and healthy diet (adherence to the Mediterranean diet by KIDMED questionnaire) were measured in 126 adolescents (66% girls) aged between 11 and 17 years. Participants were assigned to two groups according to the presence or absence of hepatic steatosis (CAP values ≥225 dB/m or <225 dB/m of liver fat, respectively). Considering the similar total fat values for the two groups (>30% by DXA), youths with NAFLD had higher fat distribution parameters than those without NAFLD, regardless of sex, age, puberty stage, lean mass index, CRF, and healthy diet (p < 0.01). In the non-NAFLD group, the association between hepatic fat and fat distribution parameters presented a similar pattern, although the association was statistically insignificant after adjusting for a potential confounding variable (ps > 0.05), except for the case of VAT. Body fat distribution parameters were higher in youths with NAFLD compared to those without NAFLD. Additionally, body fat distribution showed a significant association with liver fat content as assessed by CAP in youths with NAFLD independent of CRF and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, supporting the notion that upper body fat distribution might play a pivotal role in the development of NAFLD in adolescents. These results may have implications for the clinical management of youths with excess adiposity given the high prevalence of NAFLD in children and young adults.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid Injections for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Results at 5 Years of a Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been proposed as a new conservative option for knee degeneration to provide symptomatic relief and delay surgical intervention. Although the current literature provides some evidence on the benefits of this technique compared with viscosupplementation, no studies have been performed to compare their long-term effects. Purpose: To compare the long-term clinical outcomes provided by intra-articular injections of either PRP or hyaluronic acid (HA) to treat knee degenerative disease. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Patients with a history of chronic symptomatic knee degenerative changes and osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 0-3) were enrolled: 192 patients were randomized to undergo 3 blinded weekly intra-articular injections of either PRP or HA. Patients were prospectively evaluated before the injection and then at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months and a mean of 64.3 months (SD, 7.8 months) of follow-up. Evaluation was based on International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective (main outcome), EuroQol visual analog scale, and Tegner scores; 167 patients reached the final evaluation. Results: Both treatments were effective in improving knee functional status and symptoms over time: Mean ± SD IKDC subjective score improved significantly for both PRP and HA groups (P < .0005) and remained stable over time up to 24 months (from 53.3 ± 14.3 to 67.3 ± 18.1 and from 50.3 ± 13.2 to 62.1 ± 20.8 for PRP and HA groups, respectively). At final evaluation, a significant IKDC reduction was observed in both treatment groups, with the PRP group still presenting significantly higher values compared with baseline: PRP 60.5 ± 19.0 (P < .001 vs baseline), HA 55.7 ± 18.8 (not significant vs baseline). A comparative analysis showed no significant intergroup difference in any of the clinical scores at any follow-up point. The median duration of patient subjective perception of symptomatic relief was 9 months for HA and 12 months for PRP (not significant). The only significant difference was observed in the rate of reintervention at 24 months, which was significantly lower in the PRP group (22.6% vs 37.1%, P = .036). Conclusion: Both treatments were effective in improving knee functional status and symptoms over time. PRP did not provide an overall superior clinical improvement compared with HA in terms of either symptomatic-functional improvement at different follow-up points or effect duration. Registration: NCT01670578 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Targeting BRCA Deficiency in Breast Cancer: What are the Clinical Evidences and the Next Perspectives?

Breast cancers (BC) associated with germline mutations of BRCA1/2 represent 3–5% of cases. BRCA1/2-associated BC have biological features leading to genomic instability and potential sensitivity to DNA damaging agents, including poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and platinum agents. In this review, we will summarize clinical trials of chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors (PARPi), alone or in combination, at the early or late stage of BRCA1/2-associated BC. We will also present the mechanisms of resistance to PARPi as well as the new therapeutic strategies of association with PARPi. Finally, we will discuss under which conditions the use of DNA damaging agents can be extended to the BRCA1/2-wild type population, the BRCAness concept.
The positioning of Chi sites allows the RecBCD pathway to suppress some genomic rearrangements

Abstract Bacterial recombinational repair of double-strand breaks often begins with creation of initiating 3′ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) tails on each side of a double-strand break (DSB). Importantly, if the RecBCD pathway is followed, RecBCD creates a gap between the sequences at 3′ ends of the initiating strands. The gap flanks the DSB and extends at least to the nearest Chi site on each strand. Once the initiating strands form ssDNA–RecA filaments, each ssDNA–RecA filament searches for homologous double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) to use as a template for the DNA synthesis needed to fill the gap created by RecBCD. Our experimental results show that the DNA synthesis requires formation of a heteroduplex dsDNA that pairs >20 contiguous bases in the initiating strand with sequence matched bases in a strand from the original dsDNA. To trigger synthesis, the heteroduplex must be near the 3′ end of the initiating strand. Those experimentally determined requirements for synthesis combined with the Chi site dependence of the function of RecBCD and the distribution of Chi sites in bacterial genomes could allow the RecBCD pathway to avoid some genomic rearrangements arising from directly induced DSBs; however, the same three factors could promote other rearrangements.
Quantification of HPV16 E6/E7 mRNA Spliced Isoforms Viral Load as a Novel Diagnostic Tool for Improving Cervical Cancer Screening

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been identified as the main contributors to cervical cancer. Despite various diagnostic tools available, including the predominant Papanicolaou test (Pap test), technical limitations affect the efficiency of cervical cancer screening. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of spliced HPV16 E6/E7 mRNA viral loads (VL) for grade 2 or higher cervical intraepithelial neoplasia diagnosis. A new dedicated (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) qRT-PCR assay was developed, allowing selective quantification of several HPV16 E6/E7 mRNA: Full length (FL) with or without all or selected spliced forms (total E6/E7 mRNA corresponding to SP + E6^E7 mRNA (T), + spliced E6/E7 mRNA containing intact E7 ORF (SP), and E6/E7 mRNA containing disrupted E6 and E7 ORFs calculated by the following subtraction T-SP (E6^E7)). Twenty HPV16 DNA and mRNA positive uterine cervical smears representative of all cytological and histological stages of severity were tested. We have shown that all E6/E7 mRNA isoforms expression levels were significantly increased in high grade cervical lesions. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the SP-E6/E7 VL assay exhibited: (i) The best diagnostic performance for identification of both cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2+ (90% (56–100) sensitivity and specificity) and CIN3+ (100% (72–100) sensitivity and 79% (49–95) specificity) lesions; (ii) a greater sensitivity compared to the Pap test for CIN2+ lesions detection (80% (44–97)); (iii) a predictive value of the histological grade of cervical lesions in 67% of atypical squamous cells of unknown significance (ASC-US) and 100% of low-grade (LSIL) patients. Overall, these results highlight the value of SP-E6/E7 mRNA VL as an innovative tool for improving cervical cancer screening.
Scavenger birds exploiting rubbish dumps: Pathogens at the gates

Different bacteria are present in rubbish dumps used as food resources by various bird species. Birds may be good indicators of the presence of zoonotic diseases in these sites since they can be infected with zoonotic pathogens by foraging on organic waste, and can also act as carriers. We studied if foraging in rubbish dumps increases the occurrence of Salmonella spp. and Chlamydia psittaci in American black vultures (Coragyps atratus, hereafter black vultures) from northwest Patagonia. We compared these pathogens isolated from or detected in cloacae and oropharynx swabs in two different groups of black vultures: individuals trapped in (a) the Patagonian wild steppe and (b) in a rubbish dump. We found that black vultures are colonized by Salmonella spp. (particularly Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhi, Paratyphi A, Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae) and Chlamydia psittaci. Interestingly, there were differences in the prevalence of Salmonella spp. , especially Salmonella Typhi, between individuals foraging in the rubbish dump and the steppe, but not in the prevalence of Chlamydia psittaci. The pathogens isolated from black vultures may impact their health status but could also have health impacts in other bird species and even humans. In fact, Salmonella Typhi can cause severe disease in humans leading to death. Our results are globally relevant given that bacterial infections from rubbish dumps may affect different species exploiting these sites around the world. There is a need to better control pathogens in rubbish dumps to avoid the risk of infecting wildlife, which could act as potential dispersers and reservoirs of these pathogens.