Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Topography and associations of perivascular spaces in healthy adults

Objective: We investigated whether the topography of MRI-visible perivascular spaces (PVS) is associated with markers of specific underlying small vessel disease, including cerebral microbleed (CMB) distribution, in neurologically healthy adults. Methods: We analyzed baseline data of an ongoing Japanese population-based cohort study. PVS were rated in the basal ganglia (BG-PVS) and centrum semiovale (CSO-PVS) on axial T2-weighted MRI using a validated rating scale (score 0–4). BG-PVS degree was classified as low (score <2) or high (score ≥2). CSO-PVS degree was classified as low (score <3) or high (score ≥3). Independent demographic, clinical, and imaging factors for high degree of BG-PVS and CSO-PVS were investigated. Results: A total of 1,575 neurologically healthy adults were included (mean age 57.1 years, SD 9.7; 47% male). In multivariable analyses, high degree of BG-PVS (n = 212, 14%) was associated with deep or infratentorial CMBs (odds ratio [OR] 2.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62–4.74), a marker of hypertensive arteriopathy; by contrast, high degree of CSO-PVS (n = 357, 23%) was associated with strictly lobar CMBs (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.35–4.61), which share risk factors with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Both high degree of BG-PVS and CSO-PVS were associated with hypertension (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.46–2.82 and OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.07–1.81, respectively), lacunes (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.92–5.86; OR 1.83 95% CI 1.08–3.08), and severe white matter hyperintensities (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.42–3.31; OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.93–1.96), but these associations were stronger for high degree of BG-PVS. Conclusions: In a neurologically healthy cohort, the associations of PVS differ according to their topography. PVS distribution may be useful for the early detection and classification of small vessel disease.
Personalized medicine in pediatric cardiology: do little changes make a big difference?

Purpose of review Advances in genomics have paved the way for personalized medicine applications. This review will discuss new discoveries in genomics and pharmacogenomics in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and the application towards the development of new diagnostics, disease risk predictions, and optimizing response to drugs and surgery. Recent findings Recent advances have identified common and rare variants associated with complex CHD using next-generation sequencing and genotyping technology. Next-generation sequencing is now being used not only for clinical genetic testing but also for noninvasive prenatal testing of fetal DNA in maternal serum to diagnose genetic conditions like fetal aneuploidies as early as the first trimester. This approach is not only more accurate but also safer than invasive maternal screening tests. This technology may also help in noninvasive diagnosis of transplant rejection. As genetic variations that influence the response to surgery in CHD are identified, this can guide decision-making surrounding optimum type and timing of surgery. Drug choice and dosing are being increasingly influenced by knowledge of pharmacogenetic and pharmacodynamic variations. Age-related and maturation-related changes in drug pharmacokinetics make it crucial to perform pediatric-targeted pharmacogenetic studies to enable the incorporation of age into genotype-guided drug dosing algorithms. Summary Rapid genomic and pharmacogenomic discovery are guiding the development of more sensitive screening and diagnostic tests for CHD as well as development of safer and more effective drugs. This needs to be paralleled by the development of strategies to support rapid translation of emerging genomic knowledge to patient care.
Cardiomyocyte Remodeling and Sarcomere Addition after Uniaxial Static Strain In Vitro

Individual cardiomyocytes are lengthened in dilated cardiomyopathy. However, it is not known how the new sarcomeres are added to preexisting myofibrils. Using a three-dimensional microtextured culturing system, a 10% mechanical static strain was applied to aligned, well-attached cardiomyocytes from neonatal rat. The morphology of the myofibrils and the ends of the myocytes were examined. Disruptions of the sarcomeric pattern for actin showed a progression from weak to intense staining over 4 hr. The lightly stained sarcomeres were common at 1 hr after being strained, peaked at 2 hr, and then subsided. In contrast, the numbers of intensely stained sarcomeres were initially low, peaked at 3 hr, and then began to decline when compared with control values. The myocyte ends showed elongations and convolutions after 3 hr and 4 hr of mechanical strain when observed with α-actinin and N-cadherin staining. We suggest that myocytes from neonatal rat hearts remodel by insertion of new sarcomeres throughout the cell length and also by enhancement at the intercalated discs.
A Novel Approach of Direct Ex Vivo Epitope Mapping Identifies Dominant and Subdominant CD4 and CD8 T Cell Epitopes from Listeria monocytogenes1

We used a novel approach for the direct ex vivo identification and characterization of T cell epitopes based on the screening of peptide spot libraries with freshly isolated splenocytes in a sensitive enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay. This technique was applied for the analysis of splenocytes from Listeria monocytogenes-infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. The screening of peptide spot libraries covering the whole listeriolysin O and p60 of L. monocytogenes confirmed all known CD4 and CD8 T cell epitopes of these proteins and additionally revealed six new H-2d and six new H-2b-restricted T cell epitopes. New epitopes were categorized into CD4 and CD8 T cell epitopes by ex vivo ELISPOT analysis with separated T cell populations. The quantitative analysis of cells reactive with these CD4 and CD8 T cell epitopes revealed the existence of dominant and subdominant CD4 and CD8 T cell populations during L. monocytogenes infection. As a consequence of these data we suggest that ELISPOT-based screening of peptide spot libraries could be a general approach for the rapid identification and characterization of pathogen-specific T cell populations during various infectious diseases.
HIV Knowledge and Risk Factors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

ObjectivesTo describe health risk behavior, knowledge, and attitudes about HIV/AIDS and its prevention in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 219 MSM using a standardized questionnaire. ResultsMen who have sex with men were easy to locate and willing to answer detailed questions about their sexual behavior. Self-identified sexual orientation was 67% homosexual, 31% bisexual, and 1.4% heterosexual. High-risk sexual behavior was common. The mean number of sexual partners was 3.3 in the previous month and 14.8 in the previous year. Only 32% used condoms during their last intercourse, and only 40% used a condom when their last intercourse included anal sex. Eighty-one percent reported sex with nonregular male partners, and 22% also had sex with women in the past year. Drug use other than alcohol was rare. Most correctly identified high-risk sexual behavior and body fluids that could transmit HIV; however, only about half knew that someone who appeared healthy could transmit HIV or that there was no cure for AIDS. Self-rated risk for HIV was very low, and fewer than one third believed that homosexuals in Vietnam are at increased risk for HIV. ConclusionMen who have sex with men in HCMC are at high risk for HIV. Knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention could be improved. Education and interventions specifically aimed at MSM are needed, because education targeted at the general population may not reach MSM or influence their behavior.
The reliability and validity of the Severity of Dependence Scale for detecting cannabis dependence in psychosis.

AIMS To determine the reliability and validity of the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) for detecting cannabis dependence in a large sample of in-patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS Participants were 153 in-patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder in Brisbane, Australia. MEASUREMENTS Participants were administered the SDS for cannabis dependence in the past 12 months. The presence of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Version-IV (DSM-IV) cannabis dependence in the previous 12 months was assessed using the Comprehensive International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). FINDINGS The SDS had high levels of internal consistency and strong construct and concurrent validity. Individuals with a score of >or = 2 on the SDS were nearly 30 times more likely to have DSM-IV cannabis dependence. The SDS was the strongest predictor of DSM-IV cannabis dependence after controlling for other predictor variables. CONCLUSIONS The SDS is a brief, valid and reliable screen for cannabis dependence among people with psychosis.
Impact of the Main Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Trials for Primary and Secondary Prevention in Italy: A Survey of the National Activity During the Years 2001–2004

Background: Several trials demonstrated the lifesaving role of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) in high‐risk groups of patients. Aim of this review was to report the clinical characteristics of patients enrolled in the ICD Registry of the Italian Association of Arrhythmology (AIAC) in the years 2001–2004.
Renal Functional Reserve in Patients with Recently Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes mellitus with and without Microalbuminuria

Background/Aims: During the first 10 years, two thirds of the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) have microalbuminuria (MA). Functional renal reserve (FRR) and its relationship with proteinuria and metabolic control are unknown at the early phases of disease. We investigated the frequency of MA in recently diagnosed type 2 DM patients, and its association with FRR. Methods: We studied 181 type 2 DM patients with less than 6 months since diagnosis. Renal volume, MA, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (ERPF) were evaluated before and after an acute oral protein load in 28 type 2 DM patients (14 with, and 14 without MA), and in 7 healthy subjects. Results: A total of 10.6% of the patients had MA. MA patients had higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels than those normoalbuminuric. Twenty recently diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients showed high basal GFR. Twelve of them had MA and insulin resistance. After the acute oral protein load, the control subjects and the patients without MA increased their GFR and their ERPF. The group with MA did not. Conclusions: Seventy-five percent of the patients were hyperfiltering. Normoalbuminuric patients had larger increase in GFR and ERRPF than MB patients. We conclude that FRR measurement can be an important tool for the diagnosis of latent diabetic nephropathy.
Decoding the Cortical Dynamics of Sound-Meaning Mapping

Comprehending speech involves the rapid and optimally efficient mapping from sound to meaning. Influential cognitive models of spoken word recognition (Marslen-Wilson and Welsh, 1978) propose that the onset of a spoken word initiates a continuous process of activation of the lexical and semantic properties of the word candidates matching the speech input and competition between them, which continues until the point at which the word is differentiated from all other cohort candidates (the uniqueness point, UP). At this point, the word is recognized uniquely and only the target word's semantics are active. Although it is well established that spoken word recognition engages the superior (Rauschecker and Scott, 2009), middle, and inferior (Hickok and Poeppel, 2007) temporal cortices, little is known about the real-time brain activity that underpins the computations and representations that evolve over time during the transformation from speech to meaning. Here, we test for the first time the spatiotemporal dynamics of these processes by collecting MEG data while human participants listened to spoken words. By constructing quantitative models of competition and access to meaning in combination with spatiotemporal searchlight representational similarity analysis (Kriegeskorte et al., 2006) in source space, we were able to test where and when these models produced significant effects. We found early transient effects ∼400 ms before the UP of lexical competition in left supramarginal gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and of semantic competition in MTG, left angular gyrus, and IFG. After the UP, there were no competitive effects, only target-specific semantic effects in angular gyrus and MTG. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Understanding spoken words involves complex processes that transform the auditory input into a meaningful interpretation. This effortless transition occurs on millisecond timescales, with remarkable speed and accuracy and without any awareness of the complex computations involved. Here, we reveal the real-time neural dynamics of these processes by collecting data about listeners' brain activity as they hear spoken words. Using novel statistical models of different aspects of the recognition process, we can locate directly which parts of the brain are accessing the stored form and meaning of words and how the competition between different word candidates is resolved neurally in real time. This gives us a uniquely differentiated picture of the neural substrate for the first 500 ms of word recognition.
c‐Rel but not NF‐κB1 is important for T regulatory cell development

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are crucial for maintaining peripheral tolerance and controlling T‐cell responses. The generation of Treg in the thymus requires TCR triggering and CD28 costimulation. Engagement of these receptors induces a number of signalling pathways, including the activation of NF‐κB via PKCθ and the Bcl‐10/CARMA1/MALT complex. Previous studies have shown that PKCθ, Bcl‐10 and CARMA1 are important for Treg development. It is unclear, however, whether different members of the NF‐κB family contribute to Treg development or homeostasis. In this study, we show that Treg numbers are reduced in the absence of c‐Rel but not NF‐κB1 (p50). Furthermore, using mixed bone marrow chimeras from WT and KO animals, we demonstrate that the requirement for PKCθ, Bcl‐10 and c‐Rel is T‐cell intrinsic, and cannot be rescued by the presence of WT cells. Therefore, c‐Rel and NF‐κB1 have differential roles in Treg development.
Service Use and Barriers to Care among Heroin Users: Results from a National Survey

Background: Heroin use is associated with many serious consequences.While effective treatments exist, barriers to services persist. Understanding service use and barriers to treatment can structure treatment practice and target interventions for those who are most at risk. Objectives: To describe patterns and correlates of substance abuse service utilization and treatment barriers among a nationally representative sample of heroin users. Methods: Data for this study were derived from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. This study focused on lifetime heroin users (N = 150). Results: Fifty-nine percent of heroin users reported receiving at least one treatment service. The most common services used were 12-step programs, detoxification, and rehabilitation. Approximately 44% reported at least one barrier to treatment. The most common were lack of motivation and beliefs that it could be managed alone. In a multivariate logistic regression, having a heroin use disorder was associated with a greater likelihood of receiving services (OR = 6.09) and experiencing a barrier (OR = 11.11) compared to those without a disorder. Conclusions and Scientific Significance: High rates of service use and barriers were observed for all levels of heroin involvement. These findings underscore the importance of improving access to services for this group, even when full criteria for a drug disorder is not met. Integration of motivational approaches is also needed within the most common services used. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe patterns and correlates of service use using a nationally representative community sample of heroin users.
Pattern of homicide coroner's autopsies at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria: 1997–2006

There is relatively little information regarding the pattern of homicides in developing countries such as Nigeria. This study is aimed at determining the pattern and demographic factors associated with homicide cases seen in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital. It is a descriptive autopsy study of homicide cases seen at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan over a 10-year period from January 1997 to December 2006. All the coroner's autopsies for the period, of homicides or suspected homicides, were reviewed with emphasis on the following: gender, age, occupation, circumstances surrounding event, likely motive, type of weapon used, site(s) of injury and mechanism of death. Homicides accounted for 153 (3.1%) of the 4928 coroner's cases at the UCH within the study period. One hundred and thirty-seven of the 152 cases were men, and the overall age range was 4–83 years. The mechanism of death was haemorrhagic shock in 91 cases (59.9%); severe raised intracranial pressure in 58 cases (38.2%); septicaemic shock in two cases (1.3%); and asphyxia in one case (0.7%). Gunshot injuries accounted for 64.5% of the fatalities, sharp objects 21.1% and blunt force 14.5%. Most were victims of armed robbery attacks. The head, abdomen, chest and lower limbs were single sites of injuries in descending order of frequency and most of the cases sustained multiple injuries involving two or more of these sites. Gunshot deaths were the commonest form of homicides in the period under review. Young males and victims of armed robbery attacks were most susceptible.
Assessment of oral mucosa in normal, precancer and cancer using chemiluminescent illumination, toluidine blue supravital staining and oral exfoliative cytology

Context: Carcinoma in an early stage of development is hard to detect clinically because the lesion may not be palpable and color of the lesional tissue is not necessarily different from the color of the surrounding mucosa. In order to improve the efficacy of the diagnosis, techniques are being developed to complement clinical examination and to facilitate the identification of initial carcinomas. Aims: To find out the efficacy of chemiluminescent illumination (ViziLite™) for the diagnosis in precancer and cancer patients and compare this result to toluidine blue staining and oral exfoliative cytology. Materials and Methods: This study was done in 3 groups. Each group consists of 10 cases. Group I consists of normal appearing mucosa. Group II and III consist of clinically diagnosed pre-cancer and clinically suggestive of cancer respectively. Chemiluminescent illumination, toluidine blue supravital staining, oral exfoliative cytology and biopsy were performed in all cases. Statistical analysis used: SPSS version 10.05 was used to calculate positive and negative predictive values. Results: In Group I, all 10 patients showed negative result to ViziLite™. 8 patients showed positivity and 2 patients showed negativity to ViziLite™ test in Group II. 9 patients were positive and one patient was negative for ViziLite™. Conclusions: Chemiluminescent illumination test was sensitive for precancerous and cancerous lesions, which presented as keratotic lesions and red-white lesions. It showed negative result to erosive lesions. Toluidine blue staining test was reliable in precancerous and cancerous lesions, which present as erosive and red-white lesions. It showed negative result to keratotic lesions. Oral exfoliative cytology has diagnostic value in cancer patients than in precancer patients. These Results indicate that chemiluminescent illumination test is relatively reliable and accurate than toluidine blue staining test and useful chair side diagnostic test.
Differing Morphological Changes following Endovascular AAA Repair Using Balloon-Expandable or Self-Expanding Endografts

Purpose: To determine whether changes in aneurysm morphology after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair differ according to the type of endograft (self-expanding versus balloon-expandable). Methods: Among 88 patients with AAA treated with either homemade polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) aortomonoiliac endografts or Talent stent-grafts, 30 patients (24 males; mean age 73 years, range 55–93) were selected for this study based on a >2-year follow-up and freedom from endoleak or conversion. Of these, 12 had PTFE endografts and 18 Talent devices. All patients had spiral computed tomographic angiography with 3-dimensional reconstruction at 5 days post-treatment and 6-month intervals thereafter. Neck dimensions (length and diameters at 3 levels) were measured, along with volumes and maximal diameters of the sac and lengths of the aneurysm and endograft. Intra- and interobserver errors were <5% for linear and volume measurements. Results: Both groups had an initial 20-mL increase in median volume (p = 0.02) followed, only in Talent patients, by marked shrinkage at 6 months (–87.4 mL; p = 0.09). PTFE patients had no further changes in sac volume. Maximal sac diameters reflected volumes, but only after day 5. PTFE patients had an immediate increase (p = 0.03) in aneurysm neck diameters, which then remained stable. Talent patients had continuing increases in diameter to 6 months (p < 0.05), with no change thereafter. Length changes were not significant in either group. PTFE patients had an increase in median aneurysm length at day 5 (+3.2 mm, p = 0.04) and again at 1.5 years (+6.4 mm, p = 0.03). Endograft length slowly increased (+18.7 mm) over 1.5 years (p = 0.02). Talent patients had no length changes in the device or aneurysm. Conclusions: Aneurysm morphology appeared to alter according to the type of endograft deployed. With PTFE endografts, aneurysm volume does not change, whereas impressive sac shrinkage occurs in conjunction with the Talent system. Aneurysm/graft lengths increase with unsupported stent-grafts. Neck diameter increases immediately with balloon-expandable endografts and then remains constant. In the self-expanding models, neck diameter increases at 6 months but not thereafter.
International and Refugee University Students in Canada: Trends, Barriers, and the Future

This conceptual paper draws on a diverse selection of primary and secondary sources highlighting recent trends in international and refugee university student enrollments, participation, and outcomes in Canadian universities. Several key issues emerged through the analysis. First, refugee students and children of refugees have amongst the lowest participation and graduation rates in Canadian universities, due largely to language and literacy barriers and their status as first-generation postsecondary students (i.e., students whose parents did not attend postsecondary education). Second, although almost 60% of domestic university students are now female, international and refugee student enrollments remain male dominated. These disparities indicate that broader structural and sociocultural issues that impact university participation for members of certain groups and communities remain factors in university participation and completion. Implications for policy and practice conclude the paper.