Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of miR-33b promotes endometriosis via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and ZEB1 expression

The present study aimed to investigate the role and mechanisms of microRNA (miR)-33b in endometriosis (Ems). Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), MTT assays, flow cytometry, caspase-3/9 activity assays and western blotting were performed in the present study. Initially, miR-33b expression in an Ems rat model was investigated by RT-qPCR and was demonstrated to be upregulated in Ems tissue samples of rats compared with the control group. In addition, miR-33b upregulation inhibited cell growth and enhanced apoptosis in an Ems model (primary cell cultures) compared with the control group. In addition, miR-33b up-regulation reduced Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and suppressed zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) protein expression in the in vitro Ems model (primary cell cultures) compared with the control group. Furthermore, small interfering-ZEB1 ameliorated the effects of miR-33b downregulation on Ems cell growth in the in vitro Ems model. Additionally, a Wnt agonist reduced the effects of miR-33b upregulation on Ems cell growth in the in vitro Ems model. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that upregulation of miR-33b may promote Ems through Wnt/β-catenin by ZEB1 expression.
Influence of subcortical auditory processing and cognitive measures on cocktail party listening in younger and older adults

Abstract Objective: The study aimed to investigate the influence of subcortical auditory processing and cognitive measures on cocktail party listening in younger and older adults with normal hearing sensitivity. Design: Tests administered included quick speech perception in noise test to assess cocktail party listening, speech auditory brainstem response to assess subcortical auditory processing and digit span, digit sequencing and spatial selective attention test to assess cognitive processing. Study sample: A total of 92 participants with normal hearing sensitivity participated in the study. They were divided into two groups: 52 young adults (20–40 years) and 40 older adults (60–80 years). Results: The older adults performed significantly poorer than, the younger adults on the quick speech perception in noise test and various cognitive measures. Further, cognitive measures correlated with speech perception in noise in younger and older adults. The results of this study also showed that there was a significant deterioration in brainstem encoding of speech with ageing. Further, it was also noted that the fundamental frequency of the speech auditory brainstem response correlated with speech perception in noise. Conclusions: It can be concluded from this study that subcortical auditory processing and cognitive measures play a role in cocktail party listening.
Influence of omalizumab therapy on airway remodeling assessed with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in severe allergic asthma patients.

INTRODUCTION Airway remodeling is an important factor in persistent obstruction in severe asthma. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is an effective method of detecting changes in airway structure. Our aim was to use HRCT to assess changes in airway remodeling in patients with severe allergic asthma who are treated with omalizumab. MATERIAL AND METHODS In 12 patients with severe allergic asthma, HRCT was performed before and after treatment with omalizumab. In selected bronchi airways, parameters were calculated: bronchial wall area (BA), also corrected for body surface area (BSA); percentage of wall area (WA%); and the ratio of luminal area to total bronchial area (Ai/Ao). Clinical response to treatment was assessed using an asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ), and number of exacerbations per year. Assessment included spirometry and blood eosinophilia. RESULTS Treatment resulted in significant improvement in ACQ (p = 0.035) and AQLQ (p = 0.001). We observed significant reduction in exacerbations per year (p = 0.002) and reduction of daily systemic steroid dose (p = 0.032). FEV₁ and peripheral blood eospinophilia did not change (p = 0.846 and p = 0.221). Airway dimensions (Ai/Ao) of particular bronchi were consistent with the mean of the parameters calculated for all bronchi measured. Although we observed a significant decrease in WA (p = 0.002) and WA/BSA (p = 0.002), WA% and Ai/Ao did not improve (p = 0.39 and p = 0.49). We found no correlations between changes in airways and changes in spirometry or clinical parameters. CONCLUSION Despite clinical effectiveness of omalizumab, its effect on airway remodeling may be limited.
Relative Impact of Right Ventricular Electromechanical Dyssynchrony Versus Pulmonary Regurgitation on Right Ventricular Dysfunction and Exercise Intolerance in Patients After Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

Background The relative impact of right ventricular (RV) electromechanical dyssynchrony versus pulmonary regurgitation (PR) on exercise capacity and RV function after tetralogy of Fallot repair is unknown. We aimed to delineate the relative effects of these factors on RV function and exercise capacity. Methods and Results We retrospectively analyzed 81 children with tetralogy of Fallot repair using multivariable regression. Predictor parameters were electrocardiographic QRS duration reflecting electromechanical dyssynchrony and PR severity by cardiac magnetic resonance. The outcome parameters were exercise capacity (percentage predicted peak oxygen consumption) and cardiac magnetic resonance ejection fraction (RV ejection fraction). To understand the relative effects of RV dyssynchrony versus PR on exercise capacity and RV function, virtual patient simulations were performed using a closed‐loop cardiovascular system model (CircAdapt), covering a wide spectrum of disease severity. Eighty‐one patients with tetralogy of Fallot repair (median [interquartile range {IQR}] age, 14.48 [11.55–15.91] years) were analyzed. All had prolonged QRS duration (median [IQR], 144 [123–152] ms), at least moderate PR (median [IQR], 40% [29%–48%]), reduced exercise capacity (median [IQR], 79% [68%–92%] predicted peak oxygen consumption), and reduced RV ejection fraction (median [IQR], 48% [44%–52%]). Longer QRS duration, more than PR, was associated with lower oxygen consumption and lower RV ejection fraction. In a multivariable regression analysis, oxygen consumption decreased with both increasing QRS duration and PR severity. CircAdapt modeling showed that RV dyssynchrony exerts a stronger limiting effect on exercise capacity and on RV ejection fraction than does PR, regardless of contractile function. Conclusions In both patient data and computer simulations, RV dyssynchrony, more than PR, appears to be associated with reduced exercise capacity and RV systolic dysfunction in patients after TOF repair.
Diverse Functions of Autophagy in Liver Physiology and Liver Diseases

Autophagy is a catabolic process by which eukaryotic cells eliminate cytosolic materials through vacuole-mediated sequestration and subsequent delivery to lysosomes for degradation, thus maintaining cellular homeostasis and the integrity of organelles. Autophagy has emerged as playing a critical role in the regulation of liver physiology and the balancing of liver metabolism. Conversely, numerous recent studies have indicated that autophagy may disease-dependently participate in the pathogenesis of liver diseases, such as liver hepatitis, steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the functions of autophagy in hepatic metabolism and the contribution of autophagy to the pathophysiology of liver-related diseases. Moreover, the impacts of autophagy modulation on the amelioration of the development and progression of liver diseases are also discussed.
In-hospital outcomes after emergency or prophylactic veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a comprehensive review of the literature

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) has been used to deal with life-threatening complications as well as back-up or active cardiovascular support during high-risk procedures in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). PubMed and MEDLINE electronic databases were searched in order to identify studies with emergency or prophylactic V-A ECMO application in association with TAVI procedures. From November 2012 to November 2017, 14 relevant studies were identified that included 5,115 TAVI patients of whom 102 (2%) required V-A ECMO (22 prophylactically, 66 as an emergency and 14 without a reported indication). The reason for emergency V-A ECMO institution was detailed in 64 patients: left ventricle free wall rupture (n = 14), haemodynamic instability (n = 12), ventricular arrhythmias (n = 7), aortic annulus rupture (n = 6), coronary obstruction (n = 6), low left ventricular output (ejection fraction <35%) (n = 5), uncontrollable bleeding (n = 5), severe aortic regurgitation (n = 4), prosthesis embolisation (n = 3), aortic dissection (n = 1) and respiratory failure (n = 1). Femoral arterial and vein cannulation was the most common access technique for V-A ECMO institution. Major bleeding (n = 7) and vascular access complications (n = 7) were reported after ECMO institution. The overall in-hospital survival was 73% (61% in the emergency vs. 100% in the prophylactic group). V-A ECMO support should be available at any centre performing TAVI and provides effective mechanical circulatory support in an emergency setting. We present an algorithm to aid decisions about prophylactic circulatory assistance with V-A ECMO and it should form part of the heart team discussion before a TAVI procedure is undertaken.
Clinically-useful serum biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of sarcoidosis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a complex systemic disease with a silent, long-term evolution, and a heterogeneous clinical presentation. The diagnostic approach is complex with no single diagnostic test that may confirm the disease. Areas covered: A large list of serum biomarkers has been tested during the last 40 years. In this review, we analyse the potential usefulness in the diagnosis and prognosis of sarcoidosis of serum biomarkers classified according to their corresponding cellular source. Expert commentary: Diagnosis of sarcoidosis must always be approached as a multistep process based on a case-by-case integration of clinical, radiological, histological and serological data, none of which being pathognomonic. We found sIL-2R, CRP, SAA and chitotriosidase to be the best markers to confirm sarcoidosis (highest sensitivity), while ACE, gammaglobulins and lysozyme may be more useful for discarding sarcoidosis (highest specificity), taking into account that with the use of a higher cut-off we can increase specificity and with a lower cut-off we can increase sensitivity. Other biomarkers (TNF-a and CCL18) could help to identify patients with an enhanced risk of developing pulmonary ﬁbrosis or progressive disease. The future scenario of the serological diagnostic approach of sarcoidosis will be the use of multi-assays including biomarkers from different cellular sources.
The Relationship Between Experiential Learning and Nursing Management Competency

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the relationship between experiential learning and nursing management competency among nurse managers (NMs) in the early years of a supervisory role. BACKGROUND The relevance of experiential learning to the development of NMs has been explored in an effort to harvest the knowledge embedded in shared NM practice narratives. However, the relationship between experiential learning and nursing management competency has not been empirically measured. METHODS The author developed an experiential learning-based program for NMs in the initial 3 years of a supervisory role. Sixty-three NMs were enrolled. The relationship between experiential learning and nursing management competency was evaluated using multiple regression analysis after completing this program. RESULTS The results of multiple regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between experiential learning and nursing management competency (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS A significant relationship was identified between experiential learning and nursing management competence.
Identification of Polycystic Kidney Disease 1 Like 1 Gene Variants in Children With Biliary Atresia Splenic Malformation Syndrome

Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common cause of end‐stage liver disease in children and the primary indication for pediatric liver transplantation, yet underlying etiologies remain unknown. Approximately 10% of infants affected by BA exhibit various laterality defects (heterotaxy) including splenic abnormalities and complex cardiac malformations—a distinctive subgroup commonly referred to as the biliary atresia splenic malformation (BASM) syndrome. We hypothesized that genetic factors linking laterality features with the etiopathogenesis of BA in BASM patients could be identified through whole‐exome sequencing (WES) of an affected cohort. DNA specimens from 67 BASM subjects, including 58 patient–parent trios, from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases–supported Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN) underwent WES. Candidate gene variants derived from a prespecified set of 2,016 genes associated with ciliary dysgenesis and/or dysfunction or cholestasis were prioritized according to pathogenicity, population frequency, and mode of inheritance. Five BASM subjects harbored rare and potentially deleterious biallelic variants in polycystic kidney disease 1 like 1 (PKD1L1), a gene associated with ciliary calcium signaling and embryonic laterality determination in fish, mice, and humans. Heterozygous PKD1L1 variants were found in 3 additional subjects. Immunohistochemical analysis of liver from the one BASM subject available revealed decreased PKD1L1 expression in bile duct epithelium when compared to normal livers and livers affected by other noncholestatic diseases. Conclusion: WES identified biallelic and heterozygous PKD1L1 variants of interest in 8 BASM subjects from the ChiLDReN data set; the dual roles for PKD1L1 in laterality determination and ciliary function suggest that PKD1L1 is a biologically plausible, cholangiocyte‐expressed candidate gene for the BASM syndrome.
Sickness absence among passenger car occupants following a Crash

Sickness absence is a common consequence of road traffic crashes, with high costs for the individual and society. Yet, scarcely studied, therefore, the aim was to describe sickness absence among injured car occupants. A population-based study using register data was conducted, including all car occupants of working age living in Sweden, who in 2010 had specialised in-or outpatient healthcare due to a car crash (n=9427). Individuals were categorised based on age, sex, and injury type. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for a new sickness absence spell >14 days were estimated. After excluding the 9% already on sickness absence or disability pension, 10% had a new sickness absence spell >14 days. Sex and crash type were not associated with new sickness absence, while old age and being born outside Europe were associated with higher odds ratios. Odds ratios varied with the type of injury and injured body region. The odds ratio for sickness absence was highest for injuries to the spine and spinal cord odds ratio: 8.64 (95% confidence interval 6.45-11.57). Traumatic brain injuries except concussion had an odds ratio of 6.99 (4.04-12.08) while concussions had an odds ratio of 2.66 (1.80-3.93).
The effects of minority stressors in the workplace on same-sex relationships: A collective case study of female couples

Abstract The purpose of this study is to explore the relational effects of minority stress processes experienced at work by female sexual minority employees. Lesbians, in particular, warrant attention in the work environment, as their experiences with homophobia may be exacerbated by sexist overtones. While scholars have linked hostility in the work environment to individual health and employment outcomes for LGBQ employees, less attention has been given to the cross-contextual effects from work to family life. This collective case study examines the experiences of three lesbian employees and their partners in various workplaces using minority stress border theory. Results show that, for these women, there are negative effects on their same-sex relationships; surprisingly though, several women also discussed positive changes in their relationship as a result of experiences with minority stress processes in the workplace. Implications for future research are discussed.
Pain and anxiety associated with Computer-Controlled Local Anaesthesia: systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-over studies.

AIM This review focuses on Computer-Controlled Local Anaesthesia Delivery systems (CCLAD), in comparison with conventional carpule anaesthesia in means of pain and anxiety. METHODS Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews were searched up to August 2018. Only cross-over split-mouth design studies aimed to clinically compare CCLAD with a conventional carpule anaesthesia are included. Data about pain and anxiety associated with anaesthesia were sought. The authors performed meta-analysis where appropriate. RESULTS A total of 20 studies are included in the systematic review (n = 973 subjects). Quantitative synthesis (conducted on VAS scores from 8 studies) shows that pain intensity is over 9 points lower in CCLAD than in conventional anaesthesia on a scale from 0 to 100 (95% confidence interval, ? 12.90 to ? 5,53; P<.001). The systematic review showed no differences between the two techniques according to the physiological parameters of pain (heart rate or blood pressure), and the data about anxiety are inconsistent. CONCLUSION CCLAD results in significantly slightly less pain perception with respect to conventional injection and is a promising device to help patients. The literature needs to be expanded, mostly regarding anxiety.
How synchronic gradience makes sense in the light of language change (and vice versa)

The present paper argues for a diachronic approach to synchronic gradience which is based on a mismatch between the syntax and the semantics of constructions. Another central claim made in this paper is that syntactic gradience is not confined to morphosyntactic overlap but may be constituted by semantic overlap (pace Aarts 2007). More precisely, it is argued that there is gradience between constructions with genitives (John’s father, a spare visitor’s chair) and noun+noun constructions (theatre ticket, Bush administration), which stems from their sharing certain semantic features, while their morphosyntax remains distinct. Based on a quantitative corpus analysis it is shown that the constructions gradually come to adopt semantic features of the other construction over time. This process is facilitated by the presence of various ‘bridging constructions’ in the history of English.
Expression, Cellular and Subcellular Localisation of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 Channels in the Rodent Hippocampus

The Kv4 family of voltage-gated K+ channels underlie the fast transient (A-type) outward K+ current. Although A-type currents are critical to determine somato-dendritic integration in central neurons, relatively little is known about the precise subcellular localisation of the underlying channels in hippocampal circuits. Using histoblot and immunoelectron microscopic techniques, we investigated the expression, regional distribution and subcellular localisation of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 in the adult brain, as well as the ontogeny of their expression during postnatal development. Histoblot demonstrated that Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 proteins were widely expressed in the brain, with mostly non-overlapping patterns. During development, levels of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 increased with age but showed marked region- and developmental stage-specific differences. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that labelling for Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 was differentially present in somato-dendritic domains of hippocampal principal cells and interneurons, including the synaptic specialisation. Quantitative analyses indicated that most immunoparticles for Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 were associated with the plasma membrane in dendritic spines and shafts, and that the two channels showed very similar distribution patterns in spines of principal cells and along the surface of granule cells. Our data shed new light on the subcellular localisation of Kv4 channels and provide evidence for their non-uniform distribution over the plasma membrane of hippocampal neurons.
Knowledge of nursing staff at a pediatric referral hospital regarding the assessment and management of pain in children

Background: Pain is a frequent reason for consultation. Poor vocational training is referred to as a critical component for proper treatment. The objective of this study was to describe the knowledge and practices of the nursing staff of the Pediatric Hospital, Pereira Rossell Hospital Center, regarding the assessment and approach of pain in children. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study, anonymous survey on 1/12/2016. All the nurses present that day were included. Variables: age, gender, years of work, educational level. For the association of variables, Chi square test was used; a value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The survey was answered by 89.3% of the personnel present; median age 39 years (20-63), women 81%; median of years as pediatric nurse 10 years (1 month-38 years); maximum degree of training: auxiliary (73%). Acceptable level of global knowledge (61%); no significant association was found between knowledge and age, gender, years of work and educational level. Infant pain assessment scales less reported: neonates, children 1 to 3 years and children with cognitive disorder. Other deficits of knowledge detected: interval morphine interdosis, interpreting distraction of the child as absence of pain and considering the perception of the experienced health personnel as the most appropriate tool to measure pain. conclusions: The surveys demonstrated acceptable knowledge about pain assessment and management. However, aspects to improve in the knowledge of scales of evaluation in special populations, lack of familiarity with the use of opioids and conceptions of subjective evaluation of pain were objectified.